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Eagle Award for November

Kellie Craft

Kellie Craft is honored for her exceptional leadership, dedication, and exemplary performance as an Executive Administrative Specialist. She is widely regarded as a leader among her peers, routinely assisting and training new administrative staff on departmental procedures while setting the standard for professionalism, consistency, and excellence. Kellie possesses the ability to confidently and skillfully manage complex responsibilities, ensuring her area of operation runs smoothly and effectively under all circumstances. Her knowledge, reliability, and willingness to assist others have made her a trusted resource throughout the organization.

Cathleen Craft

Cathleen "Cat" Craft is recognized for her outstanding dedication and exceptional performance as the North District Crime Analyst. She consistently demonstrates exemplary skill in leveraging complex analytical tools, programs, and data to identify crime hot spots, emerging patterns, and trends throughout the North District. The critical insights Cat produces directly guide resource deployment, identify priority offenders driving criminal activity, and strengthen the district’s ability to respond proactively to community needs.

Making a Difference, One Conversation at a Time!

On October 24, the University of Denver Rotaract Club hosted an informational table on campus to raise awareness about global development challenges and the importance of international cooperation in finding solutions. Through conversations and community engagement, these young leaders helped shine a light on the power of working together to create a better world. A big thank you to the DU Rotaract members for taking action, inspiring others, and demonstrating Service Above Self!

What a Spectacular Fall Festival!

The Rangeview High School Interact Club hosted its annual Fall Festival on Friday night, and what an incredible evening it was! The turnout from both students and the community was absolutely amazing! It was wonderful to see so many people come together for an evening filled with fun, laughter, and community spirit. Even better, this annual event raises much-needed funds to support local charities and make a positive difference right here in our community. A HUGE shoutout to the Interact Club students and everyone who helped make this event such a success! Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving others truly represent what Rotary is all about — Service Above Self!

Books by Rotary

This week, members of the Rotary Club of Aurora came together to prepare book donation bags and deliver them to schools throughout Aurora. With more than 100 schools to reach, it took plenty of helping hands — and our members stepped up! It was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some Rotary fellowship while supporting one of our meaningful annual projects and helping get books into the hands of students throughout our community. A big thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and helped make this project possible! Want to see all the photos? Visit the Photo Albums section located in the right column of our website.

In Memory of Fellow Rotarian Jim Rogers

Fellow Rotarian James P. “Jim” Rogers passed away at his home in Parker, Colorado, on September 9, 2026, at the age of 96. Jim enjoyed a distinguished career as a geologist, beginning with a Master of Science degree from the University of Michigan and later working with Shell Oil Company, Cleary Petroleum, and as an independent consulting geologist. Throughout his life, Jim was deeply committed to service. His volunteer work included mentoring youth, teaching English to immigrants, supporting the Salvation Army, serving his community, and helping provide clean water systems to remote villages in Peru through Rotary International and Engineers Without Borders. Jim leaves a lasting legacy of professional achievement, service to others, and devotion to family. He will be laid to rest beside his wife, Barbara, in Coldwater, Michigan.

Rotary Club of Aurora Participates in the 2026 Alzheimer's Walk

The Rotary Club of Aurora was proud to take part in Denver’s 2026 Alzheimer’s Walk, joining hundreds of participants who came together to raise awareness and support the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Our Club was represented both on the walk route and at our booth, where members had the opportunity to connect with participants, share information about Rotary, and show our support for families and individuals impacted by Alzheimer’s. We are especially excited to share that our Club raised more than $5,000 in support of this important cause! Thank you to everyone who walked, volunteered, donated, stopped by our booth, or helped spread the word. Events like this are a wonderful reminder of what Rotary is all about—coming together, serving our community, and making a difference where it matters most. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s walk such a meaningful and successful event. Want to see all the photos from the event? Visit “Photo Albums” in the right-hand column of the website.

Memorial Tree in Memory of Maureen "Mo" Barker

On Wednesday, September 16, the Rotary Club of Aurora planted a tree at Red-Tailed Hawk Park in memory of Maureen “Mo” Barker. Mo was a valued member of our Club and formerly a member of the Denver LoDo Rotary Club. Members shared memories and reflected on the impact she made through her friendship, service, and commitment to Rotary.

The tree will serve as a lasting tribute to Mo and her legacy.

The Impact of a Great Story

Today our program speaker was Dr. Danny Brassell, who shared his engaging Wellcrafted Story presentation. Through humor, storytelling, and meaningful insights, Dr. Brassell reminded us of the power stories have to connect people, inspire action, and make a lasting impact. It was an entertaining and thought-provoking presentation enjoyed by all!

$156K Donated to Aurora Fire Department

Today was a GREAT day at our monthly Rotary Club meeting! It also marked the completion of a HUGE project years in the making! In partnership with the Smoky Hill Rotary Club, we raised more than $156,000 to help provide the City of Aurora Fire Department with its very first Fire Safety Trailer!

This trailer will be used throughout our community to provide hands-on fire safety education and help teach children and families what to do in an emergency.

It’s pretty incredible to see what can happen when Rotary Clubs, community partners, and supporters come together around one goal. Years of planning. More than $156K raised. One incredible resource for our community.

An Inspirational Visit from Kyle Speller

We had the pleasure of hearing from Kyle Speller, the PA announcer and iconic voice of the Denver Nuggets, who also serves as the team’s chaplain. Kyle shared an inspiring and uplifting message filled with encouragement, positivity, and wisdom. It was a wonderful opportunity to hear from someone whose voice is so familiar to Nuggets fans—and to learn more about the heart and purpose behind the voice.

Friends of St. Andrew Soup Kitchen

Our program speaker was Deacon Bob Uphoff from Friends of St. Andrew Soup Kitchen, located near Colfax & Dallas. Deacon Bob shared more about the important work being done to serve individuals and families in our community, as well as the ongoing need for compassion, generosity, and community support.

Aurora Rotary Celebrates New Salvation Army Leadership

This week, Club President Kelly Goebel and several Aurora Rotary Club members attended the welcome and swearing-in ceremony for the new Salvation Army Aurora leadership.

Captains Carl and Melissa Esquivel, who are also Aurora Rotary Club members, have been promoted and transferred to lead the nearby Centennial Corps. While they will certainly be missed in Aurora, this is a wonderful opportunity for them, and we wish them continued success in their new role.

Lieutenants Cesar and Orippa Rodriguez have been assigned to lead the Aurora Corps, and we look forward to working alongside them to continue serving and meeting the needs of the Aurora community.

The Salvation Army has long been a valued partner of the City of Aurora, and the Aurora Rotary Club is proud to support their mission of helping others in need. One meaningful example of this partnership is the annual holiday Bell Ringing project, which continues to be a highlight of the season.

Club President Kelly Goebel was among several invited guests who offered welcoming remarks, along with Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, Arapahoe County Commissioner Leslie Summey, Aurora Rotary Club members and Salvation Army Advisory Council leaders Phil Gibson and David Belue, and Salvation Army Major Nesan Kistan. Patti and Kirk Bateman were also in attendance.

Here’s to the future, continued partnership, and making a positive difference wherever we can.

Ronald McDonald House - Chef Led Experience

A few Rotary Club members and guests had the privilege of joining Ronald McDonald House for a Chef-Led Experience. Together, we prepped, cooked, served, and cleaned up a meal for families making the House their home while their children receive care at Children’s Hospital. It was a meaningful opportunity to serve, connect, and support families during a challenging time.

1st Annual Rotary Family Picnic and Installation Ceremony

It was a fabulous day for the Club’s annual picnic and officer installation! Members gathered for great food, terrific fellowship, and plenty of laughter as we celebrated another wonderful year of service.

A special highlight of the day was President Ryan officially passing the gavel to President Kelly. We are grateful for Ryan’s leadership and excited for the year ahead under Kelly’s guidance.

Here’s to another inspiring Rotary year of friendship, service, and making a positive difference wherever we are!

To see all the photos please see Photo Albums on this page.