November 4, 2026
The Rotary Foundation is the non-profit arm of Rotary International, created in 1917 to support humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs that foster world understanding and peace. It is funded by volunteer contributions from Rotarians and others. The Foundation funds projects through grants, with major initiatives including the fight to end polio. Its motto is “Doing Good in the World."
Our Rotary program tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 5) will focus on the domestic sex trafficking of minors, both at the state level and more broadly across the southern United States. This is an issue many do not expect to find in our own backyard, but sadly, it is not an uncommon problem.
We are pleased to welcome Hannah M. Palmquist as our speaker. In 2019, Attorney General Chris Carr appointed Hannah to establish the state's human trafficking prosecution unit. Prior to that appointment, she developed a specialty in prosecuting cases that are notoriously difficult to prosecute, particularly special victims cases. She stood up the human trafficking unit and has recently moved into a new role within the Attorney General's office.
Here is more information about Hannah and the human trafficking unit:
Thomasville will host a GRSP student lunch on Friday, Nov. 6 as part of the 61st Annual Larry Frosteg Pelham International Student Weekend at the Pebble Hill Learning Center.
Talk to Debbie Goodman if you would like to participate and have not signed up yet.
The board will meet Monday, Nov. 9 at 5:15 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce. All directors and/or their deputies should attend and send reports to their fellow board members at least a day in advance for review.
Members are welcome to attend. In fact, all red-ribbon members are required to attend at least one board meeting during their time as a red-ribbon member.
Our third annual online auction begins next week and we need your help to make it our best auction yet. Once the auction is live, please bid on items and share various items up for bid with your social media networks!
The auction benefits the Big Impact Project, supporting fresh produce markets — which distributed 70,000 pounds of food last year, provides vegetable grow bags at two markets each year, and more.
Items available on auction will include:
Other ways you can help: If you would like to help underwrite the costs of the auction and our closing holiday party, please connect with Marta Jones-Turner or auction team members Marcy Sizemore, Gretchen Bickel, Mary Beth Donalson, Laura Pike, Kellie Merck, James Bue, Arthur Wigfall or David Sofferin. Underwriters will be featured on the auction website and on social media posts.
Additionally, if you have anything to add to the auction, this is your last opportunity to have it included. Contact a member of the auction committee ASAP.
The auction will end on Thursday, Dec. 3 at our annual holiday party. RSVP for the event here.
On Thursday, Nov. 12, we'll host our annual Thanksgiving meeting at Vashti. Since our club's founding in 1921, we've supported Vashti in various ways, including this traditional Thanksgiving meeting. Members who choose to do so often make a contribution to the center for the children who benefit from the mission and services of Vashti.
Please join us to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal, an update from Vashti executive director Suzanne Litherland, a Wildlife Arts Festival update, and the induction of two new members to our club.
November's Wine or Whine will be Thursday, Nov. 19 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at President Joe Tarver's home. Please RSVP by logging into thomasvillerotary.org or text Sally Bowman at 229.220.8123.
We look forward to gathering together and enjoying a relaxed evening with friends.
Repeat upset weekend for some teams! Everyone picked Ohio State to win! And they did not. The Baylor vs UCF had most people picking the loser, UCF!!
On a brighter note, both Thomasville High and Thomas County Central are region champs!! Proud of our local high school teams.
We had 2 new weekly winners. Stay tuned for Thursday’s announcement! Don't forget, weekly winners take home $20 in downtown dollars!
The Touchdown Divas did it again!!! Keep up the great work ladies!!
Turn in your sheets to Janet by 6 p.m. Thursday. She'll have copies at the back table at tomorrow's meeting.
You are cordially invited to attend the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2027, at Southern Regional Technical College.
RLI offers a valuable, ongoing learning experience for both new and seasoned Rotarians, providing opportunities to strengthen leadership skills, deepen your understanding of Rotary, and connect with fellow members.
Arthur Wigfall
Membership Director
Calendar is subject to changes. View the full Rotary calendar anytime and:
Attend a club meeting via Zoom. Meeting ID: 867 7770 1621