![]() Want to see the latest from our Rotary Club in real-time? Follow us on social media to stay updated on our service projects, upcoming events, and community impact. Facebook: facebook.com/RCOPSunrise We’d love to connect with you! Join the conversation, share our mission, and help spread the spirit of Service Above Self. |
![]() Commissioners paused to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001—a day that forever changed our Nation. Nearly 3,000 innocent lives were lost in the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil. At the September 9 BCC Meeting, we honored the victims, the bravery of first responders, and the resilience of all those affected—a lasting reminder of the unity and strength that emerged in its aftermath. A special thank you to our honored guests from local law enforcement, fire rescue, the Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise—including current Club President Steve Underwood and Immediate Past President Duane Mallicoat—Representative Sapp, and Congressman Bean’s office for joining us in this solemn tribute. We will never forget. |
![]() On September 5, more than forty Ridgeview High School Interact students joined the Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise to help prepare hero coins and cards for over 350 honorees, along with twenty-six sponsor packages. The effort was led by Paul Goodier and Interact Chair Joanna Lickliter-Spain, with support from Rotarians Duane Mallicoat and Jenielle Holderfield. Each student received a Flags for Heroes Coin and will soon get a community service letter. |
CLUB CONTINENTIAL
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![]() Part of being a Rotarian is knowing how to have fun! A big thank you to all our members who joined us this week for fellowship, and to Urban Bean Coffeehouse for hosting us! Stay up to date with us on Facebook and Instagram for future club social announcements! |
![]() The Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise is proud to announce that we’ve been honored with the Club Excellence Award for the 2024–2025 Rotary year! This recognition celebrates the hard work and dedication of our members in serving our community and supporting Rotary’s mission. The Club Excellence Award recognizes clubs that excel in:
How Orange Park Sunrise Achieved This Honor:Throughout the year, our club worked together to set clear goals, align on priorities, and follow through on initiatives that directly benefit our community. From supporting local projects and raising funds for The Rotary Foundation to increasing participation in service and fellowship events, every member played a part in this achievement. This achievement reflects our club’s commitment to “Service Above Self” and our efforts to create lasting change locally and globally. Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise and every member who made this possible! |
![]() Another wonderful Rotary Learning Institute is in the books! Congratulations to all the graduates of Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and the Graduate Class — your dedication to growing as Rotarians is truly inspiring. A special congratulations to our very own Barbara, who graduated Part 2, and Kim, who graduated Part 1! Both are showing their incredible commitment not only to our Rotary Club but also to Rotary on a larger scale. We’re proud to have you representing Orange Park Sunrise! Want to stay up to date on upcoming RLIs? Visit our district website: rotarydistrict6970.com |
![]() Rotary Leadership InstituteSaturday, August 23, 2025 Are you ready to deepen your Rotary journey? The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is right around the corner, and it’s your chance to learn, connect, and grow alongside Rotarians from across our district. Whether you’re brand new to Rotary or a seasoned member, RLI offers something for everyone. Some even say it’s more about learning than leading—because this program is designed to enrich every Rotarian’s understanding of our organization and its mission. At RLI, you’ll:
Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in yourself while strengthening the future of Rotary. Save the date: Saturday, August 23, 2025 Together, let’s keep building stronger clubs, lasting friendships, and a brighter tomorrow. |
![]() ![]() Ten members of the Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise joined clubs from across Rotary District 6970 at this year's Vibrant Club Workshop, centered on Rotary’s Action Plan: Impact, Reach, Engage, and Adapt. The room buzzed with collaboration and shared purpose, showcasing how clubs are uplifting communities and innovating for the future. Keep up with future district events by clicking here: District 6970 Website ![]() |
![]() Our Public Image Chair, Jenielle, was proud to accept our club’s Public Image Award for the 2024–2025 Rotary year. Thank you, Jenielle, for your hard work in all things Public Image—we know you’ll continue to do a fabulous job this year! And a big thank you to District PI Chair Kendrick Thomas for presenting the certificate. |
![]() United Way of Northeast Florida’s annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive was a success! A huge thank you to our incredible Rotarians—Lee Butler, Steve Underwood, Duane Mallicoat, Linda Reynolds, Kristie Hamilton, and Barbara Coleman—for showing up and turning compassion into action. This year's drive, held in partnership with First Coast News, collected school supplies for students and teachers across Duval and Clay counties. Whether you hosted a drive, dropped off supplies, volunteered, or donated online—your efforts made a real difference in the lives of local children and educators. While the official drop-off day was August 1, volunteers are still busy sorting and packing supplies through August 6. Thank you to everyone who joined the fun and helped make the start of the school year a little brighter for our community! |
![]() We are thrilled to announce the incredible success of this year’s Tennis 4 Cancer Tournament! Now in its 14th year, this event has become a cornerstone of community support and charitable giving—and 2025 was our biggest and most impactful tournament yet. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of our players, the enthusiastic support of the Eagle Harbor community, the hard work of our Rotary members, and the generosity of our sponsors, this year’s tournament achieved record-breaking milestones. We are proud to share that:
This success would not have been possible without the collective efforts of so many. Thank you to our players, sponsors, volunteers, and community members for making this tournament a shining example of what can be achieved when we come together for a cause. As James Ellisor, Tournament Chairperson, proudly shared, “This was our best year yet, and we’re excited to continue building on this momentum to make an even greater impact in the future.” The Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise is honored to host such an important event each year, uniting the power of sports, community, and service to fight cancer and bring hope to families. |
![]() Join fellow Rotarians next month for a fun and educational experience in Orange Park, Florida at our District's Vibrant Club Workshop! Saturday, August 2, 2025 7:30 am Registration Thrasher-Horne Center An engaging workshop to kickoff the Rotary year with inspiring presentations by Rotary leaders and interactive adult learning sessions covering innovative club models, membership engagement techniques, and fresh ideas for meaningful club projects and fun activities. Registration includes: $35 per person. Fee includes course materials, morning refreshments and a working lunch. |
We Did It! Our Club Wins EPIC Platinum Award
The EPIC Award—standing for Engage, Promote, Inspire, and Connect—recognizes clubs that go above and beyond in enhancing Rotary’s public image. For us, public image isn’t just about social media posts or event flyers. It’s about telling the powerful story of Rotary. It’s about showing our community who we are, what we do, and why it matters. When people see the impact of Rotary, they are more likely to engage, partner, and join our mission. We’re also proud to stand alongside several other clubs in District 6970 who have earned this recognition. This award is a meaningful reminder that our efforts—both big and small—are making a difference. It also challenges us to keep pushing forward, to keep telling Rotary’s story with authenticity, energy, and heart. We can’t wait to see what the new Rotary year brings. Let’s keep up the momentum and continue to show the world the beautiful work of Rotary. |
![]() THE GAVEL HAS BEEN PASSED! We are proud to welcome Steve Underwood as our new Club President for 2025–2026! At our annual induction ceremony, more than 70 members, guests, and district officers gathered in celebration as Mr. Underwood took the oath of office. The evening also honored outstanding individuals who exemplify the spirit of service and dedication: Club Rotarian of the Quarter: Goran Fredrikson Club Rotarian of the Year: Guy Lynch Service Above Self Awards: Jenielle Holderfield & Randy Bowman Special recognition was given to: Dale Moe – District 6970 DG Theresa Shuster – District 6970 Assistant to the DG Kim Richardson – Club Treasurer Gordon Reynolds – Club Goals Susan Hill – Club Administrative Assistant Steve Underwood – Incoming Club President Lynn Underwood & Sherry Mallicoat Congratulations to everyone, and here’s to a year of impactful leadership and continued service above self! |
![]() Our very own Glenn Warren was recognized as a new Major Donor Level 1 at the District 6970 Conference held June 6–7. Congratulations, Glenn—our club is incredibly proud of you! In Rotary, a Major Donor Level 1 is an individual or couple who has cumulatively contributed between $10,000 and $24,999 to The Rotary Foundation. This recognition is based on personal contributions, not recognition points. Major Donors at this level may receive a crystal recognition piece and a commemorative pin. Rotary would not be able to make a global impact or respond to the needs of vulnerable communities without the generosity of donors like Glenn. Thank you for putting "Service Above Self" into action. |
![]() The Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise is proud to recognize Albert Hon, a longtime and deeply committed member who currently serves as Club Director. As he celebrates 25 years of perfect attendance this month at our Installation Banquet, we reflect on his remarkable journey and the legacy of service he continues to build. Albert joined the Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise in the summer of 2000. Not long after his induction, he was asked to chair the club’s program speakers for the upcoming year. That early invitation to serve made a lasting impact. “I believe I remain a Rotarian 25 years later because I was put to work shortly after my induction,” Albert shared. “Since then, I’ve felt like part of the Rotary team.” His involvement quickly expanded. Over the years, Albert has held numerous leadership roles within the club, working his way from Sergeant at Arms to Treasurer, Secretary, President-Elect, and eventually President during the 2013–2014 Rotary year. His consistent leadership and support of club initiatives have made him a trusted and valued voice on the Board of Directors, where he has served for the past ten years under ten different club presidents. Albert’s steadfast commitment reflects his personal mission: to serve others, especially those less fortunate. “Service has always been a part of my life, and Rotary has opened that path,” he says. Please join us in celebrating Albert Hon—not only for 25 years of perfect attendance, but for 25 years of making a difference through Rotary. |
![]() Rotary is the world’s largest, most financially sound, and most powerful service and networking organization—active in more countries than any other organization in the world. But what does that really mean? It means that every minute of every day, Rotary is at work:
Rotary isn’t just a club—it’s a movement. One that brings people of action together to tackle the world’s toughest challenges, both locally and globally. Whether you’re interested in youth mentorship, disaster relief, education, or clean water initiatives, Rotary gives you the platform, the people, and the purpose. Perks of Membership:
This is Rotary. Are you ready to make a difference? |
![]() We’re excited to share the news that Duane Mallicoat, current President of the Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise, will step into a new leadership role as Area 3 Governor for Membership for District 6970 beginning July 1, 2025. Duane has been a dedicated Rotarian for six years, bringing enthusiasm and consistent leadership to everything he takes on. As President of the Orange Park Sunrise Club (serving through June 30, 2025), he has helped strengthen the club’s outreach, service, and impact in the local community. His upcoming role as Area Governor will see him supporting and guiding the membership efforts of six clubs within Area 3:
Duane’s Rotary journey is marked by commitment and recognition. He has twice been named Sunrise Club Rotarian of the Year for the 2020–2021 and 2023–2024 Rotary years—an honor reflecting his dedication to service and club growth. He has also contributed as the Club Program Chair, coordinating engaging guest speakers, and as a valued member of the District Grant Committee, helping to ensure the successful implementation of impactful service projects. Please join us in congratulating Duane on this well-deserved appointment. His leadership and passion for Rotary will continue to inspire others across Area 3 and beyond! |
![]() Join us as we commemorate the resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of those who have served—and continue to serve the community. This includes Service Members, First Responders, Health Care Workers, Pharmacy Staff, Grocery Store Employees, Teachers, Truck Drivers, and Delivery Personnel. To learn more, please visit: https://oprotarysunrise.com/flags-for-heroes.php If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our Public Image Chair, Jenielle, at [email protected]. |
![]() Throughout the month of May, the Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise is hosting a clothes and shoes drive in support of Miriam’s Basket, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping children in Clay County. Miriam’s Basket, founded in April 2011, provides clothing and shoes to children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or personal tragedy. Their mission closely aligns with Rotary’s ongoing commitment to serving vulnerable populations in our own community. Members and community friends are encouraged to participate! Be sure to grab a donation bag at our next meeting and help us fill it with new or gently used clothing and shoes for children of all ages. Check out the flyer for details on what items are most needed. Together, we can make a lasting impact—one donation at a time. Read more here: Miriam's Basket |
Supporting the Next Generation of Service: Interact in Clay County
The Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise is proud to support the youth of Clay County by sponsoring two Interact Clubs—at Ridgeview High School and St. Johns Classical Academy. These clubs are part of Rotary International’s youth service program and serve as a platform for students ages 12 to 18 to explore leadership, community service, and global citizenship. Although project themes vary by year, some examples of Interact service projects include:
These projects demonstrate how students are capable of making a real impact when given the tools and support to lead. Under the leadership of Paul Arnett Goodier, the club’s Youth Services Chair, the Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise continues to mentor and guide Interact members as they discover the power of Service Above Self. Through Interact, students learn that leadership starts with compassion—and that every act of service, big or small, can help build a better future. |
![]() Serving Up Hope: Tennis 4 Cancer Tournament a Smash Success! Our Rotary Club is proud to celebrate another inspiring Tennis 4 Cancer Tournament—a weekend filled with sunshine, sportsmanship, and service. Thank you to the incredible volunteers, generous sponsors, enthusiastic participants, and all those who came out to support the cause. Your energy and commitment made this event a memorable one! As longtime volunteer Connie Dale Wilson shared, “It’s as much fun to volunteer as it is to play. What a great group!” Her words perfectly capture the spirit of the tournament—where fun and philanthropy come together for a greater good. All proceeds from the event benefit local charities supporting cancer patients and survivors. While the final numbers are still being tallied, one thing is certain: every serve, swing, and smile made a difference. To learn more about the cause and the impact of Tennis 4 Cancer, visit tennis4cancer.org. Stay tuned—we’ll be sharing total fundraising results soon! |
![]() The 2025 Rotary International Convention is fast approaching, taking place from June 21–25 in Calgary, Canada. This global gathering offers Rotarians numerous opportunities to connect, learn, and share experiences with fellow members who share similar interests. One notable event is the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) Breakfast, scheduled for the morning of Wednesday, June 25, 2025. This breakfast is open to all Rotarians, especially those who have participated in RLI programs. It's an excellent occasion to network with peers and discuss leadership development within Rotary. RLI is a multi-district, grassroots leadership development program recommended by Rotary International. It aims to provide quality education in Rotary knowledge and leadership skills to Rotarians interested in enhancing their participation and to those identified by clubs as potential leaders. The skills acquired through RLI are beneficial both in Rotary service and personal endeavors. The registration fee for the RLI Breakfast is $50. To register, please visit the Rotary Leadership Institute website at https://rotaryleadershipinstitute.org/. You will be redirected to sign in with your DACdb account to complete the registration process. Savor a delicious breakfast while connecting with Rotarians from around the world! |
![]() Our President-Elect Steve Underwood and member Ann Tabor thoroughly enjoyed their weekend at the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI), hosted at Daytona State College’s Deland campus! Congratulations to both of you on this accomplishment—our club is proud of you both! |
![]() It's that time again for the annual District 6970 Conference! Kick off the weekend Friday evening with a delicious Low Country Boil patio while enjoying fellowship, fun, and family-friendly games with Rotarians from across the district! Start Saturday off with an eye-opening breakfast, be inspired all day by motivational speakers and impactful presentations, and join Northeast Florida Rotarians for a power lunch and leadership insights that will energize your Rotary journey. Then, cap it all off with our District Awards Dinner, and dance the night away with the big band music of Crescendo Amelia! Friday Night Kickoff Saturday Sessions • Join the Rotaract members in a beach cleanup Register here: District Conference - Rotary International District 6970 |
![]() Celebrating 25 Years of Service: Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise — People of Action On May 2, 2000, the Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise was officially chartered, proudly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Orange Park. This year, we celebrate 25 years of unwavering service, fellowship, and dedication to making our community and the world a better place. For a quarter of a century, our club has been a shining example of what it means to be People of Action—a global movement within Rotary that reflects the very spirit that drives us forward. Through impactful service projects, strong community partnerships, and professional networking opportunities, we've remained steadfast in our mission to serve others above self. While Rotary is a name many people recognize, not everyone understands the depth of our work or the heart behind it. That’s where the People of Action campaign comes in. It answers the essential question: "What is Rotary?" Rotary is made up of committed volunteers—neighbors, friends, and leaders—who channel their skills and expertise into meaningful projects that solve real problems. From feeding the hungry and supporting education, to improving access to clean water and promoting peace, we don’t just talk about making a difference—we take action. The Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise embodies this idea every day. Whether it's organizing local initiatives or supporting global efforts, our members consistently rise to the occasion. We come together not just to serve, but to inspire change, build relationships, and strengthen our communities. As we reflect on 25 years of service, we look ahead with excitement and renewed commitment. We remain united by the same guiding principle that has always connected us: We are People of Action. Thank you to all our members, past and present, and to the greater Orange Park community for being part of our journey. Here’s to the next 25 years of service, leadership, and impact. |
![]() Happy Easter from the Rotary Club of OP Sunrise! This Easter, let’s celebrate the joy of giving, the beauty of community, and the hope of renewal. Together, we continue to make a difference in the world, one act of kindness at a time. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday filled with love, laughter, and happiness! #RotaryInternational #HappyEaster #ServiceAboveSelf |
![]() Our Rotary Club is honored to have celebrated 25 years of service in Clay County, Florida, and beyond. The anniversary event was filled with delicious food, delightful cake, and, most importantly, the cherished company of fellow Rotarians and friends. It was a memorable evening that highlighted the impact we've made together over the past quarter-century. Club member Trudie Mitchell shared her sentiments:
As we reflect on our journey, we're filled with gratitude for the dedication and camaraderie that define our club. Here's to the next 25 years of service, fellowship, and making a difference in our community and the world. |
![]() Congratulations to Guy Lynch, our dedicated Membership Chair, on being named the Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise's "3rd Quarter Rotarian of the Quarter!"
His unwavering commitment and hard work have significantly enhanced our club's outreach and member engagement. Please join us in congratulating Guy on this well-deserved recognition! |
![]() Thank you to the team at Clay Today for publishing an article on the Rosani Lens Project and the collaborative efforts of Clay County's finest Rotary clubs: the Rotary Club of Fleming Island, Inc., the Rotary Club of Green Cove Springs, the Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise, and the Orange Park Rotary Club! Our Club President Duane, and member Lee represented our Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise! Thank you both for your service. We were able to provide the gift of sight to hundreds of Bahamians in such a short period of time. A special thank you to the Bahamian Rotary clubs involved as well. If you are interested in donating reading eyeglasses, sunglasses, and/or a financial donation, please email Randy Robb: [email protected]. |
![]() Our district's next Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is a great opportunity for all Rotarians to strengthen their clubs:
There are three ways for members to register:
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![]() Embark on an exhilarating journey of connection and inspiration at the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary! Engage in riveting discussions, learn from distinguished speakers, and explore enlightening breakout sessions against the backdrop of Calgary's picturesque beauty nestled amid the Canadian Rockies. Fueled by friendship and a spirit of collaboration, exchange best practices, ignite innovative projects, and form lifelong connections with fellow changemakers from around the world. Take part in this transformative, one-of-a-kind event and experience the Magic All Around at the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada 21-25 June 2025. |
![]() As we welcome 2025, we reflect on the incredible moments we've shared and the positive impact we've made together. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to our community. Here's to a year filled with new opportunities, growth, and continued service above self. Wishing you and your loved ones a prosperous and joyful New Year! |
![]() On Sunday, December 21, our Rotary family gathered for a wonderful evening of holiday cheer at the home of Dave and Mona Gardella. It was a night filled with laughter, great food, and plenty of festive spirits! From heartfelt conversations to raising a glass in celebration, the night was a perfect way to wrap up the year and reflect on all we’ve accomplished as a club. Thank you to everyone who joined us—we’re grateful for each and every one of you! Here’s to another year of Service Above Self and making a difference in 2025! #RotaryChristmasParty #Fellowship #ServiceAboveSelf #HolidayCelebration |
![]() Thank you to our Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise members for donating 250+ items to the SJCA Interact Club food drive at Saint Johns Classical Academy! Your generosity helped us surpass last year’s donation total. A total of 2,444 items were collected this year to support Clay County families facing food insecurity. The donated items were delivered to Good Samaritan Anglican Church in Middleburg for their November food giveaway on Sunday, 11/23. This month, over 144 Clay County families benefited from our donations. The church expressed deep gratitude for the incredible generosity of our club, as well as the SJCA students and staff. Thank you for making a difference in our community! #ServiceAboveSelf #RotaryCares #FightingHunger #CommunityImpact |
![]() We extend our warmest wishes as we celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving, emphasizing the importance of community and service. Join us in spreading joy and gratitude this holiday season! |