Under President Mary Horn’s dynamic leadership, the Lakewood Rotary Club made significant contributions to the community during the 2023-2024 Rotary year. With a strong focus on service and community engagement, the club raised an impressive $170,000 to fund a variety of initiatives that have directly impacted the lives of Lakewood residents.
One of the club’s most notable achievements this year is the donation of $50,000 to the H-Barn Project at Fort Steilacoom Park. This contribution has been instrumental in the preservation and enhancement of this historic site, ensuring that it remains a cherished part of the community for generations to come.
In collaboration with the City of Lakewood, the Lakewood Rotary Club has also underwritten the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a program that provides free books to children from birth to age five. This initiative fosters early literacy and a love of reading, laying a strong foundation for the educational success of Lakewood’s youngest residents.
Demonstrating a commitment to addressing food insecurity, the club has cared for and stocked 10 Little Free Pantries throughout the community. These pantries, filled with non-perishable items and hygiene products, provide essential resources to those in need, reinforcing the club’s dedication to uplifting the most vulnerable members of society.
In addition to these major projects, the Lakewood Rotary Club has awarded over $32,000 in grants to support a wide range of community concerns. Beneficiaries include:
- LASA (Living Access Support Alliance)
- STEP (Support the Enlisted Project)
- Communities in Schools
- Steilacoom Fireworks
- Chi-Chack Community Language Center
- Lakewood Multi-Cultural Coalition
- Mary Bridge Toys for Kids
- Loaves & Fishes Holiday Baskets
- Build a Bike
- Springbrook Holiday Gifts
- Clare’s Closet
- Grave Concerns
These grants have provided critical funding for programs and services that address diverse needs within the community, from supporting education and cultural initiatives to ensuring that every family can enjoy holiday celebrations with dignity.
“Under Mary Horn’s leadership, the Lakewood Rotary Club and its Fundraising Committee has not only reached new heights in fundraising but has also deepened its impact on the community through thoughtful, targeted initiatives,” said Connie Coleman-Lacadie, Member of the Board of Directors and Fundraising Co-chair. “We are proud of the work we’ve accomplished this year and are committed to continuing our legacy of service above self.”
The Lakewood Rotary Club looks forward to building on the successes of 2023-2024 and continuing to serve the community with passion and purpose with new President Carl Bronkema at the helm for 2024-2025.
The Lakewood Rotary Club is a dynamic organization boasting nearly sixty years of service and fellowship in the community and with humanitarian efforts around the world. To find out more, to visit, and to join, please visit lakewoodrotary.com.
President Mary Horn,
My historical relationship with Rotary can easily be described as peripheral dating back numerous decades to circa 1961.
President Horn, we do not know each other and have never met, but I feel compelled to celebrate another fact you support and demonstrate so clearly.
Once upon a time, Rotary Club membership was for men only. The only way women could get close to participating with their Rotary husbands was through a separate organization known as Rotary Ann’s.
Along came women’s equality. This created a new environment where women were invited to join the Rotary Club as full members.
Not only did you join, you became the Rotary President. Not only did you become Rotary President, you helped your Rotary Club break records related to Rotary’s contribution to the Lakewood community.
Nicely done President Horn. You are a credit to women’s equality and to the men and women who make up the Lakewood Rotary Club. I am certain the Lakewood Community is very proud of you and the Lakewood Rotary Club.
Joseph Boyle – Puyallup Rotary Scholarship Recipient
Ben, Great article…Thanks
PS I’ll buy you lunch anytime you want to come to a meeting!
Mary Horn has continued the tradition of excellent Lakewood Rotary presidents leading this organization to be a key pillar supporting Lakewood. Her advocacy for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library will be a lasting legacy in Lakewood as it inspires so many young readers.
Thank you President Horn, and all the dedicated Rotarians.
Lakewood is a better place because of your dedication and commitment to our community.
Thank you, Mary, for your leadership as board president, also to the fundraising committee for your work, as well as the entire membership of Lakewood Rotary for your service to community. Your commitment and generous support of the H-barn restoration project at Fort Steilacoom Park will preserve and help make possible a unique multi-purpose space for public and private recreational use for generations to come. Partners for Parks is most grateful for your ‘partnership’ which in turn is helping to anchor in the community this innovative public-private partnership with the City of Lakewood – thanks a bunch!!!
I certainly appreciate all the kudos, however, my year as president was a team effort. I had amazing leaders who made my job easy. I want to thank specifically Greg Rediske, John Lowney, Barlow Buescher, Linda Disney, Connie Coleman-Lacadie, Carl Bronkema, Jason Whalen, Tom George, James Osundwa, and Bob Martin. I’ve never been involved in an organization that does so much good in the community and world while having fun. If you want to be around people who are positive role models, come visit us on Friday at noon at the Tacoma Country & Golf Club. Our Rotary Club of Lakewood is truly special.