What We Do
The purpose of Rotary is to do social and humanitarian good in our community and internationally. We use our knowledge of local issues to identify areas of need and then apply our expertise and diverse perspectives to the problem. RAH supports charitable and educational activities through funding and volunteerism. We area always open to learning about how we can support new service and social activities.
Below are some of the signature RAH volunteer opportunities, projects, fundraisers and social activities:
Greenhouse for Northside Elementary School
Financed and built a greenhouse at the school.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Build
Financed and built over 40 beds for local kids in need.
The Good Fight Van
Purchased a 15-passenger van for The Good Fight Community Center with the help of a Rotary D6250 Foundation matching grant.
Backpacks For Kids
In 2020, our club raised over $2200 to purchase and fill 156 backpacks with necessary school supplies for local kids in need.
Little Free Libraries – all year
The Club has taken on collecting items for Hamilton School's Little Free Pantry, to provide books, non-perishable food and household items to children who may be under served.
Hixon Forest trail work- spring/summer/fall
RAH is committed to maintaining the trails in Hixon Forest, both financially and through service. Our efforts include maintaining the trail system, removing invasive species and fixing up the butterfly garden.
Rotary Youth Leadership (RYLA) – May
The District RYLA camp seeks Rotarian volunteers as camp counselors to work with high school leaders
who attend each year.
The District RYLA camp seeks Rotarian volunteers as camp counselors to work with high school leaders
who attend each year.
Highway Clean-up – summer/fall
RAH volunteers clean up County Hwy O in Barre Mills multiple times throughout the Spring/Summer/Fall seasons.
iFeed – November
RAH volunteers help prepare and package 100,000+ meals for children in need and collect canned goods for our local food pantries.
Salvation Army Bell Ringing- November
RAH volunteers ring bells at various locations in La Crosse and Onalaska to raise money for the La Crosse Salvation Army.
Other service activities include:
-Memorial Day flag placement at Oak Grove Cemetery
-Mobile Meals delivery
-Riverfest fence setup
-Volunteering at the S'mores station at Rotary Lights
Hosting Rotary Youth Exchange students
Each year, we host a youth exchange student. Our former students have been from Taiwan, Italy, Poland and Austria. We also sponsor an outbound student to experience life for a year abroad.
Providing clean water filters to students in Valladolid, Mexico
RAHtarians have traveled to Valladolid several times to celebrate the instillation of water filters that allow thousands of school aged children to be able to drink clean water.
Creating a life-changing opportunity for Afghan girls, young women, their communities and generations to come by purchasing a bus for girls attending Razia Jan's Zabuli Education Center
Our club is a major sponsor of the "Wheels of Hope" project. During the past decade, Razia’s Ray of Hope Foundation (named for its founder Razia Jan) has created transformative change by educating more than 1,000 girls from kindergarten through college. Graduates have have gone on to become teachers, midwives and shop owners, equipping them to support their families and creating positive economic and social impact where they live and work. It all begins with getting girls to school safely. More than half of the students live more than five miles from school. They must travel through areas where others may harm them for attempting to gain an education. That's why Rotary Clubs in La Crosse, Wisconsin, have launched a campaign called “Wheels of Hope" to purchase a bus and a van that can safely take the girls to and from school.
Completed International Projects include:
-Building 3 classrooms in Uganda, Africa
-Funding early diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer in Nicaragua in partnership with Gundersen Global Partners
-Promoting English as a second language in Panama
Beer Tasting Event - March
Rotarians and friends gather to sample a wide range of beers hand selected by Paul LaCount. There is music, snacks, and fun, while raising money for Polio eradication.
Riverfest Fencing – July
Riverfest Fencing – July
Set up and take down of Riverfest fences. Proceeds from this activity go towards our efforts to help eradicate Polio in the world. #endpolionow
Mini Masters – September
A mini golf tournament extravaganza with local sponsors and raffle items at Riverside Amusements. Food,
t-shirts and fun for all! Proceeds from this activity go to support our Rotary Youth Exchange efforts.
A mini golf tournament extravaganza with local sponsors and raffle items at Riverside Amusements. Food,
t-shirts and fun for all! Proceeds from this activity go to support our Rotary Youth Exchange efforts.
Ugly Sweater 5K @ Rotary Lights – December
A race where runners wear their ugliest holiday attire to raise money to support our international service
A race where runners wear their ugliest holiday attire to raise money to support our international service
projects and local activities such as trail maintenance in Hixon Forest. Canned goods are also collected for local food pantries. This is RAH’s signature fundraising event and all club members are expected to participate. http://www.oneugly5k.com
District Conference – May
Each year District 6250 puts on an annual conference that all 62 Rotary Clubs in the District are invited to attend. Here Rotarians learn about best practices, projects and changes to area Rotary Clubs. All RAH members are encouraged to attend.
Each year District 6250 puts on an annual conference that all 62 Rotary Clubs in the District are invited to attend. Here Rotarians learn about best practices, projects and changes to area Rotary Clubs. All RAH members are encouraged to attend.
RAHck the Vote party - June
Annual elections occur to select new Board members in conjunction with the membership appreciation birthday celebration.
Moon Tunes picnic - Summer
Gather at Riverside Park and enjoy the sounds of Moon Tunes!
Avenues of Service – August
Annual all-area Rotary Club recognition dinner for exemplary service and outstanding dedication to ideals of Rotary; members are encouraged to join for recognition/socialization. A raffle is conducted with proceeds benefiting our local Rotary Works Foundation – a Foundation that supports the work of the nine local Rotary Clubs.
Annual all-area Rotary Club recognition dinner for exemplary service and outstanding dedication to ideals of Rotary; members are encouraged to join for recognition/socialization. A raffle is conducted with proceeds benefiting our local Rotary Works Foundation – a Foundation that supports the work of the nine local Rotary Clubs.
Friendsgiving - November
We gather our friends and family for some food and fun! This year we got into the Thanksgiving spirit and threw some axes at Driftless Axe!
Christmas party - December
We get into the holiday spirit with our club members and guests!
Mount La Crosse Ski night - Winter
Hit the slopes with fellow members and friends, or sit in the chalet and enjoy the view from a warm/cozy place!
Other social events have included:
-Trivia nights (in-person and virtual)
-Etiquette dinner- learning the skills needed for career networking, which often include lunches and dinners
-Cheering on the La Crosse Loggers Baseball Club
-Touring the Weber Center for the Performing Arts
-Alpaca & goat farm tour
-Escape Room
-Downtown La Crosse scavenger hunt