MANITOWOC – A small group of around 20 people is marking its impact from the past year.
Manitowoc Sunrise Rotary has donated more than $15,000 to local charitable organizations in the past 12 months, a recent community announcement shared.
The group’s total contributions to the Manitowoc community the past 35 years now reaches $335,000, the announcement added.
Local members work various projects. Money earned is then given to local organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club, Kan Cool for School and Lakeshore Foster Families & Friends. This year, more than $2,000 in gifts were also given to Hope House.
A look at some of the items donated by Manitowoc Sunrise Rotary to Hope House.
“We are committed to providing support for children education, safety and for community needs/improvements,” Peggy Kadow, Rotary president, said in the announcement. “That’s what we work for and where our profits go.”
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What does Manitowoc Sunrise Rotary do?
Manitowoc Sunrise Rotary “combines passion for children with passion for the history of the Manitowoc Lighthouse (free Fourth of July tours) and museums,” the announcement said.
The Manitowoc lighthouse as seen Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in Manitowoc, Wis.
Since 1993, Sunrise Rotary has collected and distributed more than $335,000 to organizations that help children in Manitowoc. Fundraisers like Wisconsin Sand Sculpting Festival and serving food at Metro Jam and Sputnikfest have supported multiple contributions.
Projects like Kan Cool for School, which collects items children need prior to the school year, and Read to Succeed, providing books all 4-K students in the public school system can take home, are among the recipients of Rotary members’ work.
Sunrise Rotary has shared thousands of dollars with the Boys & Girls Club, Lakeshore Foster Families & Friends, The Crossing, CASA, college scholarships, children’s programming at local museums, the Franciscan Center for Music Education and many others.
Two years ago, the club donated 10 backpacks filled with essentials to Manitowoc Police Department to be given to victims of human trafficking.
Other activities include a highway pickup, decorating Christmas trees and holding an annual Veterans Day Breakfast.
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When does Manitowoc Sunrise Rotary meet?
Manitowoc Sunrise Rotary meets at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesdays at Felician Village, 1635 S. 21st St., Manitowoc.
A speaker is generally featured talking on topics ranging from the wastewater treatment plant to the Manitowoc Symphony Orhestra.
Anyone interested is welcome to join.
How do you contact Manitowoc Sunrise Rotary?
People can contact the club at https://www.manitowocsunriserotary.org/, through its Facebook page or by attending a meeting.
Contact Brandon Reid at breid@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: What is Manitowoc Sunrise Rotary? How much does it give to charities?