Brookings Rotarians are committed to world service with local impact on community needs. They also enjoy each other’s company and the fellowship that thrives among fellow Rotarians. As a result, “Thirsty Thursday” gatherings have raised nearly $1,800 for 12 different community agencies in the past year.

At 5 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, Rotarians gather at a local establishment for refreshments and social time together, then “pass the hat” for a predetermined designated local cause. Recently, the club officially celebrated a cumulative contribution of $1,794 that has been raised for various organizations since July 2023.

“Thirsty Thursdays have become a wonderful way for us to support a number of local groups that provide help for our community. These events also give Rotarians a chance to get together informally and just have fun while patronizing some of our great local restaurants and bars,” said Rotarian Steve Sewell, who chaired the Service Project Committee this year and will serve as the Brookings Rotary Club president-elect beginning in July. “It is also a great way for guests to learn more about the work of Rotary while visiting with members of our club.”

This past year the organizations that received Thirsty Thursday funds were: Brookings Area United Way, Brookings County Youth Mentoring Program, Boys & Girls Club of Brookings, Brookings Backpack Program, Disabled American Veterans, Feeding Brookings, Brookings Food Pantry, Helpline Center, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Brookings Regional Humane Society, Harvest Table and Brookings Domestic Abuse Shelter.

Venues included The Pheasant, Craft Chophouse, Wooden Legs, Cubby’s, Ps & Qs, Skinner’s Pub, Edgebrook Clubhouse, Ray’s Corner, Mosaic Wine Bar, The Lanes, The Bank Saloon and Whiskey Creek.

Rotary meets regularly every Tuesday at noon at the Brookings Activity Center. Guests are welcome. For more information visit the website at www.brookingsrotary.org.