banner
Stories
THIS WEEK'S MEETING
Overland Park Rotary
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 11:30 am
 
This Week's Speaker is Jade Van Slyke
Program Manager, HopeKids Kansas City
Jade Van Slyke is a passionate community builder and difference maker dedicated to creating hope-filled experiences for children and families in Kansas City. As the Program Manager at HopeKids Kansas City, she helps turn challenging moments into lasting memories for families who have a child with a life-threatening medical condition.

With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and event management, including roles with the American Lung Association, Love KC, and Heartland Community Church, Jade has devoted her career to strengthening relationships and building programs that bring people together for a greater purpose.

A proud Kansas Citian, Jade believes in engaging intentionally, serving compassionately, and making a meaningful difference in others' lives.

 
This Week's Greeters - Mike Little & Ed Gilmore
2026 CRAWFISH FESTIVAL

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Crawfish Festival and its long history of giving back to our local community. As Sponsorship Chair, I’m asking each club member to tap into your personal network and help us identify businesses or individuals who may be willing to support this year’s event as a sponsor.

Our beneficiary this year is CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties, a nonprofit that trains and supports volunteer advocates appointed by judges to speak up for abused and neglected children in the court system. CASA’s goal is to ensure each child’s best interests are heard so they can end up in a safe, permanent, and stable home.

Our most successful sponsorships come from personal connections. A warm introduction from you to a business owner or professional contact is far more effective than a cold call.

How you can help: Please identify three to five contacts—local business owners or individuals—and share the sponsorship opportunities with them.

Key details for outreach:

  • Cause: All proceeds benefit CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties
  • Event: May 2, 2026 | 6:00–10:00 p.m.
  • Location: St. Pius X Church

Thank you for helping make this 25th-anniversary Crawfish Festival our most successful one yet!

Mark Rauth
Crawfish Festival Sponsorship Chair

​​​​​​​

Ladies - Mark Your Calendars
Ladies' Social Hour
March 5th, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Laurie McCormack's Home
9915 Knox Dr, Overland Park
Please bring your favorite beverage or appetizer.
Check your email to RSVP.
Speakers
Feb 11, 2026 11:30 AM
Feb 18, 2026 7:15 AM
Feb 25, 2026
Mar 04, 2026 7:15 AM
Mar 11, 2026 11:30 AM
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Board of Directors Meeting
DoubleTree
Feb. 18, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
 
Ladies Social Hour
Laurie McCormack's Home
Mar. 05, 2026
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
 
View entire list

Birthdays
Brad Stratton, Feb. 13
 
Anniversaries
Jim & Cindy Courtney, 55 years
Feb. 13
Brad & Kim Stratton, 39 years
Feb. 14
 
Club Anniversaries
 
Amy Patton, 3 years, Feb. 8
Mary Kolpin, 2 years, Feb. 9
Libbey Tucker, 2 years, Feb. 9
Harold Frye, 16 years, Feb. 10
Jim Courtney, 23 years, Feb. 10
Andrew Holtgraves, 12 years,
Feb. 12
Allison Cox, 12 years, Feb. 13

Gathering for Good
A fundraiser for the Rotary Foundation
April 11, 2026
6:00 pm
DoubleTree of Lawrence
Silent Auction
Live Auction
Wine & Liquor Pull
Registration coming soon!
 
Sign Up for Texts!
Stay informed about meeting times, etc. 
Click here to sign up.