Serving Our Community: Downtown Rotarians Volunteer at The Banquet

Rotary is a network of neighbors, friends, and leaders coming together to share responsibility for making our community a better place. With service being central to our mission, we take great pride when we can come together to volunteer and give back to our community. On Thursday, October 12, Downtown Sioux Falls Rotarians visited The Banquet to do just that.

Sixteen Rotarians prepared and served breakfast to 197 guests of The Banquet, a Sioux Falls volunteer-based meal ministry serving breakfast and dinner Monday through Friday, as well as lunch on Saturdays to those in need. The effort was also made possible by President-Elect Kurt Loudenback and Grand Prairie Foods who donated the food.

"Service Above Self is the Rotary motto, and we put that motto into action when we step up for others in the community," says Downtown Rotarian and Chair of the Engagement Opportunities committee, Jennifer Hoesing. "We have an opportunity to see first-hand what is needed in the community and to fill gaps that exist when we volunteer. That builds goodwill, to be sure!"

Brian Majerus serves as the Community Partnership Coordinator at The Banquet, which relies heavily on volunteer efforts and contributions.

"When volunteering at The Banquet, you are a volunteer and guest," shares Majerus. "In giving, you receive. Also, the donation of labor hours makes it financially possible to prepare and serve a meal.”

If you are interested in serving with fellow Rotarians, new opportunities are scheduled regularly.

"Look for the Sign Up Genius link in the weekly Rotary email, or flyers with QR codes during Monday meetings," says Hoesing. "Our Engagement Committee continues to make opportunities available, service projects have been successful on a quarterly rhythm. In addition to our service opportunities, the committee schedules other events that give us opportunities to connect with Rotarians outside of our Monday meetings, or give us a behind-the-scenes look at things happening in the community."

The next service project will be on November 15 at Feeding South Dakota from 1-4 pm. Keep an eye out on the Events page for communication on how to RSVP.

To learn more about Engagement Opportunities or to inquire about a possible service opportunity, please contact us.