Building stronger communities,
one connection at a time.
The Rotary Club of Downers Grove unites community leaders for friendship, service, and impactful giving. We raise funds to support local nonprofits, empower future leaders with scholarships, and contribute to global initiatives. Through fellowship and action, we transform lives in Downers Grove and around the world.
$65K
Donations given to 45 non-profit organizations in Downers Grove
$75K
Scholarships awarded to 25 Downers Grove students
800+
Villagers in Malawi Africa have clean water from donations to drill new wells
Stories of Service
Diveheart, Jim Elliott
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Driving through town years ago, Kent Ebersold noticed a motor home parked on the street. In need of a headquarters for our club's Oktoberfest fundraiser, Kent approached the owner, Jim Elliott. Jim was more than willing to donate the motor home for the weekend fundraiser and as Jim learned about Rotary and its mission, he joined and has been a worldwide ambassador for Rotary ever since. In 1996, Jim left his career in the media industry to become a full-time volunteer and teach individuals with disabilities how to scuba dive. Five years later, he founded Diveheart, a volunteer-driven organization focused on building confidence and independence in disabled children, adults and veterans through scuba diving.
The people volunteering with the Downers Grove Rotary are some of the best I’ve ever met, and I’ve come to think of them not only as colleagues but as friends and family