October highlight by Erin Bailey - Youth Exchange Chair
The Kutztown Rotary Club recently completed a pair of festive, community-centered events that brought out the spirit of Halloween and Thanksgiving! Trick or Treat on Main Street on October 23 and a Thanksgiving meal service event on October 30.
First up was the return of the Trick or Treat night on Main Street, hosted by the Kutztown Optimist Club on October 23. This was the first time since 2019 that the beloved event—formerly known as “Merchant Night”—made its comeback, and it did not disappoint! With over 75 merchants, clubs, and organizations handing out candy, Main Street was bustling with hundreds of costumed kids, spooky characters, and parents joining in the fun. The Kutztown Rotary Club members came prepared, thanks to a hearty potluck organized by Holly at the Hildenbrand Funeral Home parking lot. Energized by the delicious food and fun company, club members cheerfully handed out candy and joined in the Halloween spirit. Creative and spooky costumes filled the street, and laughter echoed along Main Street as neighbors reconnected for a night full of community fun.
The Halloween celebrations continued a week later on October 30, when Rotary Club members gathered to pack Thanksgiving meal boxes for families in need. The boxes were later brough to Friend, Inc. Community Services. The club filled 12 boxes with all the Thanksgiving essentials—stuffing mix, sweet potatoes, green beans, and more. Leftover candy from Trick or Treat night also made its way into the boxes, adding a sweet suprise to each holiday meal. It was a wonderful opportunity for Rotary members to give back and spread joy ahead of Thanksgiving.
For over 50 years, Friend, Inc. has been a vital support system for families in our area. The organization provides food support through a self-select food and pet pantry, a Kutztown University Student Pantry, an Alburtis Mobile Market, and emergency food delivery. Friend, Inc. also offers utility and housing assistance, medical support, budget counseling, career education, and collaborates with other service providers to meet community needs.
The Kutztown Rotary Club is proud to support their ongoing work to address food insecurity and help families in our community achieve self-sufficiency. The spirit of service and community shines bright in Kutztown, especially during this season of gratitude and giving. Thanks to everyone who participated and supported these events—here’s to many more wonderful gatherings to come!
November highlight by Florita Hobaugh – Foundation President
The Kutztown Rotary Charitable Foundation and the Rotary Club of Kutztown celebrated their Night of Giving at the Kutztown Tavern on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, by donating $16,760 to local charities and non-profits.
Acting Club President Kurt Rohrbach opened the meeting with a warm welcome to all the grant recipients, followed by an overview of the club’s major fundraiser, the Taste of Kutztown, which is held each year on the 2nd Saturday in June at the Kutztown Community Park. The festival features Pennsylvania wine and spirits makers, craft beer, and local food and hand-made craft vendors. Proceeds from TOK make the club’s Night of Giving possible.
Grant recipients for 2024 include the Kutztown Historical Society, Kutztown Community Choir, Brandywine Heights Community Education Foundation, Brandywine Community Library, Topton Fire Company, Kutztown Strong, Kutztown Public Library, Kutztown Fire Company, Lyons Fire Company, Friend, Inc., IHartHarvest, Inc., Topton Historical Mini Museum, Brandywine Heights PTC, Kutztown Area School District Odyssey of the Mind, Topton Senior Citizens, Keystone Family Alliance, Topton Ambulance and Belleau Wood Leathernecks, Inc.
After dinner each grantee’s representative received their grant and gave a description of their organization and the impact they have in our community.
Please enjoy a visual review of the fantastic 2024 we had for the Kutztown Rotary Club. Please visit our website to learn more about our good work and the fun we have doing it. Or join us for a meeting - we meet most Wednesdays at the Kutztown Tavern at 6:30 in the Club Room.
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