About Our Club

The Rotary Club of Peekskill — Serving Our Community Since 1919

People of Action

The members of the Peekskill Rotary Club and its foundation are committed to helping meet the charitable and humanitarian needs of Peekskill, Cortlandt and internationally.  The club’s 85 men and women believe in our community and dedicate countless hours and energy to make it a better place for all of us.  Founded in 1919, the club is part of Rotary International, a global network of 1.4 million Rotarians united in taking action to create lasting change.

Rotarians worldwide share a motto of Service Above Self and are guided in their daily activities by principles of:

• Truthfulness
• Fairness
• Building good will and better friendships.
• Insuring beneficial results for all in their activities.

Rotary International is the world’s most respected and effective service organization.

Our club offers opportunities for our members – and for those interested in making a difference – to get involved.  In addition to service, members are able to regularly network, resulting in life-long friendships and business connections.

Taking Action

The primary sources of funding for Rotary grants are the club’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival, its Fall Festival and partnership with the Hope For Youth Foundation’s Jim Witt Golf Outing.

The club’s most significant contribution to our community in recent years was the planting of 100 cherry blossom trees along the walkway at the Peekskill waterfront. The trees celebrate Peekskill Rotary Club’s 100th anniversary in 2019 and will offer lasting beauty for the residents and businesses of Peekskill and Cortlandt.

In years past the club created the Rotary Knoll in Depew Park; built the Rotary Walk at the Hudson Valley Hospital Center and the Healing Garden at the VA campus in Montrose.

During the past year members have:

• Awarded $20,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors from Peekskill, Hendrick Hudson and Walter Panas High Schools.
• Placed flags at the graves of veterans and hosted a veteran’s recognition luncheon and big band concert during Veterans Appreciation Day.
• Trotted in the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot.
• Ran in the Reindeer Run.
• Marched in the Juneteenth, July 4th and St. Patrick’s Day Parades.
• Walked in the BluePath Service Dog Walkathon and Alzheimer’s Walk.
• Donated 50 pints of blood to the Red Cross.
• Distributed thousands of books at no cost to children via its Literacy Lovers Program.
• Donated hats, gloves, scarfs to Peekskill seniors.
• Gave out 4,000 LED bulbs free to local residents.

Making a Difference

The Peekskill Rotary Club Foundation, Inc. annually presents grants, scholarships and awards to some 70 organizations and individuals in Peekskill, Cortlandt and internationally. Contributions made by the foundation during Rotary year 2022-2023 are listed under “Foundation” on the home page.

The Peekskill Rotary Club Foundation, Inc. is the non-profit, philanthropic arm of the Rotary Club of Peekskill and operates as a separate 501(c) (3) tax-exempt entity.  It accepts donations for its charitable activities from those who share its objectives.  Learn more about supporting the foundation under the “Donate” link on the home page.

Peekskill Rotary Club's Public Events

Spring

• Cherry Blossom Festival fund raiser, Riverfront Green Park.
• Peekskill Rotary and Hope For Youth Foundation joint Golf Outing fund raiser.
• Scholarships & Awards for Academic, Fellowship and Athletic Achievement presented to graduating high school seniors at Rotary Luncheons.

Summer

• John Mattis Fellowship Golf Outing.

Fall

• Fall Festival fund raiser, Riverfront Green Park.

Get Involved

Becoming a Peekskill Rotarian connects you with a diverse group of business leaders, professionals and like-minded people who share a desire to give back. Through regular meetings and events we:

• Discuss our community’s needs and develop creative ways to meet them.
• Implement action plans and programs that meet those needs.
• Join with Rotarians worldwide to promote peace, fight diseases, provide clean water, support education, grow local economies, protect the environment and other initiatives that are changing the world.
• Expand our leadership and professional skills.
• Catch up with good friends and meet new ones who share Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.”
• Join a group that is more than a club….we are a family.

If you share our commitment to this community and would like to be considered for membership, please contact any club member or complete the “Contact Us” application on this website. 

Learn more about the club and its activities on Facebook at Rotary Club of Peekskill.