Ongoing & Past Projects
The Community & Youth Committee
Lynnwood Rotary’s mission is to enhance Youth and Education in South Snohomish Counties, through our projects and providing support to local organizations aligned with our values. We work to improve the lives in our immediate community and to serve the public interest through club sponsored projects and activities. Community Service is an opportunity for every Rotarian to exemplify "Service Above Self."
Challenge Race 2024
– Applications Are Closed –
This terrific event allows participants with disabilities to experience the fun of a soapbox derby race, and each child will enjoy the thrill of victory!
For the race, two children climb into the seat of a sleek soapbox derby-style car. With the slam of the starting gate, the car’s wheels begin to turn. As gravity kicks in, the two-seater dashes along with the non-disabled child at the wheel and the co-driver with the disability at their side. Both driver and co-driver are an integral part of the team, and the ride is fun for everyone!
The Lynnwood Rotary is partnering with the City of Lynnwood, Community Transit, Edmonds School District and LEO, Life Enrichment Options. LEO is a nonprofit that advocates for and works to support individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their goals through supportive housing, recreation, employment opportunities and community education. LEO is donating the soap box derby cars for Rotary’s use.
Join in the fun as one of our event sponsors, community spectator, driver, co-driver or volunteer. Help bring a smile, a terrific sense of pride and accomplishment to a child from our community!
1,000 Pairs of Shoes for Kids
One in five children lives in poverty in the United States. That's a reality right here in the United States; and, shoes are one of the most visible signs of poverty. The simple gift of new athletic shoes can be a new lease on life for a child in need
Childhood is supposed to be a magical, carefree time. But kids can suffer excruciating stigma, bullying, and ridicule…all for lack of decent shoes. However, YOU can make a difference for a child in need. When our kids get their new athletic shoes, this is what the schools in the U.S. tell us about the impact of our programs:
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- 87% report increased self-esteem
- 70% report increased physical activity
- 56% report improved behavior
- 40% report improved attendance
A pair of new shoes tackles one of the most visible signs of poverty by giving kids in need new athletic shoes to attend school with dignity and joy.
Together, we can make a difference to kids in need; and, we can alleviate this burden and change a life one pair of shoes at a time.
Each year the Rotary Club of Lynnwood hosts the 1,000 Pairs of Shoes For Kids drive and partners with other area Rotary Clubs to provide these shoes and with the local non-profit Clothes For Kids organization to distribute those shoes to kids in need. Watch for updates on the dates for this yearly shoe drive.
Lynnwood Rotary Scholarships
$45,000
Martha Lake Community Club Scholarships in 2024
Martha Lake Community Club Scholarship Fund
We are grateful for a generous donation given by the Martha Lake Community Club in 2010. Because of this gift, the Lynnwood Rotary Community Foundation (LRCF) is able to provide over $45,000 each year in funding for post-secondary scholarships and early education grants to the Edmonds School District area. Open scholarship applications are publicized once a year to the students in the Edmonds School District, in partnership with the Foundation for Edmonds School District's Scholarship Alliance.
$5,000
Bernie Sigler Memorial Scholarship in 2024
Bernie Sigler Memorial Scholarship
Our club typically recognizes one member annually for exceptional service with the "Rotarian of the Year" award, but if there was a prize for the "Rotarian of the Half Century," Bernie would undoubtedly earn it.
Bernie excelled in accounting and real estate, and served as the 26th President of Lynnwood Rotary. He was a driving force in establishing the Lynnwood Rotary Community Foundation. He was a dedicated participant in various community service projects.
Bernie was an integral part of Lynnwood Rotary's sponsorship of the Washington State Air Fair at Paine Field for 25 successful years. At its peak, it was the third largest air show in the nation.
He and Past President Dave Thomson were the main initiators of the Lynnwood Rotary Apartments project, now known as Garden Senior Village Apartments, which aimed to provide affordable housing for low-income elderly citizens. The project took five years from conception to completion, with the ribbon-cutting ceremony in 1997.
Bernie also played a significant role in the Lynnwood Rotary House Project, a partnership with the Edmonds School District. Since 1975, the program has been building a new house each year to provide hands-on learning opportunities in construction trades for students.
Bernie was a visionary, bringing innovative projects to life, and also a patriotic U.S. Army Reserve officer. His impact even reached into the Iron Curtain, as he was a key player in the formation of the first Rotary Club in Ukraine during the Cold War.
$283,000
was awarded by the Scholarship Alliance in 2024
Founded in 2014, the Foundation for Edmonds School District's Scholarship Alliance is a joint effort of over 30 scholarship funds in our school district, including the Hazel Miller Foundation Scholarships, the Edmonds School District's Scholar-Athlete Scholarships, Mountlake Terrace Endowment Scholarships, and the Hubbard Family Foundation Scholarships, among many others.
Our Martha Lake Community Club and Bernie Sigler Memorial scholarships joined the Scholarship Alliance in January 2023. Altogether the Alliance granted over $254,000 in scholarships in 2023, [MyEdmondsNews] and $283,000 in 2024!
All applicants will automatically apply to every fund they qualify for within the Alliance. A list of scholarships can be found here.
Applications are processed by the Foundation for Edmonds School District. Lynnwood Rotary's Scholarship Committee review and select recipients under the direction of boards of Lynnwood Rotary Community Foundation and Lynnwood Rotary Club.
Vocational Focus
(Yes, we really built that house: House #40.)
The House Project is an excellent opportunity to get a handle on experience in all aspects of carpentry. I'm glad that Lynnwood Rotary makes it all possible.
Jeff Lozott
Graduated Senior of Lynnwood HS
I enrolled in carpentry was to learn a trade. When you receive training in school you have an advantage after graduation because you have a sellable skill. I thank the Lynnwood Rotary for sponsoring the carpentry class.
Richard Guthmellur
Graduated Senior of Lynnwood HS
In this program there's a lot more to building than just pounding nails. We have a taste of everything there is to know about carpentry. This class helped me decide about my future.
Scott Dawson
Graduated Senior of Lynnwood HS
House Project Mission Statement:
To introduce real world construction experiences into local high school vocational training by way of an annual house construction project sponsored jointly by Lynnwood Rotary and the Edmonds School District.
– Our Community Partners –
