Join us the first three Wednesdays of each month at 7:15 a.m. for fellowship and engaging speakers at the Minneapolis Club or online.  Learn how.

Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Club unites a dynamic network of leaders dedicated to fostering meaningful connections, community, and impactful service that enhances lives locally and globally.  Welcome.

Upcoming Speakers

March 11, 2026
Shane Zahn, Downtown Improvement District


Shane Zahn

Downtown Minneapolis Public Safety Updates
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March 18, 2026
Tony Loyd


Tony Loyd

The Endurance Advantage
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March 25, 2026
Jodi Wellman, Speaker & Author

Zoom Only Meeting Jodi Wellman

How Many Mondays Do You Have Left?
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Upcoming Events

International Service Committee Meeting
International Service Committee Meeting
Mar. 16, 2026 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Chanda's Home
Curling with Brian
Curling with Brian
Mar. 21, 2026
Frogtown Curling Club
Youth Exchange Program Mtg
Youth Exchange Program Mtg
Mar. 23, 2026 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sarana's
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Our Impact

By the Numbers

What's Happening at City of Lakes?

Hosting Our Future Rotary President

☀️ Our club was honored to host a special multi-club, multi-district breakfast at the Minneapolis Club, bringing together Rotarians and community leaders to hear Rotary International President-Nominee Larry Lunsford and Erick García Luna from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.  Larry will become President in Rotary year 2027-2028 and oversee the Rotary International Convention in Minneapolis where 20,000 people from 140 countries are expected to gather.

Larry reminded us that when the world feels shaken, Rotarians step forward — with more service, more action, and more compassion. Erick shared encouraging economic insights, noting that Minnesota’s economic fundamentals remain strong — a testament to the resilience and strength of our communities.

A highlight: presenting a $25,000 check from the Lawrence Family Foundation to the Host Organization Committee — an investment in the convention here in Minneapolis.

We are grateful for the leadership, inspiration, and the momentum building as we continue doing together what can’t be done alone. 💙✨

Innovating for Our Members—And Having Fun Along the Way

At City of Lakes Rotary, we design programs with our members in mind. As our community of professionals evolves, so do we—creating fresh, relevant ways to connect, grow, and enjoy the Rotary experience. Our focus is simple: meet members where they are, both personally and professionally, while making Rotary engaging and fun.
 
Two newer initiatives reflect this approach.
 
COL Dinner Club: Good Food, Great Company
The COL Dinner Club is a rotating, small-group dining experience at some of the Twin Cities’ most talked-about restaurants. Scheduled at various times throughout the year, each gathering offers a relaxed, intimate way to connect beyond the breakfast table—through shared dishes, lively conversation, and a bit of culinary adventure.
 
Whether you’re a foodie or just enjoy a great evening out, Dinner Club is designed to be social, memorable, and genuinely fun.
 
Board of Directors for YOU
For members looking for professional perspective, Board of Directors for YOU offers a confidential opportunity to meet with a small group of accomplished Rotarians from relevant fields. This member-focused program provides a trusted setting to explore challenges, test ideas, and gain practical insight to help move a business or organization forward. All conversations remain strictly confidential.
 
Together, these programs reflect how City of Lakes Rotary continues to innovate—creating experiences that add real value to membership while strengthening relationships and keeping Rotary enjoyable.
Humans of City of Lakes Rotary
A Portrait Series Celebrating the People Who Make Our Club Extraordinary
 

City of Lakes Rotary is powered by people — leaders, innovators, volunteers, mentors, and community builders who bring their talents and heart to everything they do.

Humans of City of Lakes Rotary offers a glimpse into that community through a collection of member portraits and short profiles created to honor and document the people who make our club special. The portraits, photographed by professional photographer and Rotarian Sawyer Brice, capture members in a creative and authentic way.

The images shown here represent a sampling of a larger project designed to showcase the breadth and depth of talent within our club.

Each profile highlights what members do professionally, who they serve, and how fellow Rotarians and community members might collaborate or refer business. The project helps members connect more deeply while celebrating the people whose leadership, service, and generosity shape City of Lakes Rotary.

Together, these portraits and stories offer a window into a vibrant community.

Whether you’re a long-time member or exploring Rotary for the first time, we invite you to get to know the people behind the impact.

🔹 Join Us
👉 Visit us for breakfast and a program
👉 Explore membership https://bit.ly/48no0aa
COL Hosts Community Forum on Artificial Intelligence
 

Our club proudly sponsored the Annual Community Forum, a signature service event open to all community members. Each year, this forum brings Rotarians and the public together to explore timely and important topics shaping our world. 

This year's forum was titled “Making Sense of AI: Risks, Rewards, and Responsible Use” and examined how artificial intelligence is influencing decision-making, communication, and innovation across sectors. Four distinguished panelists discussed how to evaluate new technologies responsibly, and ways to identify credible sources of AI information.

The conversations sparked at the Community Forum don’t end here. They ripple outward—into workplaces, neighborhoods, and future collaborations—helping build a more informed, engaged, and connected community.

Coats, Kindness and Rotary Impact
Before 3,000 guests experiencing homelessness arrived at the Minneapolis Convention Center for 3,000 Acts of Kindness, City of Lakes Rotarians were already at work—sorting coats, organizing clothing, and preparing a space designed to welcome with care and dignity.
 
Presented by Coated in Love, founded by our member Danielle Igbanugo, this annual event serves people experiencing homelessness, offering new winter coats, warm clothing, haircuts, a meal, and connections to more than 80 social-service agencies. Nearly 8,000 Minnesotans experience homelessness on any given night, including families, women, and children. For many, homelessness brings isolation and loss, where stability and support can disappear without warning.
 
Through the leadership of Lynn Otis and Bill Jackson, our club’s $5,000 gift was leveraged into $18,750 through a Rotary District 5950 grant—funding over 700 new coats this year.
 
We are honored to stand alongside Coated in Love in offering warmth, dignity, and hope—because when people feel seen and cared for, lives begin to change. 💙💛
🍁 Rake, Rattle, and Roll

On a crisp fall Saturday, more than 50 Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary members, family and friends rolled up their sleeves to rake yards throughout the Longfellow and Seward neighborhoods—helping neighbors prepare for winter while spreading a little autumn cheer.  
 
After the hard work was done, many gathered at Matt's Bar and Grill to celebrate together over the neighborhood’s famous Jucy Lucys and good conversation.
 
A big thank-you to Project Champion Gary Mosiman for leading this beloved annual tradition, and to every volunteer who made a difference—one leaf pile at a time! 🍂
 
Click here for more photos. 
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Trivia and Teamwork

Each fall, there’s one evening that brings together everything City of Lakes Rotarians love — fellowship, laughter, and doing good in the world. This year’s Foundation Drive Kickoff was no exception.
 
Held at Bricksworth Beer Co. in the North Loop, Trivia Night combined friendly rivalry with Rotary purpose.
 
Think of it as trivia with a mission: questions that tested our smarts about Rotary International, our own City of Lakes club, and Minneapolis itself — all while fueling the projects for 2026-2027 made possible through the Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary Foundation.  Please visit our Impact Statement.
 
Between rounds, we kept spirits high with pizza, wings, beer, and prizes — because impact should come with a side of fun.
 
Our thanks to Foundation Fundraising Chair Brock Ray and his organizing team Brian Kimmes, Jen Van Wyk, Bailey Morrison and Bob Baker for one of the signature events of our Rotary year — the night when generosity and good times go hand in hand.
Rotary Friendship Takes Flight

 

City of Lakes member and pilot Mark Labovitz recently gave our Rotary Youth Exchange students Nicole (from Brazil) and Rasmus (from Denmark) a breathtaking airplane tour over the Twin Cities! From high above the metro, they saw lakes, downtown skylines, and autumn colors — an unforgettable Minnesota experience.

At City of Lakes, our members go the extra mile (and sometimes a few thousand feet up!) to make sure our exchange students experience the very best of Minnesota and the USA. These shared adventures reflect the heart of Rotary — friendship, hospitality, and global connection in action.

Calling Exchange Students for the 2026-2027 Exchange Year

And it is already time to invite the next group of students to apply for exchange.  Long term applications are due annually by November 15. Short Term Exchange Program (STEP) applications are due by December 6  for priority placement, and additional STEP applications will be accepted until March.  Visit our website - northstarrotary.com - for additional information.

Entrepreneur Pitch Competition Winners 
Club member Liban Kano’s Strangers Meeting Strangers (SMS) hosted a gathering of 100 Minneapolis builders, dreamers and everyone in between. It was split into two parts:
 
  • A public conversation where everyone could speak, and all listen about why did you start, why do you continue, and why haven't you given up? 
  • A keynote from Ying Sa, founder and CEO of Community CPA, and a pitch competition from 20 entrepreneurs.
 
At the end of the evening the audience voted and selected the winners of the pitch competition and $1000 from City of Lakes Rotary Club:
 
  • Xavier Thomas founder of Miracle Arts, a platform that promotes artistic expression and provides resources to artists to turn their passions into careers.
  • Heatherlee Nguyen who is developing a platform to connect and assist fellow moms and solo parents.
This event continues the SMS and Rotary tradition of creating meaningful spaces for community connection and entrepreneurial growth. Congratulations to Xavier and Heatherlee and all those who pitched showing their creativity and business acumen. We are also grateful to the audience for being so kind and receptive.