Rotarians from across western Kentucky gathered in Hopkinsville for the annual Rotary District 6710 Conference, celebrating service, community, and the shared mission of making a difference locally and globally.
Brandon Killebrew, chairman of the Rotary District Conference, said the event was particularly special this year because of its location.
Killebrew said the conference drew attendees from all across the region.
“We've had folks here the last couple of days from all around western Kentucky, fellow Rotarians,” he said. “Every club is a little bit different, and they all bring their ideas to the table and just have a good time.”
Throughout the weekend, breakout sessions covered a variety of topics relevant to the mission and outreach efforts of Rotary Clubs. The event also featured a competitive district awards ceremony and an auction supporting the Rotary Foundation.
“Everybody's very competitive about the work that they've been doing in their communities every year,” Killebrew said. “So we want to give out district awards for all those folks so that people get recognized.”
One of the standout moments came during the live auction, a departure from the usual silent format. According to Killebrew, the auction raised over $5,000 for the Rotary Foundation.
Among the auction highlights was a basket from Bardstown filled with bourbons from Nelson County, which Killebrew described as “the big seller today.”
The annual student speech contest also took center stage, featuring three finalists from across the district. Elizabeth Voss was one of those finalists, delivering the winning speech themed around “the magic of Rotary.”
Voss said the experience of competing and winning was unforgettable.
She also offered encouragement to others who might consider entering the contest.
“For anyone out there who is looking to do it, just know that you can,” Voss said. “It just takes a lot of practice and passion.”
Among the attending clubs was the South Central Kentucky Rotary Club, a relatively new group that emerged three years ago from the Greensburg Club. Member C.W. Van Arsdale explained their unique formation and dual community focus.
“We started, branched off the Greensburg Club and took over the Columbia Charter,” Van Arsdale said. “They were dwindling down and only had maybe one member left. So we took over so they wouldn't lose the charter, and we started an AM club.”
The club now meets in both Greensburg and Columbia and is heavily involved in local outreach.
Vanarsdale said his favorite role at the conference is helping with registration.
“What I like to do and I usually help out, I do a lot of the registration work. And that's where you meet everybody,” he said. “I help Lee Perry, our assistant district secretary, and help her lay out all that. And that's what I enjoy doing.”
Despite the fun and camaraderie of the weekend, Van Arsdale also acknowledged the challenges Rotary faces in the future.
“Some of the biggest challenges are getting other people to donate their time,” he said. “And we see that's a big challenge with the younger generation. What can we do to get younger people involved in Rotary, as well as other organizations?”
Still, he said Rotary’s work remains as vital as ever — from local community service to global efforts like the eradication of polio.
As the conference came to a close, Killebrew said the spirit of Rotary was on full display in Hopkinsville.
