We Are People of Action!
We connect passionate people with diverse perspectives to exchange ideas, forge lifelong friendships, and, above all, take action to change the world. Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary’s people of action have used their passion, energy and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.
Many people join Rotary as a means of “paying back" for the professional success they have achieved; and they are seeking ways to help others. When you join Bellevue Sunrise Rotary, you play a role in helping the club achieve its community and worldwide goals. This is done both through involvement in projects and providing financial support
Every December, Bellevue Sunrise Rotary volunteers ring the bell for the Salvation Army to help fill their red buckets with much-needed donations.
Our Mission
We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
We Work Differently
President Dewalt presents a Challenge coin to Paul Regelbrugge, Director of Education, with the Holocaust Center for Humanity in Seattle, after his inspirational talk about lessons of the Holocaust, and how they relate to current events.
We see differently: Our multidisciplinary perspective helps us see challenges in unique ways.
We think differently: We apply leadership and expertise to social issues — and find unique solutions.
We act responsibly: Our passion and perseverance create lasting change.
We make a difference at home and around the world: Our members are in your community and across the globe.
The Four-Way Test Governs All That We Do
From the earliest days of our organization, Rotarians have been concerned with promoting high ethical standards in our professional lives. In 1932, when he was asked to take charge of a company facing bankruptcy, Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor created The 4-Way Test. This 24-word test was created as a statement for employees to follow both in their business and personal lives. It became a guide for sales, production, advertising, and all relations with dealers and customers. This guiding philosophy is credited with the ultimate survival of that company. Taylor would later serve as Rotary International President, and his test was adopted by Rotary in 1943.
A gift of our Challenge coin, which depicts The Four-Way Test (represented on the coin’s front at left), is presented by Bellevue Sunrise Rotary President Steve Dewalt to each of our weekly meeting speakers. Steve recites The Four-Way Test to the lucky recipient as he presents the coin. This act serves to reinforce our baseline message, both to our speakers and the group of members attending the weekly morning meeting.
One of the bid items at our Speed Croquet Tournament in 2023 was a dinner featuring Kaj Pedersen, 5030 District Governor 2023-24, hosted at President Dewalt’s home. It was the perfect opportunity for a Challenge coin presentation by Steve to the Governor.
[Safe to say that the Governor passed the test with flying colors, as evidenced by his wide smile.]
See How Bellevue Sunrise Members Like to Socialize
Celebration of the Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club 2024 Oktoberfest
On a rainbow hued Saturday evening at the end of September, Bellevue Sunrise Rotary Club members shared good beer, tasty food, warm camaraderie and hearty laughter with our friends from Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club, which hosted the 2024 Oktoberfest event. Both clubs look forward to engaging in more joint celebrations of district Rotary fellowship.
Pass the Pin Celebration 2024
The “Passing of the Pin" ceremony in Rotary is a significant tradition that symbolizes the transfer of leadership within a club. This ceremony not only marks the official induction of a new president, but also reflects the values of continuity, commitment, and shared responsibility within the Rotary community. During the annual event in June, as outgoing president Stephen Dewalt handed over the pin to our new president, Randy Ohlendorf, his action represented the legacy of service and dedication that was cultivated during Stephen’s term. This recurring ritual reinforces the importance of mentorship and the collaborative spirit of Rotary, emphasizing that leadership is not merely a position but a shared journey.
Moreover, the ceremony serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of the outgoing president while inspiring our incoming leader to carry forward the club’s mission. It fosters a sense of unity among club members, highlighting their collective role in achieving Rotary’s goals of service and community impact. By celebrating this transition, the “Passing of the Pin" not only honors the past but also energizes the club for future endeavors, instilling a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm for the year ahead.
Club Members
President
Randy Ohlendorf
Immediate Past President
Steve Dewalt
Treasurer
Jon Cantalini
Secretary
Bob Graue
President Elect
Randy Ohlendorf
Rotary Foundation
Andy Symons
Membership
Gary Crawford
Programs
Greg Piantanida
Meeting Invocation
Tom Fowler
Meeting Technology
Gary Crawford
Community Service
Rod Kirkwood – Chair
Vocational Service
Steve Schmitz – Chair
International Service
James Burke – Chair
Fundraising
Austin Kravik – Chair
Public Image
Bob Kearns – Chair
Andy Sharpe
Administration
Chris Carlson
Other Members
John Dulcich
Chris Eakins
Dan Giddens
Tara Kearns
Foster Radford
Bill Rahr
Steve Roehl
Larry Rude
Kent Selbrede
Andy Sharpe
Joseph Sparks
Geoff Strange
Anthony Welcher
Richard Wortley
Rotarians with 12 Visits
“Dirty Dozen"
Ann Norman – Bellevue Breakfast
Betsi Hammer – Bellevue Breakfast
Vyvienne Stumbles – Mercer Island
Frank Young (retired) – Bellevue
Christmas Party 2023
Bellevue Sunrise Rotary held its Christmas Party in December 2023. After breakfast, members broke into song with some traditional carols, ending with “The 12 Days of Christmas." Festivities concluded with a fun gift exchange.
Pass the Pin Celebration 2023
Every year, Bellevue Sunrise Rotary formally recognizes the installation of a new President with a group gathering of members and their spouses. This year, on a gorgeous sunny June afternoon spilling into evening, Steve (Stevo) Dewalt assumed solo ownership of the presidential title, which he shared with Greg Piantanida over Fiscal 2022-23. The club had a lot to celebrate even before our big fundraiser, the Annual Speed Croquet Tournament at Marymoor Park, was to take place in August. We received a very large individual contribution of $10,000, which was board-approved to be allocated to one of our most important projects, Harvest Against Hunger. The check was presented to Colleen Turner (top right with Steve Dewalt), now serving as District Asst Governor (Area 1) for our home District 5030. Harvest Against Hunger originated with District 5030 and remains one of the key food assistance programs in the entire State of Washington. Needless to say, Colleen was thrilled to receive the check on behalf of Harvest Against Hunger. Not to be outdone, member Tom Fowler (top left) took First Place during the 2023 Newcastle Limited Hash Brown Flipping Contest, with nary a shred hitting the floor. Everyone else had a grand time with lots of good-hearted laughter, while enjoying the easy camaraderie and superb food and beverages hosted by Kathy and Steve DeWalt in their warm and inviting home. Steve remembered the evening: “We flip hash browns, we give away big checks, and we simply have fun together. What’s not to like about this kind of community and community service? Bellevue Sunrise Rotary has it all. Come join us for a morning meeting and see what we are all about, and you surely will have a good time during the process."
Tour of USS Turner Joy (DD-951)
Click on image to view our group day trip to Bremerton for a tour of the USS Turner Joy
Rotary Has Global Influence
As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. If you are interested in learning more about Bellevue Sunrise Rotary Club and Rotary International, consider attending one of our virtual meetings on Zoom. It’s a convenient method to get acquainted with our membership and hear speakers who inform and inspire.