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Tidewater Rotary's "Discover Rotary Night" Unites Community Leaders to Tackle Food Insecurity
The Tidewater Rotary Club hosted its annual Discover Rotary Night on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, bringing together Rotarians, prospective members, and community leaders to discuss ways to support and join the Club’s ambitious 2026 initiatives focused on addressing food insecurity in Talbot County.
Held at The Market at Dover Station, the event served as a community introduction to Rotary, offering insight into the Club’s service mission and avenues for engagement. The evening also provided a platform for the official launch of the Club’s Feeding Our Local Kids & Seniors (FOLKS) initiative. This program aims to provide new six-quart crockpots and ready-to-make meal packets to local families as a practical, sustainable way to combat food insecurity in Talbot County.
During the evening, Rotarians outlined the many ways club members and community partners can contribute their time and talent to tackling this growing local challenge. Speakers emphasized collaboration and shared plans to strengthen relationships with organizations working on the front lines of hunger relief.
“Rotary’s motto is Service Above Self, and Tidewater Rotary members live that every day through service to the greater Talbot community,” said Tidewater Rotary President Steve Waltrich. “With FOLKS, we are taking a stand to help our friends and neighbors in need. If you’re looking for a great way to give back, consider joining Tidewater Rotary, where together we make a difference.”
Committee members also provided updates on the Club’s 2026 fundraisers benefiting FOLKS. Upcoming events include the Bowling Fundraiser on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Easton Bowl, and the Trivia Night Fundraiser on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 4 Dogs Brewing Co. Both events offer team-based participation, community engagement, and sponsorship opportunities, with proceeds supporting FOLKS.
The event drew a strong crowd of stakeholders, including representatives from local government and dedicated community members eager to give back. Attendees expressed strong support for the Club’s initiatives, with several signing up for volunteer opportunities and committing to participate in the programs.
“Food insecurity touches every segment of Talbot County; that’s thousands of kids and seniors who need our help,” said Rick Hughes, Tidewater Rotary Vice President and FOLKS Co-Chair. “Hungry kids don’t learn. Seniors shouldn’t have to choose between food, medicine, utilities, or rent. We can’t fix the economics of food insecurity, but we can make an immediate difference by supporting food pantries and providing meals. This isn’t just a Rotary project—it’s an all-hands-on-deck project for the entire community.”
The Tidewater Rotary Club continues to welcome community members interested in service and leadership. Regular weekly meetings are held Thursdays from 7:30–8:30 a.m. at Brookletts Place (400 Brookletts Ave., Easton, MD) or online via Zoom. The first Thursday of each month is a club social where members gather at various locations around Easton.
More information on FOLKS, fundraisers, and meeting schedules is available at www.tidewaterrotary.org.
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