The Neponset Valley Sunrise Rotary Club proudly celebrated its 25th anniversary with a milestone event at Gemma Kitchen & Bar in Norwood, bringing together community leaders, founding members, local business sponsors, Rotarians, and friends to honor a quarter-century of dedicated service.
Photo: (l-r) Member Sandra Casey; current District Governor Penny Hamel; past District Governor Johnny Ahern; Martha Colamaria; and District Governor-Elect Jack Colamaria.
First chartered in Dedham in August 2001 – with its original member installation taking place on September 12, 2001 – the Neponset Valley Sunrise Rotary Club has spent the last 25 years championing youth programs, funding local non-profits, supporting environmental initiatives, and contributing to Rotary International’s global humanitarian missions.
The silver anniversary celebration highlighted both the club’s rich history and its forward-looking vision for the future. As part of the 2026-2027 milestone year, major community institutions, including Dedham Savings, OneLocal Bank, Bank of Canton, The Norfolk & Dedham Group, Supreme Development, Dedham Health & Athletic Complex, and Needham Bank, stepped forward with special sponsorship gifts to ensure the club’s service projects continue to thrive.
“Reaching 25 years is a testament to the dedication of our founding members and the extraordinary support of our local communities, said Bob Blood, President of the Neponset Valley Sunrise Rotary Club. “Over the last two and a half decades, our members have poured their hearts into making a tangible difference in our communities. With the incredible backing of our sponsors and neighbors, we are positioning our club to expand that impact for the next 25 years.”
Throughout its history, the club has become widely recognized for signature community events and philanthropic initiatives, including:
• The Annual Duck Race: A signature fundraiser held at Marie-Louise Kehoe Park in Dedham, generating vital grants for local food pantries, youth programs, and humanitarian causes.
• Youth Leadership and Student Recognition: Ongoing investments in future leaders, including scholarships for Blue Hills Regional Technical School graduates.
• Community Stewardship: Direct action projects, such as Electronics Recycling Days, in partnership with the Town of Dedham, promoting environmental sustainability.
The 25th anniversary gathering offered members and guests an opportunity to look back on thousands of service hours and hundreds of thousands of dollars granted to regional and global causes, ranging from disease prevention and clean water initiatives to promoting education and economic development.
The Neponset Valley Sunrise Rotary Club consists of dedicated individuals from the ten communities that comprise the Neponset River Valley area. They are committed to improving the lives of people throughout the world and within local communities. The Club works to raise funds needed to support both local charities and the worldwide efforts of Rotary International. Meetings take place most Wednesdays at 7:30 AM at the Four Points by Sheraton Norwood. Learn more at www.neponsetvalleysunriserotary.org.