On May 14, 2026, the Waltham Rotary Club toasted 100 years of service above self with many friends and colleagues. Long-term Rotarians from near and far were present, as were several Rotarians from neighboring clubs. We were especially delighted to include leaders from the local nonprofit community as our guests for the evening. Proceeds from the event, along with other fundraising throughout the year, will be awarded as grants to these amazing organizations. Stay tuned for that announcement in July!
Each year, Waltham Rotary hosts events and projects to raise funds for local organizations. This year, on our 100th anniversary, we decided to host a party to celebrate. Sponsors helped make the event accessible for all, and we are grateful to The Village Bank which provided a leading $7,500 sponsorship in honor of our 100th year.
Village Bank employees – among nearly 150 attendees – brought the fun to our third annual Music Bingo in January. The generous Waltham community came out on a chilly night to heat up the room and help to raise more than $12,000 toward our grantmaking goals. We were laughing and singing – and even dancing – to music from the 70s through the current day. DJ Mike Janedy always makes it fun with hilarious games, rousing sing-alongs, and great tunes.
Many of our good friends and sponsors also supported and attended the 100th celebration on May 14. The event was hosted by Gore Place in their beautiful and welcoming Carriage House. The rain could not dampen the excitement of the Afro Diamonds from Africano Waltham who shared dancing and drumming, adding great energy to the evening. The Waltham Channel captured the evening beautifully – check out their photos at (WCAC link).
Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy presented a proclamation in honor of the Club’s milestone. Representatives Tom Stanley and John Lawn stepped up with a citation from the MA House of Representatives. The Club used the opportunity to present Paul Harris Fellow recognition to longtime Waltham Club Secretary Joseph Connors. Joe has been a steadfast presence for decades, offering advice and historical perspective for all of us. It was wonderful to be able to recognize his contributions.
The evening featured delicious food by Fireside Caterers, wine from Gordon’s Wines, and fabulous local beer donated by Mighty Squirrel (currently hosting a biergarten at Gore Place for the summer!).
Together with the proceeds from the Club’s annual calendar sales – a chance to win $100 each day in January – and some growth in the foundation’s resources, these two events make it possible for the Waltham Rotary Club to make annual grants to local nonprofits. Over the past decade, these grants have surpassed $300,000.
Thank you to our sponsors for Music Bingo and our 100th Gala!
The Village Bank
Waltham Triad Lodge
Anonymous
MetroWest HOME Team and Real Brokers MA
Watertown Savings Bank
Connie & Tim Braceland
The Kibler Family
The Van Zandt Family
Hillcrest Properties
Park Lodge Hotel Group
Law Office of Bret J. Francis, Esq.
Waltham Lions Club
Waltham YMCA
New England Golf Guide
Rockland Trust Bank
Gore Place Society
Elinor & Jack Marcou Charitable Foundation
Mighty Squirrel
Fast Signs
Gordon’s Wines
Waltham Pizza