Improving Quality of Life
Community Service encourages every Rotarian to find ways to improve the quality of life for people in their communities and to serve the public interest.
 
 
Here are a few of our current Community Service Projects:
  • Christmas Wish
  • Annual Speech Contest
  • College Scholarships
  • Community Grants
  • Ducky Derby
  • Fall Jeep Tour for Seniors
  • Shining Stars
 
Christmas Wish
The Christmas Wish Foundation has been actively assisting those hard-working people in the Roaring Fork Valley who find themselves in need due to illness, divorce or loss of employment.. A 365 day a year  foundation, Christmas Wish has helped thousands of people and fulfilled many more wishes since its inception in 1984.  It is designed intentionally to operate as a small, manageable foundation with a dedicated committee working to enrich the lives of many people facing difficult situations. The Christmas Wish Foundation remains an all volunteer organization.
 
Examples of past wishes include surgeries, medical and dental treatment, braces, computers, technical software, counseling, tutoring, occupational, speech and physical therapies, home improvements, snow tires, auto repair, ski equipment, ski passes and the list goes on.
 
Annual Speech Contest
ROTARY CLUB of ASPEN 5th ANNUAL EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEECH CONTEST
Due to COVID-19, the 2020 event is postponed until further notice.
 
Aspen, Colo…The Rotary Club of Aspen had its fourth annual Extemporaneous Speech Competition Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at the Mountain Chalet in Aspen at 3pm. The contest was open to all high school students from Aspen to Rifle. The first place prize was $1000, second was $500, and third was $250.  There were also random fun drawings for prizes and gift cards. 
 
Students did not need to prepare anything ahead of time.  Each participant was able to choose a topic from among several options.  The questions included topics ranging from political to environmental, and encompassed legal to ethical issues.  After each student picked a topic, he or she had 30 minutes to prepare a 2.5 to 5 minute persuasive speech and deliver it to a “panel of warm, non-threatening, enthusiastic, and impartial judges,” according to contest chair Robin Smith. Computers, phones and tablets could be used for the preparation and information gathering period.  Students did not need to be involved in speech and drama, debate or any other classes/clubs that utilize public speaking.  
 
“The competition is a great way for young adults to start honing their public speaking and critical thinking skills, and their process of thinking and speaking on their feet,” says Smith. “Any kid who has ever argued and gotten his or her way with their parents is prime to win this awesome competition!” exclaims Smith, a member of the Rotary Club of Aspen.  Extemporaneous speaking is a limited-preparation, competition speech event in high schools and colleges and is based on research and original analysis.
College Scholarships
The Aspen Rotary Club is pleased to provide college scholarships for graduating seniors of both Aspen and Basalt High Schools.   These scholarships are funded through Aspen Rotary Club Ducky Derby proceeds.   The scholarships are awarded based on a combination of merit, need, extracurricular activities, and the student's exemplification the Rotary motto "Service Above Self."
 
Since inception The Aspen Rotary Club has provided over $700,000 in total scholarships to deserving high school seniors who aspire to succeed.  
Jeep Fall Tour
 
Every Fall, our valley turns into a kaleidoscope of colors. And every Fall, we take our Seniors up the Cooper Creek Road to the Lynley hut for a delicious lunch accompanied with live music. The Ashcroft valley is a jewel of a setting for this community event! 
Shining Stars Dinner
 
 
Every March, Aspen Rotarians prepare and serve a barbecue dinner for participants in the "Shining Stars Winter Games."
5 Avenues of Service
We channel our commitment to service at home and abroad through five Avenues of Service, which are the foundation of club activity.