As we begin another exciting Rotary year, I want to thank each of you for the opportunity to serve as President of the Rotary Club of Billings Downtown, Club #999. It is truly an honor, and I look forward to working alongside each of you as we continue our tradition of Service Above Self.
This year, Rotary International President Olayinka Babalola has challenged us to "Unite for Good." That message reminds us that when we come together—with a shared purpose, diverse talents, and a commitment to serving others—we can accomplish far more than any one of us could alone. Together, we have the opportunity to create a lasting impact that will benefit our community for generations to come.
Our club has a proud history of making a meaningful difference in Billings and beyond. This year, I hope we build on that legacy by becoming even more engaged, more visible, and more connected with one another and with our community.
One of my primary goals is to encourage every member to become actively involved on a committee. Whether your interests are membership, service projects, fundraising, youth programs, public image, or fellowship, there is a place for your talents. Rotary is strongest when every member is engaged, and each of us has something valuable to contribute.
Another priority this year is increasing our hands-on service. We will be adding more community service days that allow us to work side by side, strengthening not only our community but also the friendships that make Rotary so special. These projects give us the opportunity to put our values into action and demonstrate Rotary's commitment to making a real difference.
We also have two signature events that will require all of us working together:
The Shindig – Our premier fundraiser that provides the resources necessary to support our charitable work throughout the year. Its success depends on the participation, energy, and commitment of every member.
The Downtown Rotary Memorial Day Parade – One of our club's new cherished traditions, honoring the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country while raising funds that support local veterans and other important community initiatives.
These events reflect who we are as Rotarians and provide opportunities to demonstrate our commitment to serving others.
I also encourage each of you to invite a friend, colleague, or neighbor to experience Rotary. Every new member brings fresh ideas, new energy, and additional opportunities to serve. Together, we can continue building a vibrant club that reflects the very best of Billings.
I truly believe this can be one of the most rewarding years in the history of Downtown Rotary. If we unite, serve with purpose, embrace new ideas, and support one another, we won't simply complete projects—we will create a lasting impact on our community and on the lives of those we serve.
Thank you for your dedication, your friendship, and your commitment to Rotary. I look forward to serving alongside each of you as we Create Lasting Impact and make this an extraordinary year for Downtown Rotary.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Charles Loveridge
President
Rotary Club of Billings Downtown #999
Rotary Year-End Reflection and Community Impact Report
As the Rotary year concluded, the club reviewed its recent achievements. The community grants initiative, selected 14 recipients from 28 applicants (up from 17 recipients the previous year). A total of 14 organizations received funding after a rigorous review process. The increase in funding was made possible by greater available resources. Two major international initiatives were highlighted: the Liberia Water and Sanitation Project and the Guatemala Water Access and Sanitation Project. The Youth Committee focused on leadership development through scholarships, RILA, and the Interact club. Community Service Initiatives highlighted the Holiday Food Baskets and Veterans’ Memorial Flags. Ken, Jonathan, and Drew presented on the highly successful Memorial Day Parade and are looking forward to next year's successes. Jonathan received the President’s Community Impact Award for his leadership, transforming a previously rejected idea into a landmark community event.
Leadership Transitions and Recognition
New Board Members: Vincent, Terry Danielson, Todd Sherman, Andy Elton, and Levi Knight (President Nominee). Returning Board Members: Dave Darby, Jonathan, Jake Bradford, and Matt Allen. Incoming President Charlie outlined two primary goals are to maintain and increase relevancy and grow membership.
Three new members were formally inducted into the Billings Downtown Rotary Club #999: Anne Crist, Ashley Taylor, and Bill Dreikosen.
Billings Rotary Foundation Update
The Billings Rotary Foundation, provided an update on the organization’s leadership and future direction. Josh acknowledged the long-standing service of veteran board members—Bill Boettcher, Alan Correll, Daryl Urlich, and John Stewart—joking that they collectively had “four hundred years” of experience. The board has worked to secure a succession plan, and announced the new board members being added. The Foundation is transitioning to offering scholarships every two years instead of every four and will be increasing fundraising activities to support this initiative. John Stewart will assume the presidency of the Foundation on July 1st. Josh emphasized that while many Rotarians understand the Foundation’s purpose, many do not fully grasp its scope. He committed to delivering future presentations to clarify the Foundation’s impact and future goals.
Guest Presentation: Billings Community Foundation
Zach Karakeas, Executive Director, and John Greenberger, Finance Director, of the Billings Community Foundation (BCF), delivered a comprehensive presentation on their organization’s mission, services, and impact. The Foundation was founded in 2007 as a regional arm of the Montana Community Foundation. It became independent to better serve Eastern Montana, which previously received insufficient attention. They now serve nine counties, with partnerships extending to 11–12 counties. BCF acts as a “charitable bank,” helping individuals and organizations direct resources to causes they care about. Services include: Donor-advised funds (DAFs); Endowment management; Montana Endowment Tax Credit; Pass-through accounts; Fiscal sponsorships; and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). BCF supports local nonprofits by focusing on board education, teaching financial literacy and fiduciary responsibilities; partnering with the United Way and the Chamber of Commerce to train nonprofit boards and executive directors; and offering fiscal sponsorship, bookkeeping, and grant reporting services. The presentation ended with a Q&A with the membership.
The scholarship winners were chosen by their schools as top candidates, and the Rotary committee selected the final six. Those present included:
1. Bryn Solgard (Billings Central)
2. Coralie Seymour (Lockwood)
3. McLean Olsen (Senior High)
4. Ava Greenwood (Skyview)
5. Luke Monson (Billings Christian)
Kellen Edward from West High was unable to attend. Each recipient received a Rotary coin from President Tom as a memento and encouragement to consider future Rotarian involvement.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP)
Mike and Chrissy from the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department. Mike, with FWP since 1994, holds a Master’s in Natural Resources and has held various leadership roles, currently serving as Director of Region Five. Chrissy, a Billings native, joined FWP in 2020 and transitioned in 2022 to Regional Communications and Education Manager, responsible for public outreach, media relations, and conservation education programs. FWP’s organizational framework includes a Public Affairs Manager overseeing licensing and communications, a vacant Deputy Director position initiated under the Gianforte administration, Centralized Enforcement and Legal units, a Chief of Administration (budgets, IT, HR), a Chief of Operations (supervising regional programs), and a Chief of Conservation Policy (coordinating with state parks board and commissioners, and overseeing the reconsolidated Research Unit). FWP collaborates extensively with federal and tribal partners. There are 12 federally recognized tribes across 7 reservations; FWP works through formal agreements on license sales, wildlife distribution, and habitat access. Montana has 11 forests in which FWP coordinates on habitat and access projects and provides input on forest management plans. FWP collaborates with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service on species such as grizzly bears; a recent example involved the removal of a depredating bear after it killed calves. FWP also works with the BLM on joint access and habitat initiatives and the National Parks.
Al Beever, Executive Director of Montana State University’s Institute for National Security Research and Education (INSRE), delivered a comprehensive presentation on MSU’s national security initiatives. Al stated that MSU is Montana’s land-grant institution, established under a law that includes "military tactics"—the foundation of ROTC programs. INSRE was formally established in November 2004 by the Board of Regents. It operates under a "soft-funded" model: researchers must secure their own funding, making external partnerships critical. Al emphasized three core goals: growing impact on national security, improving student experience, and expanding industry partnerships. Al explained that Partnership Intermediary Law is a uniquely flexible federal law allowing MSU to serve as a bridge between government, industry, and academia. The law permits nearly all activities except manufacturing and janitorial services.
Ken presented a recap of the Rotary Memorial Day Parade. The second annual parade changed routes from Blake Street to the traditional parade path, increasing participation dramatically. Floats grew from 27 to 85; participants rose from 50 to 700–800. Media coverage expanded from radio to include television, with plans to partner with Community Seven for televised broadcast next year. The event generated 215,085 impressions (nearly a quarter-million) and 50,580 clicks from the website. $4,000 was donated to four veteran suicide prevention nonprofits: Horses Spirit and Healing (now in Hunting, formerly Red Lodge), Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yellowstone County, VFW Post 6774, and Warrior Wishes (who provided most barricades and volunteers).
Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming - Presented by Briana Rickman
Briana Rickman is the Director of Public Relations and Development for Girl Scouts Montana and Wyoming, with over 12 years of service. The Girl Scouts' mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. The council is one of 111 councils in the U.S., serving Montana and Wyoming (245,000 sq. miles) across12 regions. Girl Scouts serves 7,000+ girls and nearly 2,400 volunteers. The first Montana troop was founded in 1918, and the first Wyoming troop in 1923.
Dehler Park
