The Rotary Club of Edina has donated more than $2,500 to Way to Grow through its speaker honorarium program, supporting the nonprofit's work helping Twin Cities children and families build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Rather than providing gifts to guest speakers, the Rotary Club of Edina makes a charitable donation in each speaker's honor. Each year, the club president selects the nonprofit organization that will receive the contributions. Way to Grow was chosen by outgoing Rotary Club of Edina President Lisa Walker as the beneficiary for the 2025-2026 Rotary year, which concluded June 30.
Founded in 1989, Way to Grow partners with families across the Twin Cities to promote early childhood education, health and family well-being. Through home visits, parent education, curriculum-based programming and tutoring, the organization works to close opportunity gaps and help children succeed in school and beyond. “Way To Grow was a perfect fit for our Rotary Club,” Walker said. “Rotarians around the world support childhood education. I cannot think of a better investment for our future than Way To Grow!”
Incoming Rotary Club of Edina President Gerry Norton has selected The Protect Me Project as the club's speaker honorarium beneficiary for the 2026-2027 Rotary year. The Protect Me Project is an international nonprofit dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse and human trafficking before they occur through education, training and community outreach. The organization focuses much of its work in Latin America, the Caribbean and other vulnerable regions. It
was founded by Carla Marroquín, sister of Edina Rotarian Jon Barnett. Throughout the coming year, donations made in honor of Rotary Club of Edina guest speakers will support The Protect Me Project's efforts to protect children and strengthen communities around the world.