Rotarian Kathy Pruss shared that 9 years ago she donated a kidney when her husband needed one. Though she was a match for her own husband, another woman was a stronger match for him, just as Kathy was a stronger match for that woman’s husband. They formed a paired exchange, however, anyone can donate a kidney that will be matched to whomever is compatible. Because Kathy donated a kidney, if her remaining kidney ever fails, she would be moved up ~5 years on the 7 year wait list. Kathy also described a family voucher, utilized when a donor does not know someone in immediate need of a kidney transplant and wants to help others in need by starting a chain and donating their kidney to a stranger. The Family Voucher Program allows for up to five family members of the donor to receive vouchers that can be activated if one of the family members ever needs a kidney transplant. Once the first voucher is redeemed, of course all other vouchers related to that donor become void.
An estimated 37 million American adults (about 1 in 7) live with chronic kidney disease, and roughly 90% of them do not know they have it; about 830,000 Americans are living with end-stage kidney disease. Kathy emphasized the importance of having blood work to assure your kidneys are functioning as they should.
Rotarians with stories to share, please contact Dinoli Rowlands to be a meeting speaker and receive a free lunch!
Rotarians Spotted in the Community
Pictured below at the East Stroudsburg Salvation Army Harvest Festival & Auction are Rotarians Ginny Kirkwood, Pat Forney, Dinoli Rowlands, TJ Price, Danica Hartenfels, Grace D'Amico, and Ted Butz. Present but missing from the photo are Charlie Kirkwood, Rose London, and Phil Weber. Rose lead an amazing event!
Please text pictures of your participation in non-profit community endeavers to Grace D'Amico at 570-977-0536 for inclusion in Rotarians Spotted in the Community.
Stroudfest earned $321 for Stroudsburgs Rotary - thank you to everyone who helped this year!
The Shoe Drive is complete at Chipperfield Elementary School but shoes can still be brought to the Rotary meeting next week. We may reach 200 pairs!
Special thanks to ESU Rotaract for their participation! Pictured below are Paige, Dan and Morgan.
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Stroudsburgs Rotary Fellowship Meeting
Thursday, October 29, 2026
Bean and Barrel Brewing Company
564 Main St, Stroudsburg
Please join; this replaces the afternoon & evening meetings
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Fundraising for Polio
Wear a costume (optional) and join us at our Rotary table in front of Marita's
Saturday October 31, 2026 12-5pm
Contact Mike Raub if interested in staffing table and giving out candy
10% of Marita's proceeds on Halloween will be donated to Stroudsburgs Rotary for Polio Eradication
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8th Annual High School Senior Leadership Luncheon
Thursday, November 12, 2026 11:30am - 1:30 pm
Shawnee Inn Grand Ballroom
Please bring check payable to Stroudsburgs Rotary Foundation, Cash to a meeting for $25 for yourself to attend and $25 for each student you wish to sponsor, or Venmo Mike Raub @Michael-Raub-10.
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Save the Date: District Event on Saturday, November 14
9 am Service Project with Gino Merli Center; 12:30 pm Foundation Luncheon at Scranton Hilton
More info soon
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Other Events:
October 17 12-7pm at Brix Brewhouse
Grab some friends and join in the Cornhole Toss Tournament to benefit Veterans in Need
See flyer below
Valor Patriots Ball is November 7, 2026 at 6:30 pm
New - RHD Street2Feet 130 N 1st St, Stroudsburg - Tuesdays and Thursday from 10:30-1pm
Are you interested in helping the homeless? Street to feet has a great opportunity - No weekly commitment, but you need to be there the full 2.5 hours… opening doors, monitoring lunch, monitoring laundry
