Welcome to the Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek
Are you an established professional who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who share your drive to give back.
This is the Rotary Peace Pole that was dedicated today at Camp Big West at the Wigwam that will be placed at the new Hilltop High School this fall. Thank you Superintendent Yslas for placing this at the new high school. We will all want to be there when you have the dedication at the high school.
Rotary member Becky Marrer presented a fascinating slideshow about her third cousin, Jim Thorpe, one of America's greatest athletes. Becky shared that both she and Jim are members of the Potawatomi Nation.
Jim Thorpe is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time, earning the title of "Athlete of the Century" for his extraordinary accomplishments in the Olympic Games, as well as in professional football, baseball, and lacrosse.
Becky also shared a personal family connection to an important chapter of Native American history. Her grandfather, along with Jim Thorpe, was taken from the reservation and sent to the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania, where Native American children were separated from their families and culture to learn trades such as carpentry, auto mechanics, and plumbing. While attending Carlisle, Jim Thorpe developed his remarkable athletic talents and played football under the legendary coach Glenn "Pop" Warner.
Despite his athletic achievements, Jim Thorpe's later years were marked by hardship. After his death, his third wife arranged for his burial in the Pennsylvania town that adopted his name, now known as Jim Thorpe PA. Although his grandchildren have worked for many years to have his remains returned to his birthplace in Kansas, their efforts have not yet been successful.
Becky's presentation offered a compelling look at the life of an extraordinary athlete while also highlighting the personal and cultural challenges faced by many Native Americans during that era. It was both an educational and thought-provoking program that was greatly appreciated by those in attendance.
A picture of Becky's grandfather at the Carlisle School (first boy on the left)
Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Club hosted its 9th Annual Golf Tournament on May 3 at the Tuscany Golf Course in PebbleCreek. The annual fundraiser successfully netted over $49,700! Funds will be used to support
Rotary activities throughout the West Valley. Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary provides college scholarships to graduating seniors and supports students receiving credentials in Trade occupations through West Mec. Goodyear PebbleCreek
Rotary also supports literacy activities throughout the West Valley by establishing and maintaining Little Lending Libraries that support the West Valley Community. Other literacy-based activities include providing books to children ages birth through 5 through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Goodyear
PebbleCreek Rotary is active in service projects such as Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Builds, providing backpacks filled with food for students over school breaks, and monthly road clean-up along PebbleCreek Parkway. The above are some of the projects we do in the West Valley! In addition, we provide grants to West Valley non-profits to support their work in the West Valley.
Our 10th Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser is scheduled for May 2, 2027. We invite you to join us as a sponsor, golfer, or volunteer!
A heartfelt thank you to the Cooley Team!
The Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek is incredibly grateful to Kathi Cooley, Tyler Cooley, and the Cooley Team for their continued commitment to literacy in our community.
Because of their generous support, 60 local children will receive a new book every month through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Their partnership is helping inspire a love of reading and opening doors to brighter futures—one book at a time.
Thank you for believing in our mission and investing in the children of our community. Together, we’re making a lasting difference!
Linda Babcock, Membership Chair of the Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Club, was presented a gold award from Jim Schmidt, District 5495 Governor, for her major achievement of adding 20 new members to the club’s roster this year.
Goodyear, AZ 85395
United States of America