This week's speaker is Lori Thomas, Director of Volunteer Operations and Workforce, KC2026. The topic is: "Don't Get Left on the Sidelines - The FIFA World Cup."
Lori Thomas serves as the Director of Volunteer Operations, where she is responsible for the recruitment, training, and management of thousands of volunteers across the Kansas City region. With a strong passion for sports, community engagement, and event coordination, Lori plays a key role in ensuring the execution of volunteer programs that contribute to the success of the world’s largest sporting competition.
Lori briefly served as President of the Kansas City Pro Volleyball team during its early stages, overseeing business operations, strategic direction, and community engagement efforts. She has 27 years of experience in collegiate sports administration, including 10 years as Commissioner of the Heart of America Athletic Conference and 16 years with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. In her NAIA role, she managed the departments of Membership, Champions of Character, Human Resources, and Championships, overseeing 23 national championship events, along with logistics, contracts, merchandising, and community engagement.
Outside of her professional career, Lori is actively involved in volunteer leadership and community service. She serves as the Executive Director/Secretary General for the United States – International University Sports Federation and has represented the U.S. at six World University Games across Asia, Europe, and the USA. Additionally, Lori serves on the board of The Keepers Legacy and the North Carolina 2029 Summer University Games Organizing Committee.
Waldo-Brookside Rotarians joined 19 Club 13 Rotarians & guests for a picnic and yard games event Sunday afternoon. Club Presidents Jared Campbell and Bill Quatman along with Kara Bennett & Peter Ho (Club 13) and Liz Holt & James Arcano (Waldo-Brookside) organized the event. The weather was spectacular, food was tasty and plentiful, and the games were fun. A highlight of the activities was the opportunity to tie-dye a T-shirt. Rotarian James Arcano (Kansas City Bier Company) provided the supplies and offered advice on the finer points of tie-dying. Who could have known that there were so many creative Rotarians! It was suggested that there be a follow up event with everyone wearing their tie-dye T-shirt.
Come celebrate Missouri’s incredible grassland heritage at Prairie Day, a free, family-friendly event happening Saturday, September 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the beautiful Dunn Ranch Prairie in Harrison County. It’s a day full of nature, discovery, and fun for all ages! A number of Rotarians and their families attended the event two years ago and enjoyed a trailer ride among the large herd of bison as well as the opportunity to buy native plants and participate in other conservation related activities. Click here for more information.
Please join the Rotary Book Discussion Group for the discussion of the book Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. The book discussion will be led by Vivien Jennings and all Rotarians and guests are welcome.
Date: Monday, September 8, 2025, 6:30 PM
Location: J. Wilbur Company
3242 Roanoke
Kansas City, MO 64111
About the book:
Remarkably Bright Creatures is about a widow and her unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus. After her husband’s death, Tova Sullivan took up night shifts mopping floors and tidying up at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Keeping busy has always been her way of coping, especially after her 18-year-old son Erik mysteriously disappeared on a boat in Puget Sound over 30 years ago. She becomes acquainted with Marcellus – a curmudgeonly giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. He knows more than anyone could imagine, but he wouldn’t lift any of his 8 arms for his human captors until he starts a friendship with Tova. Marcellus, ever the detective, deduces what happened the night of Erik’s vanishing, and he must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster in order to discover the truth before it’s too late.
The Eastern Independence Rotary has committed $50,000 from this year's WineFest to the Rotary Youth Camp for a Splashpad. Thank you to everyone who has signed up to Volunteer!
Well, the Rotary bowling league got off to our 2025/26 seasons last week. We have most of the bowlers returning to give it another go. The first session back is all about setting averages, so nothing to report on 200 games or notable spares. We have a new President this year, Blake Fry.
Please join the Rotary Book Discussion Group for the discussion of the book Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. The book discussion will be led by Vivien Jennings and all Rotarians and guests are welcome.
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