Home Page | Rotary Club of West Hartford

The Rotary Club of West Hartford is a 501(c)(4) organization.

Our non-profit arm, which is a 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 51-0183460), is the Rotary Club of West Hartford Service Chest Inc.

More information about the Service Chest can be found at this site: http://www.westhartfordrotarysc.org

If you are looking for partnership opportunities with our club, we hope that you will fill out the form on that website in advance.

Alicia Queally is West Hartford Rotary's President for 2026-27

West Hartford Rotary Celebrates its 75th year!

On Tuesday, July 21st, the Rotary Club of West Hartford held its annual President Installation Dinner. The club also took a moment to celebrate its Diamond Anniversary, as the club celebrates its 75th Anniversary this year. The Pond House Café was the host site for the annual installation dinner that honored outgoing President Patrice Taffe for her 2025-26 year of leadership to the organization. Incoming President, Alicia Queally was then installed for the upcoming 2026-27 year.

Queally offered a look ahead to the year by outlining her goals for the club. They include increasing membership, boosting regular attendance by members, expanding opportunities for members to engage and taking ownership in helping to shape our meeting agendas and service projects, and ensuring the club meets our commitments to our major service projects, which include the Vines of March, the Food Pantry drive and Celebrate West Hartford. Additionally, the club will participate in a District Grant sponsored initiative this year—a sock and undergarment drive to support our local area shelters. She closed the night thanking each Rotarian for their continued support, energy and dedication to the Rotary.

A special thank you goes out to Heather Pantano, Assistant District Governor, for her assistance with installing our new Board.

This year will mark West Hartford Rotary's 75th Anniversary

Immediate Past President, Patrice Taffe, hands over the reins to President Alicia

West Hartford Rotary's Board for 2026-2027

(L-R) Eileen Rau, Patrice Taffe, Rick Liftig, Alicia Queally, Steve Gold, Kyle Egress

$10,000 Worth of Food and Supplies Donated to the Food Pantry!

Today, the Rotary Club of West Hartford purchased $10,000 worth of food at Costco and had a “Food Caravan” to Town Hall, where we filled the Food Pantry!

Special thanks to the Conard High School Interact students, the West Hartford Police Department, and our fellow Rotarians and friends that were able to come out today to help make today a success.

It is wonderful to see the proceeds from our fundraising events, such as the Vines of March and Celebrate! West Hartford benefit our West Hartford community.

Click Here to Learn More About Our Club

This is what $10,000 worth of groceries and goods looks like

Booker and Elena DeVaughn awarded the Exum Leadership Award

On January 19th, 2026, West Hartford Rotarian Dr. Booker DeVaughn and his wife Dr. Elana DeVaughn were awarded the prestigious Earl Exum Servant Leader Award on at West Hartford Town Hall. A servant leader is an individual who focuses on serving others, fostering a supportive environment, and empowering people to grow. Nominees for this award demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and encourage collaboration and stewardship.

The award was presented by Rotarian West Hartford mayor Shari Cantor who noted:

“Drs. Booker and Elena DeVaughn embody the spirit of service, education, and community that the Earl Exum Award seeks to honor. Together, the DeVaughns have enriched public understanding of African American history through research, presentations, and exhibits. They are generous in every way, from philanthropy to volunteerism with many non-profit organizations. They are sought-after leaders in the community, and we are lucky to have them.”

CONGRATULATIONS to Booker and Elena for embodying Rotary's guiding principle of SERVICE ABOVE SELF!!

Pictured: Rotary Past President, Dave Mangs, Dr. Booker DeVaughn, Dr. Elena DeVaughn

We-Ha.Com article about the event