Cloquet Rotary & Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Junior Rotary - Service Above Self. Making a Difference Locally and Globally

Listen to Podcast Here: Cloquet Rotary

For over 40 years, the Cloquet Rotary and Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Junior Rotary have embodied the Rotary International motto “Service Above Self,” empowering both adults and youth in our region to make meaningful change at home and around the world.

Rotary is a global service organization with more than 1.2 million members and over 45,000 clubs worldwide. For more than a century, Rotarians have tackled issues that matter most—peacebuilding, clean water, health initiatives like the eradication of polio, education, and sustainable local economic growth. Rotary clubs serve as launchpads for action, where individuals come together to share ideas, lead initiatives, and build a better future for all.

Locally, the Cloquet Rotary Club and its youth counterpart, the Junior Rotary, are incredibly active. Founded in 1983, the Cloquet club has built a legacy of compassion, action, and lasting impact. Members meet both in person and virtually, offering flexibility and connection to those passionate about service. At a recent luncheon, both long-standing members and high school students shared stories of impact and inspiration, proving that service knows no age limit.

Local & Global Impact

• Global Reach: The Cloquet Rotary has made over 17 humanitarian trips to Honduras, each lasting two weeks, to provide aid and support where it's needed most.

• Community Fundraisers: Events such as the Rotary Roses Sale, Peach Sale, Color Run 5K, March for Veterans Celebration, and more generate the funds needed to fuel community projects.

• Signature Projects:

  • Development of Fauley Park through bench donations and mural painting.

  • Creation of a community Cloquet sign.

  • Project Elf, a compassionate initiative focused on supporting local families—nominated by school counselors—who might otherwise go unnoticed during the holiday season.

  • Partnerships with Community of Hope, supporting the area’s homeless through collaboration with churches from Cloquet, Esko, and Carlton.

  • Scholarships to leadership camps, contributions to local youth organizations, and more.

    
    

“Project Elf has become one of our most heartfelt initiatives,” says Leah, a dedicated Cloquet Rotary member. “We’re able to help families who are often overlooked—those who may not ask for help but need it most. It’s a reminder that service can restore hope and dignity.”

Whether you’re a student discovering the power of service for the first time or a seasoned professional looking to give back, there’s a place for you in Rotary. If you have the time, heart, or resources to make a difference in the Cloquet area, consider joining or donating today.

💙 Because lasting change starts with a single act of service.

🌐 Learn more at www.cloquetrotary.org