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It’s never too early to plan a big goal, especially when that goal brings our community closer together. We are thrilled to announce that the Richardson East Rotary Club and the City of Richardson are teaming up to bring a brand new pavilion to Cottonwood Park! "Annie's Place" will be the perfect complement to the Anne Eisemann Inclusive Playground (the RERC’s Signature Project from a few years back).

Richardson always shows up for the best our city has to offer. Come out and support this great project!

A huge thank you to the local businesses pitching in to make this vision a reality. Let’s keep building a Richardson that everyone can enjoy!

**All Spirit Nights benefit Annie’s Place Pavilion fundraising**

Annie's Place

We are on a heartfelt mission to raise $175,000 to build a beautiful Pavilion to be named "Annie's Place", that will enhance the inclusive playground named in memory of Ann Eisemann — a beloved woman whose passion for community and compassion for all children helped make the playground a reality. Located adjacent to the Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground in Cottonwood Park, Richardson, this final addition will honor her legacy by expanding the joy, comfort, and connection the playground already brings to countless families.

The pavilion will be more than a shelter. It will be a space for parents and grandparents to rest as they watch their children laugh and play. It will offer teachers a welcoming outdoor classroom, provide cover from the Texas sun and spring rains, and serve as a special place for families of all abilities to come together for picnics, birthday parties, and quiet moments of connection.

Since 1985, our Rotary Club (fondly known as the “fun” club) has made it our mission to give back to the Richardson community through meaningful, sustainable projects. In 2019, with generous support from donors like you, we proudly opened the Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground; a joyful, accessible space that welcomes children of all abilities. That project, over a million dollars strong, became our signature achievement. But we’re not quite done.....

With your support, we can MAKE IT HAPPEN AGAIN. And in late spring or early summer 2026, we hope you’ll join us as we cut the ribbon on this beautiful pavilion. A space built by community, for community.

►►► Donate Here: Richardson East Rotary Foundation

November at RERC

We Had A Busy November!

November was a busy month for the Richardson East Rotary Club!

The EDGE Awards celebration honored community and business leaders. Richardson Assistant Fire Chief Gene Senter received the 2025 RERC Service Above Self Award. Dr. Richard Benson (UT Dallas) earned the Richardson Technology Innovation Award, with RERC President Leslie Benson participating in the celebration!

We has a successful and lively Party in the Park, co-hosted with the City of Richardson Parks and Recreation Department. The event was led by RERC member, Yvonne Falgout (City of Richardson Parks and Recreation Director).

At one of our weekly Wednesday meetings, we welcomed the Swedish Academic Delegation to Texas. They shared their entrepreneurial stories with our club and discussed local partnerships and initiatives actively happening right here in Richardson.

Methodist Courtyard Project

Methodist Richardson Hospital
Courtyard Project Phase 3

Through August and September, our club has been working with Laura Small (Manager, Behavioral Health & Addiction Recovery, Methodist Richardson Medical Center Campus for Continuing Care) to revitalize their dated courtyard, a project made possible by a District 5810 Rotary Grant.

This space is a crucial oasis for patients. Over many separate Saturdays, we have performed hands-on work to transform it. Our tasks have included re-roofing and staining the gazebo, revitalizing the plants, building a deck and renewing the overall space. These efforts will create a more peaceful and welcoming environment, offering patients a much-needed break from the hospital setting.