The Lakewood Rotary Club will welcome Barlow Buescher as its new president on July 1, 2026, marking the beginning of Rotary’s new administrative year. Buescher succeeds Tom George, whose year of leadership
was defined by collaboration, community investment, and significant impact throughout the Lakewood area.
Under George’s leadership, the club embraced Rotary International’s theme, “Unite for Good,” bringing members, community partners, and local organizations together to strengthen the communities they serve. As the new Rotary year begins, Buescher will lead the club under the 2026–2027 theme, “Make Lasting Impact,” continuing the club’s commitment to meaningful service and sustainable community partnerships.
During the past year, the Lakewood Rotary Club achieved an extraordinary list of accomplishments, including:
- Completing a $50,000 contribution to the H-Barn Project in partnership with Partners for Parks and the City of Lakewood.
- Raising more than $50,000 toward the club’s $100,000 commitment to Nourish Pierce County.
- Partnering with Waste Connections for the annual Holiday Bike Build, providing bicycles to children from low-income families.
- Contributing more than $25,000 to international humanitarian projects, including medical equipment for communities in India and clean water initiatives in Nepal.
- Hosting a Rotary Youth Exchange student during the past year and welcoming another international student for the upcoming school year, strengthening cultural understanding and global friendships.
- Supporting the missions of The Coffee Oasis and Battlefield Addiction through charitable contributions.
- Serving as a sponsor of Caring for Kids’ annual fundraising event.
- Funding Clare’s Closet at St. Clare Hospital, providing clothing for patients upon discharge.
- Providing financial support to Emergency Food Network, Loaves & Fishes at First Baptist Church, and the Lakewood Rotary Club’s Little Free Pantries.
- Sponsoring the Lakewood Multicultural Coalition’s annual fundraising efforts that provide student scholarships and vocational training opportunities.
- Funding the Lakewood Playhouse’s summer youth theater program.
- Providing refreshments for caregivers at the Madigan Hospital Oncology Comfort Center while loved ones receive chemotherapy treatments.
- Supporting Toys for Kids at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital.
- Helping fund the Steilacoom Fourth of July Fireworks celebration commemorating America’s 250th Anniversary.
“Our members believe that service is measured by the lives we improve,” said outgoing President Tom George. “This past year demonstrated what is possible when dedicated volunteers, community partners, and generous supporters unite around a common purpose—whether serving neighbors here in Lakewood or communities around the world.”
Incoming President Barlow Buescher said he looks forward to building on that momentum.
“The Lakewood Rotary Club has a proud history of serving our community,” Buescher said. “As we begin a new Rotary year under the theme ‘Make Lasting Impact,’ we’ll continue investing in projects and partnerships that improve lives, develop future leaders, and create positive change both locally and internationally.”
The Lakewood Rotary Club welcomes community members and prospective members who are interested in leadership, friendship, and service to attend a meeting and learn more about making a difference in the greater Lakewood community.
About the Lakewood Rotary Club
The Lakewood Rotary Club is a service organization dedicated to improving lives through community projects, youth programs, scholarships, and charitable partnerships. For more than 70 years, members have combined leadership, friendship, and service to strengthen the Lakewood community while supporting humanitarian efforts around the world.
Learn more at: lakewoodrotary.com