2024 Saving Smile Bicknell Cup Honoree: Dr. Carolyn Wicker

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who unite to create lasting change—across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Founded over 100 years ago, Rotary brings together people from diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas, build relationships, and work on impactful projects.

The Rotary Club of Grand Prairie dives into a mix of community service projects and global initiatives. We support education with scholarships, provide essential healthcare services like dental sealants for kids, build wheelchair ramps for local residents, and develop young leaders through our Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program. We’re also big on global efforts like clean water projects, disease prevention, and dental health.

Joining us is a breeze! Reach out via our contact page or drop by one of our meetings to learn more about our work and how you can get involved. We welcome people from all walks of life who are passionate about making a positive impact in their community and the world.

As a Rotary member, you'll get to give back to your community, develop leadership skills, and make lasting friendships with like-minded individuals. Plus, you’ll be part of a global network dedicated to making a difference, with access to resources and support for your service projects.

Right now, we're providing dental sealants to 2nd and 7th graders, building wheelchair ramps for local residents, awarding scholarships to deserving students, and organizing community events like the Saving Smiles Bicknell Cup Golf Tournament. We’re also involved in global initiatives addressing issues like clean water, disease prevention, and peacebuilding.

We’re funded through member dues, donations, and fundraising events. Our club hosts various fundraising activities throughout the year, such as our annual golf tournament, to support our community service projects and global initiatives.

The Saving Smiles Bicknell Cup is our annual golf tournament, now celebrating its 25th year. Named after our club member and dentist Janelle Bicknell, who, along with City Manager and Rotarian Tom Hart, founded the event, this signature tournament raises funds to provide essential dental sealants to 2nd and 7th grade students on free and reduced lunch within the Grand Prairie Independent School District.

Over the past 25 years, the tournament has helped deliver more than $3.5 million worth of free dental services to children in need.

Each year, we honor an individual who exemplifies "Service Above Self," adding their name to the prestigious Bicknell Cup trophy. The event features various sponsorship levels, offering opportunities for community members and businesses to support a great cause while enjoying a day of golf and camaraderie.

You can support us in many ways! Volunteer at our events, make a donation, sponsor our projects, or simply spread the word about our work. Every bit of support helps us make a bigger impact.

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary District 5810 that brings together high school juniors and seniors to develop their leadership skills while having a blast and making connections. Participants attend a week-long camp packed with workshops, activities, and discussions designed to boost their leadership abilities, build confidence, and highlight the value of teamwork and community service. RYLA emphasizes personal development, ethical leadership, and civic responsibility, prepping young people to be leaders in their communities.

What sets us apart is our holistic approach to service. We tackle local needs, like building wheelchair ramps and providing dental care, while also engaging in global initiatives.

Our commitment to youth leadership development through programs like RYLA, and our long-term, sustained impact in the community, make us unique. With nearly a century of dedicated service, we continue to create lasting positive change in Grand Prairie, Texas and beyond!