The Rotary Club of Englewood Sunset Impact just wrapped up its 3rd Annual Empowering Women Fashion Show on February 21, 2026, at Boca Royale Country Club. It was all about lifting up women in our community and raising funds for scholarships.
Aura Boutique, a favorite local shop, generously provided the runway looks. “A huge shout-out to them for partnering with us,” says Bobbie Sue Taylor, the president of the Englewood Sunset Rotary Club. “The energy in the room, the incredible people, none of it happens without the support of this community.”
Every ticket and sponsorship from the event goes straight into educational grants for local women who want to take their next big step. On top of that, the “Bougie Wagon” raffle was a hit. One lucky winner took home over $1,000 worth of goodies like chocolates, bath salts, and gift certificates.
Although International Women’s Day occurred on March 8, these generous Rotarians concentrate on empowering women throughout the year. “Our members are out there mentoring, volunteering, funding scholarships, and helping families. We know that when women succeed, our entire community rises,” says Rotarian Janet Shawen.
“Our club’s in its fourth year now,” adds Bobbie Sue. “We started as just a group of women looking for connection, but it’s become so much more; a real mission to lift people up.”
Change doesn’t always come from big, dramatic moments. Sometimes, it’s just about helping someone believe in themselves again. Opening a door that felt shut. Giving someone the push they need to take that first brave step. Their Women’s Empowerment Scholarships do exactly that: help women start businesses, kick off new careers, and build better futures for themselves and their families.
When one woman rises, her whole family grows stronger. And when families get stronger, so does our whole community. “That’s why we focus on impact,” Bobbie Sue emphasizes. “Even the small kind. Because together, those small acts add up to something powerful.”
Bobbie Sue extends another big thanks to Aura boutique for hosting their latest fundraiser, the fashion show, and to Boca Royale Golf and Country Club for the space and for serving the ladies’ lunch. “We raised over $8,000.”
Next up is Burgerfest in Paradise.
(all photos courtesy of The Rotary Club of Englewood Sunset Impact)
It’s coming up April 4, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pioneer Plaza (325 W Dearborn St, Englewood). “We’ll have awesome burgers, live music, and good times,” adds Janet, “all to support the projects that help Englewood thrive. So far, we’ve given out $22,000 in scholarships since we started.”
“Honestly, I could talk about Burgerfest all day,” Janet says with a laugh. “I think this is our third or maybe fourth year; I lose track. Every dollar we raise goes right back into the Impact Club. Like Bobbie Sue said, we’re all about supporting women, not just through scholarships. We’ve helped women like the Tea Truck Lady get her business rolling. It’s all about building up our community.”
For Burgerfest in Paradise, they plan to have a little over a dozen grillers. Each one will serve up either half a burger or two sliders for five coupons, with each coupon costing one dollar. Voting’s fun: they do People’s Choice with gold coins, and then there’s secret judging.
“Only I know who the judges are, and that’s staying secret,” Janet says. “The judges check for taste, juiciness, the whole deal. We have two trophies, and trust me, they’re fabulous. You can see one—a big trophy with a hamburger on top—on our website. Whoever wins gets to claim the title of Best Burger in Englewood.”
There will be plenty of parking, and the event is free; no donation is required. Just buy your tickets, grab some food and drinks, and enjoy. They will have three bands playing, so bring a chair, relax, listen to some music, let your food settle, and then go back for more.
For more information check out their website at rotaryclubofenglewoodsunsetimpact.com
