Dubuque, Iowa — The Rotary Club of Dubuque is turning a beloved comfort food into a powerful vehicle for community good with its new “Grilled Cheese Made with Purpose” initiative. Featuring a cheerful, anthropomorphic grilled cheese sandwich mascot waving a Rotary flag against a scenic Dubuque backdrop (complete with Shot Tower and bridges), the campaign invites residents to enjoy melty sandwiches at local events while supporting vital local grants and projects. 

Up Coming Events :

•  Millwork Night Market (5–8 p.m. on select Thursdays: July 9, Aug. 13, Sept. 10, Oct. 8) at 7th–9th on Jackson Street.

•  Food Festival Fridays (11 a.m.–1 p.m. on select Fridays: July 10 & 24, Aug. 14 & 28, Sept. 11 & 25) alternating between Washington Park (700 Locust Street) and Pocket Park (897 Central). 

These markets are well-established community hubs. The Millwork Night Market, an independent evening farmers’ market in the historic Millwork District, showcases local food producers, artists, musicians, and brewers, offering a vibrant nightlife and shopping experience. Food Festival Fridays, organized by Dubuque Main Street, brings food trucks, live music, and downtown energy for lunch. 

“When you enjoy a grilled cheese, you support local!” proclaims the flyer. All proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of Dubuque’s local grants and projects, aligning with the organization’s long-standing motto of “Service Above Self” and its mission to transform communities. 

About the Rotary Club of Dubuque

Founded in 1915, the Rotary Club of Dubuque boasts over 130 members and is part of the global Rotary network of approximately 1.2 million members. For more than a century, the club has tackled local and international challenges, including supporting education, fighting disease, promoting peace, and funding infrastructure like the Fire Safety House and contributions to America’s River Project. 

Current efforts include:

•  Humanitarian grants and community projects.

•  Scholarships for local high school students.

•  International service, such as funding machine tools for the Working Boys Center in Ecuador.

•  Hands-on local service like monthly “Food for the Soul” meals for those in need, highway cleanups, and support for organizations like ARK Advocates and Area Residential Care. 

The club meets weekly on Tuesdays at the Dubuque Golf & Country Club and actively welcomes new members passionate about service. 

Why Grilled Cheese?

Grilled cheese sandwiches have a rich history as accessible, crowd-pleasing comfort food. This initiative taps into that universal appeal while echoing successful models elsewhere—like student-run “FeelGood” grilled cheese delis raising funds against hunger or community events pairing food with philanthropy. In Dubuque, it’s a fun, family-friendly way to engage the public at existing events, lowering barriers to participation and turning everyday enjoyment into impact. 

The campaign embodies Rotary’s four-way test (truth, fairness, goodwill, and benefit) and its areas of focus like community economic development and basic education/literacy. By “supporting our community one melty bite at a time,” it invites everyone—families, professionals, and visitors—to contribute meaningfully while savoring a simple pleasure. 

For more details on the Rotary Club of Dubuque, visit dubuquerotary.org. Mark your calendars for the upcoming markets, grab a grilled cheese, and join the fun—because in Dubuque, even lunch can make a difference. 

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