district governor bret hrbek
meet bret
Bret Hrbek joined the Rotary Club of Front Royal in 2001 and became a board member in 2016, serving as club president in 2019-2020. He served as District Youth Coordinator and Interact Chairman from 2019-2023 and chaired the district’s Youth & Peace in Action Implementation Committee in 2020-2021. In 2017 Bret traveled with Rotarians from across the nation in a National Immunization Day delegation to India to deliver polio vaccinations. Bret is a member of the Paul Harris Society, the PolioPlus Society, the Bequest Society, a benefactor and a RLI graduate. Bret and his wife, Jessica, are Major Donors. Besides Rotary, Bret is a member of the Board of the Community Foundation of the Northern Shenandoah Valley and president of the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation.
Bret served on the Front Royal Town Council from 2006-2010 and 2012-2016 and vice mayor from 2008-2010. Bret is a past recipient of the Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award (2018), the Front Royal United Methodist Church Service Candle (2014), Dave Mormon Encouraging Youth Award (2022), Douglas A. Newton Excellence in Communication Award (2021) and the Ted Jones Spirit of Caring Award (2019 & 2021). Bret is an Eagle Scout. He received a Bachelor of Arts in political science and economics from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg and a master’s degree in financial planning from Bentley University in Waltham, MA. He is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Front Royal since August 2000. Bret is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®. Bret’s wife, Jessica, is a first-grade teacher at Hilda J. Barbour Elementary School in Front Royal. They have four children: Noah, Annie, Hunter and Luke. In his spare time Bret enjoys attending his children’s athletic events and performances, traveling, listening to podcasts, reading, and rooting for the Hokies.
rotary club of
front royal
DG Home club: front royal, virginia
The Rotary Club of Front Royal, Virginia, established on March 30, 1926, has been a cornerstone of community service for 97 years. Meeting every Friday at noon at the Warren County Community Center, the club engages in various initiatives to enhance the quality of life in Front Royal and Warren County. One of its longstanding traditions is the "Doc Smith Christmas Baskets," an annual project that provides food and essentials to over 200 families in need during the holiday season. This initiative reflects the club's commitment to supporting local families and fostering a sense of community.
In addition to holiday assistance, the club actively supports youth development and education. It offers scholarships to local high school students, aiding them in pursuing higher education. The club also recognizes young talent through the Student-Art Award and the Student Athlete of the Year Award, celebrating achievements in academics, arts, and sports.
The Rotary Club of Front Royal is dedicated to community service projects that address various needs. It participates in the Salvation Army Bell Ringing during the holiday season, raising funds to support those in need. The club also contributes to "Camp Fantastic," a camp for children with cancer by the organization Special Love, providing kids with memorable experiences and an opportunity to just be kids!
In recent years, the club has continued to adapt and grow, offering annual community service grants to local non-profit organizations, providing up to $8,500 for projects that benefit the local community. This grant program has supported various organizations, including the Warren County Humane Society and Habitat for Humanity, enabling them to carry out projects that address community needs.
The Rotary Club of Front Royal remains a vital part of the community, fostering fellowship among members and spearheading projects that address local and international needs. Its 97 years of service stand as a testament to its enduring commitment to making a positive impact in the world.