By Barbara Gobbi
There is an ancient Chinese proverb, “It is better to light a candle, than to sit and curse the darkness.” It is only fitting that “Light Up Rotary” is the theme for the 2014-2015 Rotary International year.
If you aren’t familiar with Rotary, it is the world’s largest international service organization, with over 1.2 million members performing international and community service projects. Projects have included everything from worldwide Polio eradication to local literacy programs. It has even gained notable partnerships such as the United Nations and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Coral Springs and Parkland have two clubs of business and community leaders dedicated to making an impact in our community. Both clubs hold annual fundraisers and golf tournaments to help support their projects. Among them are:
• High school scholarships that have totaled over $200,000 for local graduating seniors
• N.I.C.K.s Camp sends dozens of children with cancer to a very special summer camp in Orlando
• Dan Marino Foundation helps local children with autism and related disabilities
• S.O.S. Children’s village supports local abused, abandoned and neglected children
• Family Central offers childcare and educational resources for underprivileged children
• Josh the Otter is a literacy program that educates children about drowning prevention
• Rotary Hands Across Waters (RHAW) brings together students throughout Israel around a shared experience of learning about water and sanitation, conservation, resource development and environmental stewardship.
• The Rotary Club of Coral Springs-Parkland is hosting its 23rd foreign exchange student since 1992. This year’s student. Kriszti Sipos, is from Budapest, Hungary
Rotarians specialize in providing humanitarian services to our neighborhoods, our youth, our members’ vocations, and to the world. The South Florida district is home to more than 2,000 Rotarians belonging to over 50 clubs.
Youth programs have started with the support of Rotary International. Rotaract is the college-level of upcoming Rotarians and they are doing amazing projects in their communities. Interact clubs are established in local high schools to support budding community volunteers and leaders. Coral Springs and Parkland have over 100 kids in local Interact clubs!
The Rotary Club of Coral Springs-Parkland meets at 7:30 am for breakfast each Tuesday morning at the Marriott Heron Bay. The Rotary Club of Coral Springs meetings every Thursday at noon at Runyon’s. Join us for breakfast or lunch to meet a new group of like-minded friends…and learn more about Rotary and how we can all make a difference in the world. visit www.rotary.org.
