Peninsula Rotary Donates Over $10,000 to Children’s Programs
With fundraising expenses paid, and a new Rotary year just around the corner, the Peninsula Rotary club invited guests to their meetings recently to receive the fruits of the year’s effort: over $10,000 in donations to programs benefitting children.
(Left to right) Peninsula Rotary President 08-09 Carol Lynn Ockfen, President-Elect Dick Fisher, Boys & Girls Club of the Long Beach Peninsula Executive Director Debbie Coppenger, and Peninsula Rotary Fundraising Chair Lynn Raymer
Debbie Coppenger, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of the Long Beach Peninsula, accepted a check of more than $5,700. “We have always been able to count on the support of our local Rotary Club and we thank you”. Rotarians returned the gratitude, thanking the Boys & Girls Club Board for their assistance the night of the Oysters & Art gala event that raised the monies being distributed. “We make a great team!” event chair Lynn Raymer beamed. Coppenger updated Rotarians on the progress the local Boys & Girls club made during their first year, “We’re excited to be heading into our summer programs and opening our new Teen Center”.
Bonnie Cozby, Peninsula Arts Association and Peninsula Rotary President 08-09 Carol Lynn Ockfen
The Peninsula Arts Association (PAA), many of whose members provided art for the auction and were paid up to half of the revenue generated from the sale of their work, received a $760. check for their Student Art Scholarship Fund. Bonnie Cozby, on behalf of the PAA, noted that the donation will fund scholarships for Ilwaco High School art students.
“The Peninsula Arts Association encourages young people in the arts and awards an annual scholarship to a local (Ilwaco, Ilwaco Alternative, Naselle or home schooled) high school graduate. The expansion and continuance of this scholarship program is the main focus of all PAA fundraising.”
(Left to right) Jean Hendricks, Family Health Center Dental Clinic and Peninsula Rotary President 08-09 Carol Lynn Ockfen
“We are so grateful to have Rotary as our key sponsor!” Jean Hendricks, accepting over $1,200 for the Family Health Center Dental Clinic, told Rotarians. She continued with stories of local children who received braces, surgery, cleaning, xrays, and fillings, thanks to the funds the club raised for them the prior year.
Hendricks told Rotarians more about the program. “Family Health Center (FHC) is a local, non-profit, community-owned health care provider serving low-income and medically underserved communities, providing access to all patients that walk through the door, regardless of their ability to pay.” The clinic recently welcomed a new dentist, Dr Andrew Tang, who relocated from Northern California.
Family Health Center has been an instrumental partner for Oysters & Art, the major fundraiser of the club, which featured works by local artists. Rotarians thanked Hendricks for employee assistance at the auction and in promoting the gala. “This was my first year to attend.” Hendricks responded What a great event! It looked like everyone was having a great time. The art was amazing. We appreciate your support for the children of our community!”
Oysters and Art, smaller fundraising projects, and donations of individual Rotarians combined to enable the club to put nearly $8,000 back into the local community for youth programs and another $2,000 into their global community.
“It is really a testimony to the commitment and efforts of our small club, along with a very generous community, to have the ability to give to our community in this way,” remarked Club President Carol Lynn Ockfen. “We’re delighted to be giving $8,000 to local youth programs and another $2,000 to international children’s programs, including prevention of sex slavery, and polio eradication.”
More than 1.3 million Rotary members worldwide are committed to service projects to provide humanitarian service and help build goodwill and peace in the world. The Peninsula Rotary club is one of more than 31,000 clubs in 165 countries. The active local club of 28 members is involved in a number of projects locally, regionally and around the globe and welcomes new members. SW Pacific County Peninsula Rotary meets Tuesday mornings, 7:30 am, at the 42nd Street Café in Seaview, WA. Contact Carol Lynn Ockfen for more information: 360.665.5806 or carollynnockfen@comcast.net.
