On the tail of a two-year pandemic, the “Make it Happen” Rotary Club of La Conner invested over $71,000 in humanitarian causes locally, nationally and internationally during the 2021-2022 budget year.
We are also proud of our collaboration with Kiwanis, PEO, Garden Club, Soroptimists and the local Chamber of Commerce. This has included local projects, particularly monthly craft fairs. In December,
Approximately $12,470 of the total amount donated to various causes went to the club’s international projects, including clean water, sanitation and support for poor rural schools in Copan, Honduras. Many of our members have traveled to Honduras for hands-on projects along with members of 10 other clubs who are combining resources with us to make a difference in this community. Our members also sponsor primary and secondary students as well as mobile libraries in Honduras and Guatemala.
Internationally, the club also supported The Rotary Foundation’s polio eradication efforts and purchased wheelchairs for delivery to individuals in need worldwide.
The balance of Rotary grant funds were invested locally. Eight La Conner High School graduating seniors received $16,000 in scholarships and the La Conner Regional Library Foundation received $7,500 toward its building campaign from the club.
Our involvement with the La Conner School District included Principal Grants for discretionary student assistance as well as support for Poetry in the Classroom. We provided art supplies, after school programs and continuation of the weekend nourishment program for grade school students. The tradition of dictionaries for all third graders was continued and we stocked a school clothing closet. Healthy classroom snacks for students along with grants toward high school and young adult youth leadership development and service programs received support.
Rotary Club of La Conner supported regional non-profits too. Other beneficiaries included the La Conner Sunrise Food Bank, Skagit County Historical Museum, Oasis Teen Center and Skagit Symphony.
The Rotary Club of La Conner raises funds for scholarships and other education and literacy projects through its annual auction, which will be held August 27, 2022. The theme is “Imagine”, and it promises to be a lot of fun. Please join us to help support our good work. For more information or to buy tickets, visit
www.harvestinghopeauction.com.
If you are interested in becoming a member of this vibrant 42-member club, or just to learn more about us, we would welcome you with open arms. Just come to one of our meetings on Mondays at 5:45 p.m. at the Farmhouse Restaurant to get acquainted. Be sure to check our web site – www.laconnerrotary.org – to make sure we are there. We occasionally hold off-site meetings.
The club’s board members for 2022-2023 are Adam McGarity, President; Martha Pease, Past President; Connie Milliken, President-Elect; Audrey Gravley, Vice President; Christi King, Secretary; Don Wolf, Treasurer; Patsy Good, Community Service Director; Doug Moore, Vocational Service/Literacy Director; Karen Ryan, International Service Director; Kelley Morgan, Youth Service Director; Deb Davis Bundy, Club Image/Publicity Chair; and Danielle Mullen, Membership Chair.