ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
Rotary is the largest international service organization in the world with members donating their time and talents to world-wide causes. There are many chapters in our area; however, I spoke with Leigh Owen, President of the Boerne Noon Rotary to get some background information about international philanthropy projects.
One of the Noon Rotary members, Rob Bradley, provides dental services in South American projects. The San Antonio and Hill Country chapters collaborate on Shelter Boxes that go to various countries after a natural disaster such as the recent one in Haiti. A Fair Oaks Ranch chapter member supports an eye vision program in Mexico City.
International Rotary champions large programs such as the eradication of polio; today there are less than 100 cases. That is one of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s program. The area chapters held a Pints for Polio event at Random as couple of years ago to further the cause.
Many local projects are administered on a regular basis: 100 trees planted at Boerne City Lake five years ago; donations of cash and peanut butter monthly to Blessings in a Backpack; heaters for seniors on the Meals on Wheels program; donations of canned goods to Hill Country Family Services’ pantry; four scholarship for graduating seniors; small building projects like ramps for senior housing; Breakfast with Santa for the Roy Maas residents; and free meals programs for Boerne ISD underserved students.
Be sure to check out Boerne Noon Rotary Club’s social media and website (both International and Chapters) for fundraising events and ongoing programs. Congratulations to the chapter for the Chamber’s Nonprofit of the Year award! The Boerne Rotary 2022 Casino Night Fundraiser will be held on April 9 at Kronkosky Place. https://www.boernerotary.org/
