Rotary donates nearly $47,000

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August 6, 2008

By Cara Spilsbury

The Haverhill Rotary Club's recent round of donations boosted the bottom line of dozens of local organizations and foundations by a total of $46,925.

"I think it's one of the most gratifying things that we do," said 2008 Rotary President John Cuneo. "Sometimes an organization just needs some extra money to make ends meet and they can't get it any other way. (A donation of) $1,000 may not seem like a lot to a very large organization, but for smaller organizations, it makes a big difference."

Many of the charities who received donations have had a relationship with the club for years, either through Rotary members that are a part of the organizations or know people who benefit from them.

One of the newest recipients of Rotary money is Friends Forever, which received $1,000. The group helps conflicting sides in the Middle East work together toward peace. This is the second year that Rotary has donated to the organization.

"We've started to increase our international focus in recent years," Cuneo said.

The money for this year's donations was raised through fundraisers and service projects throughout the year that were a joint effort between the club and Greater Haverhill. The fundraising and the distribution decisions were overseen by 2007 Haverhill Rotary President Vin Bonnano.

"We couldn't do what we do without not only the generosity of our members but also of the community at large," said Cuneo. "We are really appreciative of the public's support."

At the Haverhill YMCA, for example, which received $1,500, the money means more people can enjoy the resources at the Y.

"The Haverhill YMCA is very thankful for the continued generosity of Haverhill Rotary Club," said Tracy Fuller, the Y's executive director. "Their support enables children to attend YMCA summer camp, after-school programs, classes, and families to participate in healthy activities that otherwise could not. Haverhill Rotary helps the YMCA continue to meet its mission and serve all in the Haverhill Community, especially with increased demand for financial assistance in the current economy."

Northern Essex Community College has found that the $1,500 Rotary donates to a scholarship helps students who may need a little financial boost to achieve higher education. This year's recipient was Gabrielle Carr.

"Our students are deeply appreciative of the support we receive from the Rotary Club," said Jean Poth, vice president of Institutional Advancement at NECC. "The Rotary Club Scholarship benefits a Haverhill resident who is attending Northern Essex. We have many qualified applicants, many of whom might not be able to continue their education without the benefit of the scholarship they receive. Thanks to Rotary Club and our other generous donors, more than 200 Northern Essex students will receive close to $162,000 in scholarships this year."

At Emmaus Inc., which received $1,000 from Rotary, the money will help provide services to the homeless. With more and more people losing their homes by the day and a housing and mortgage crisis continuing to worsen, Emmaus is thrilled to be one of Rotary's chosen charities.

"It comes at a critical time," said Emmaus Executive Director Jeanine Murphy. "The need this year is tremendous. We're really blessed that Rotary has donated to us. We're so thankful."

Highlights of the Haverhill Rotary Club's Donations in 2007-2008

Bethany Homes — $1,500

Haverhill Boys Club — $1,500

Boy Scouts of America — $1,000

Career Resources — $1,000

Community Action — $1,000

Community Meals — $1,000

Dictionary Project, in which every third-grader receives a dictionary — $1,440

Emmaus House — $1,000

Friends Forever — $1,000

Girls Inc. — $1,500

Haverhill Historical Society — $1,000