$40K+ FOUNDATION IMPACTS
The Foundation Board met on November 19 and received an update on the highly successful Healing Field of Honor. Special thanks to Chair Alicia Oates, Treasurer Peter Wilkins, and the volunteers who braved the cold to staff the welcome table—this event truly showcased Rotary’s community impact.
November was Rotary Foundation Month, and we thank everyone who supported the Rotary Foundation through contributions made via My Rotary, helping advance Rotary’s mission and moving members closer to becoming Paul Harris Fellows.
Over $40,000 Grants Approved for 2025 (as of July 1)
- International: Water for Life Mozambique ($10,350); ShelterBox ($1,000)
- Flood Relief: Jamaica ($1,000); District 5840 ($1,000)
- Community Service: Paint Your Heart Out ($4,000); National Fire Safety Council ($600); Charlotte Re-Entry ($1,000); Charlotte Care Center ($1,000); Florida Philharmonic Orchestra ($1,000); Blue Star Mothers ($500); Veterans Village ($500); SMBC Outreach ($500)
- Youth: Scholarships ($4,384); Project Graduation ($1,000); Interact ($1,000); S4TL ($2,200); RYLA ($2,000); Youth Initiatives ($1,200); Yah Yah Girls ($1,000); CARE ($1,000); Drowning Foundation ($300)
- Vocational: Scholarship Gift Cards ($500); CPR Dog Trainer ($961); Student of the Year ($600); Hammer Drill ($400); HVAC Equipment ($398); Charlotte Technical College ($1,228)
The next grant approval dates are March 1 and June 1.
THE TASTE OF PUNTA GORDA - MARCH 8TH!
By James C. Williams
We need your help! The 18th Annual Taste of Punta Gorda is fast approaching. Festival day is Sunday, March 8, from 11 AM–5 PM at Laishley Park, and we need every member’s support to ensure the success of our club foundation’s largest annual fundraiser.Since its debut in 2007, the Taste has grown into the premier food festival in Punta Gorda and Charlotte County—thanks to strong community support and you.
How you can help:
- Sponsorships: You support local businesses—now invite them to support the Taste. Contact Darcy Hanley or Peter Wilkins to sign up business sponsors. Every dollar raised supports community grants totaling nearly $60,000 annually.
- Restaurants: Join James Williams’ restaurant team and help recruit 20–25 restaurants to serve 3,000–4,000 attendees. This is a powerful marketing opportunity, and your relationships matter.
- Vendors: Know artists, crafters, or specialty food vendors? Join Bari Amadio’s vendor team, supporting nearly 70 vendors at the festival.
- Publicity: Theresa Brackett’s Public Image Team is leading promotion. Help distribute posters, flyers, and spread the word.
- Volunteers: We need all hands on deck before, during, and after the event. Volunteer leaders include Bette Carlson, Andrea Ariens, Kit and Lach Smith (Restaurant Row), Betty Kedziora (VIP Tent), and Polly Pierce (Admissions). Watch for sign-ups on Signup Genius.
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Questions? Contact Taste Director Andrea Ariens at dreabugg722@yahoo.com.
Please join the Taste team and contribute wherever you can to make this the best Taste of Punta Gorda yet.