Philadelphia Rotary Celebrates Its Grant Awards for 2017-2018
The Rotary Club of Philadelphia, the “Little Engine That Makes Good Things Happen,” will celebrate its 2017-2018 grant awards given to 12 different organizations at its luncheon meeting on June 7 at The Philadelphia Racquet Club (noon-1:30 PM, 215 S. 16 Street). The Rotary Club of Philadelphia is one of 35,000 Rotary Clubs worldwide making good things happen in their communities and beyond. The Rotary Club of Philadelphia is the 19th oldest Rotary Club in the world and distributes about $30,000.00 annually to worthy and needy causes. Additionally, Philadelphia Rotary members have been involved with volunteer “service projects” at Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, Manna, Bartram Gardens, the Wyck Estate and the Waring School Library among others this year. Each of the grant recipients will be at the June 7 luncheon to acknowledge their awards. These include:
Tree House Books ($2500.00) A Giving Library and Literacy Center located in North Philadelphia on a mission to grow and sustain a community of readers, writers, and thinkers.
Musicopia ($2000.00) An amazing non-profit which has provided over 2,000 music programs to numerous schools in Philadelphia, giving more than 15,000 students the opportunity to learn about live music,
Ethiopian Rheumatology Project ($5000.00) To increase access to rheumatology care in Ethiopia because treatment for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, gout, osteoarthritis, etc. is limited. Consequently, there is an increase in disability and even mortality from these diseases.
Rotaplast ($3,000.00) To support the upcoming mission trip to Liberia and fund this life altering surgery (cleft palate) for three children.
Beat the Streets Philadelphia ($3,000.00) A nonprofit that implements athletic and mentoring programs as a vehicle to ‘Positively Alter Life’s Trajectory’ for Philadelphia’s under-served youth. Beat the Streets uses after school wrestling and mentoring to engage boys and girls and keep them off the streets.
Philadelphia Rotaract Club ($1,000,00) An award-winning community service club affiliated with the Rotary Club of Philadelphia and located at the University of Pennsylvania
Waring Public School ($3,000.00) To purchase books for take-home reading aligned with the 100 Book Challenge. The 100 Book Challenge incorporates several researched based best practices in literacy and learning to create a highly effective reading program.
LaSalle Academy Educational Grant ($500.00) For a graduating eighth grader from this school for future educational expenses. LaSalle Academy, in lower Kensington, serves a population of students whose families have an annual income under $18,500.00). The school has a student Early Act Club affiliated with the Rotary Club of Philadelphia.
West Catholic Prep Scholarship ($1000.00) For a graduating senior to help offset university expenses. West Catholic has a student Interact (service) club affiliated with the Rotary Club of Philadelphia.
Tree Planting Project ($1,000.00) To support an exciting partnership with the world renowned Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to plant trees on the Schuylkill River West Trail in King of Prussia, PA on Earth Day April 22, 2018.
Peace Day Philly ($1200.00) To support the many community activities coordinated by this Philadelphia Non-Profit aimed at violence prevention and peace building.
Philly Reads ($5000.00) To support the outreach of this highly-effective non-profit in providing quality literacy programs for Philadelphia children.