January Service Project in the Caring Kitchen

Rotary members and friends recently volunteered at Caring for Friends in Northeast Philly.  The group made and packaged peanut butter and jelly sandwiches which would later be given to homeless people.  Some volunteers worked on chopping and seasoning squash for the organization’s senior program. Thanks to all who volunteered:  Pete Henson, Walter Pinkas, Nick Squeri, Walter's mother Mary, Walter's wife Heather, Love Nosa-Omorogiuwa, Lisa Leonard, Frances Liao, Geni Klein, Rachelle Aquilla, John Schueler, Marianna Tretiak, and Ken Myers.  

Service-Minded Students Make Gift Packs

The West Catholic Prep Lasallian Interact Club, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Philadelphia, conducted an exemplary service project after school on November 9, 2022.

More than 25 Interact Club students were involved in this Caring for Friends project preparing several hundred gift food packets for the homebound and other needy persons.

Led by faculty adviser, Kelly Foley, these young people worked tirelessly and enthusiastically to create attractive and delicious presents.

It was a great day for West Catholic and its Interact Club.

NB---Caring for Friends, which supplied all of the foodstuffs, received a grant from the Rotary Foundation of Philadelphia earlier in 2022.

Supporting Youth Soccer

We celebrated with the U8-U9 Anderson Monarch girls their first ever soccer tournament, a smashing success as they beat three opponents by a combined goal differential of 15 to 0! The girls were awarded their first ever soccer trophies. After the award ceremony, our Philadelphia Rotary Soccer Committee gave out pizza, drinks, and donated box toys from the tent we had set up.

In the coming months, we will have more activities and opportunities planned, including fundraising for the Monarch girls.

Philadelphia Area Rotary Clubs Raise $100k for Ukraine Relief

More than $100,000 has been raised by 50 local Rotary Clubs in the Delaware Valley to help Ukrainians suffering from the war with Russia.

Money raised is the result of generous donations to a special fund combined with the recent “United with Ukraine” fundraiser. The June 14th event was a big success thanks to ticket sales, sponsorships, and the live and silent auctions.  

“Thanks to a wonderful team and tremendous support from fellow Rotary members and friends, we have raised more than $100,000 to date to help deliver much needed supplies to Ukrainian refugees in Poland and Ukrainians in their war torn country,” said Joan Batory, Chair Ukrainian Relief Committee.

The event was an extension of the original fundraising initiative to help Ukraine that began shortly after the war broke out. All proceeds from the evening go to the Ukrainian Relief Fund of the Gundaker Foundation of Rotary District 7450. From there, the funds get sent to a special account in Poland used by local aid workers to respond to the needs of Ukrainians now in Poland and those still in their homeland.  

Watch the Touching Origin Story

"I was overwhelmed to witness how much our fellow Rotarians and even friends outside of the organization went above and beyond to support this cause through their exceedingly generous donations," said Ken Myers, Ukrainian Relief Committee member.

The event, held at Lia’s Catering, The Ballrooms at Boothwyn, was highlighted by Slavic cuisine, Ukrainian music, Polka dancing, and powerful speakers, Eugene Luciw, President of the Philadelphia branch of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) and Michael Sawkiw, Jr., Executive Vice President of UCCA and Director of the Ukrainian National Information Service, the organization’s Washington D.C. bureau.

Luciw gave an informative and impassioned exposition of the unjust, barbaric and inhuman nature of Russia’s heavily armed attack on Ukraine and her people. He also placed Moscow’s brutality into geopolitical perspective and outlined the separate and distinct nature and history of the Ukrainian nation which goes back to the ninth century and pre-dates Russia’s beginnings by approximately 500 years.

Sawkiw shared his belief that the U.S. and its allies must provide even more military, economic and humanitarian help than they are currently. One of reasons he cited is that Ukraine is the “breadbasket” of Europe and the world. He said that Russia’s intentional interference with the production and shipping of Ukraine’s grain around the globe could readily cause a world-wide famine.

Rotary District 7450 Governor Roger Taylor emceed the evening.  Poland’s District Governor-Elect, Piotr Jankowski and Ukraine’s District Governor Volodymyr Bondarenko spoke on video, thanking attendees for their support but also pleading for more help.  “The war is far from over.  We have to buy a lot of food now to prepare for winter.” said Jankowski.

Eugene Luciw giving impassioned speech at United with Ukraine event

Performers Yuliya and Ihor

Rotary Governor Roger Taylor dancing with Greater West Chester Sunrise Rotary Club President Judy Curtin

Yuliya Stupen singing Ukrainian National Anthem as speakers hold flag

Luciw is also involved with planning a big Ukrainian Independence Folk Festival on August 28th in Horsham.  It will feature the beautiful singing of Yuliya Stupen who performed at our District's event.  You can learn more about the Ukrainian festival fundraiser by visiting Ukrainian Folk Festival 2022.  

Donations are still being accepted at Rotary District 7450 Gundaker Foundation Ukrainian Relief Fund. A big thanks goes out to all the Rotarians and friends who generously contributed to this fund and the Ukrainian Relief Committee for all their work to help relieve some of the suffering caused by the war. _________________________________________________________________________

18 organizations received funding over the past year from the Rotary Club of Philadelphia’s foundation

Celebrating its 111th anniversary, Philadelphia Rotary continued its extensive outreach into the community by awarding grants to 18 organizations that fall within several of Rotary International’s areas of focus: supporting education, fighting disease, saving mothers and children, and improving local communities.  

With an initial donation of $1,000, the club’s foundation was established in 1965 by generous and visionary new club members. Today, the foundation grants about $30,000 a year to organizations in need, both locally and internationally. 

It’s so inspiring to witness firsthand the impassioned efforts of individuals and organizations around the Philadelphia region and beyond and to be part of an amazing foundation that helps to bring those endeavors to fruition,” said foundation Board member, Ken Myers.

While the Rotary Club of Philadelphia is well known for hands-on service projects ranging from preparing meals for people with medical conditions to purchasing and distributing books to schools in need, lesser known is the outreach work through the Rotary Foundation of Philadelphia, supported and operated by members.

According to foundation Board member, Meghan Miller, “We have lively discussions and keep Rotary’s mission and values in mind when making decisions. I've been introduced to all kinds of initiatives going on in the city by reading the applications.”

“Thank you for your generous grant support of WHYY Media Labs Pathways to Careers program! We have an impressive group of 24 students who began orientation for the 2022 summer program,” said Kathleen Altman-Caffery, Foundation and Corporate Grants Manager.

“On behalf of Rebuilding Together Philadelphia, I am thrilled to accept this generous grant for our work in vulnerable, owner-occupied homes in Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, said Esther Wiesner, Development Director.

In the local community, the Rotary Foundation of Philadelphia’s outreach efforts help to:

• Provide basketball equipment, academic supplies, program apparel, and healthy meals for the female empowerment initiative at Philadelphia Youth Basketball.

• Support Women In Transition’s counseling services for survivors of domestic, intimate partner violence and substance abuse. 

• Purchase supplies for LaSalle Academy 5th grade students who are providing support for children who are experiencing homelessness.

• Provide funding for Hosts for Hospitals program that provides lodging and caring and support of patients and their families who are coming to Greater Philadelphia for specialized medical care.

• Purchase wreaths and flags to honor veterans through “Wreathes Across America” program at Friends of Laurel Hill & West Laurel Hill Cemeteries.   

• Provide equipment packages for students in the WHYY, Inc. “Media Labs Pathways to Careers” program.

• Purchase supplies for home repairs in distressed communities and homeowners who are elderly, disabled, veterans, or families with children at Rebuilding Together Philadelphia. 

• Support landscaping and beautification projects at Wyck Historic House, Garden & Farm. 

Members volunteering to help prepare garden beds at Wyck Historic House, Garden & Farm in the Germantown section of Philadelphia.

• Sustain the expansion of the string orchestra through Musicopia’s award-winning program that serves economically disadvantaged children in the local community.

• Support experiential education programs for underserved youth at Philadelphia Outward Bound School. Philadelphia Rotary joined two other clubs to participate in their “peer to peer” fundraising “Building Adventure” by rappelling down a Center City Philadelphia skyscraper, raising $22,881 for their youth programs.

(l-r) Team Rotary members, Ken Myers, Dennis Wallace, and Greg Bradley rappel down the building at 2005 Market St. 300 feet. The Team raised $22,881for programs that serve at risk youth at Philadelphia Outward Bound School. Photo credit: Alejandro A. Alvarez, Philadelphia Inquirer

(l-r) Ken Myers and Dennis Wallace begin their ascent down. Photo credit: Alejandro A. Alvarez, Philadelphia Inquirer

• Provide supplies that support families who are going through the stress and trauma of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit through Today Is A Good Day’s signature program.

• Support teaching artists at Play On Philly that provides high-quality music training to Philadelphia’s underserved community.

• Provide intensive college preparation and support for low-income students through Brighter Horizon Foundation’s program.

• Support creative educational activities including science, technology, engineering, math, and art at Federation Early Learning Services.

• Purchase new winter coats for impoverished children in the Philadelphia are through the Auto Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia’s “Driving Away the Cold” program.

Children receiving new winter coats from ADAGP’s “Driving Away the Cold” program funded in part by the Rotary Foundation of Philadelphia.

• Buy and distribute Thanksgiving dinners for patients’ families in need at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. Club members also volunteered to help pack and distribute the dinners.

Philadelphia Rotary volunteers help distribute Thanksgiving Dinners to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children’s families in need funded in part by the Rotary Foundation of Philadelphia.

In the international community, outreach efforts helped to:

• Provide fencing and supplies needed to reforest land for PISCES, a sustainable teaching farm in Togo, West Africa.

Michael Curcio, club member and Executive Director, Permaculture Institute for the Communal Study of of Economic Systems (PISCES), shows the new fencing funded by the Rotary Foundation of Philadelphia for the organizations’s sustainable teaching farm in Togo.

• Purchase seeds, tools, and food items for Community Capital Advisors, Inc. support for the Liberia Institute for Girls-Todee, Farm to Plate farmers market.

Philadelphia Rotary also made a contribution to Rotary’s signature service project to eradicate polio from the planet through its End Polio Now campaign.   

“I’m always amazed to see the great work that nonprofit organizations are doing in our local community and internationally to make the world a better place,” said Jay Pennie, President, Rotary Foundation of Philadelphia. “I want to thank the board of directors of the Foundation for all their hard work and dedication over the past year and using their knowledge of local and international matters to identify areas of need, and together work to improve the community.”

If you are a Rotarian, I hope that you are proud of the work that we do. If you are not yet a member, contact us to join.

Find out how you can become a member of the Rotary Club of Philadelphia or make a donation to the Rotary Foundation of Philadelphia.

A Memorable Evening, “United with Ukraine”

More than 150 Rotarians from Southeastern PA District 7450 and their guests showed their support for Ukraine last Tuesday evening, raising tens of thousands of dollars to help Rotary Poland and Ukraine deal with the growing crisis and devastation caused by the war.   

“United with Ukraine” Fundraiser highlights

The event, held at Lia's Catering, The Ballrooms at Boothwyn, was highlighted by Slavic cuisine, Ukrainian music, polka dancing, and incredibly powerful speakers; Eugene Luciw, President of the Philadelphia branch of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) and Michael Sawkiw, Jr., Executive Vice President of UCCA and former Director of the organization's Washington D.C. bureau.

Luciw gave an informative and impassioned brief history of the Ukrainian nation which goes back for centuries. Sawkiw provided information on how and why the U.S. and its allies must provide even more help than they are currently. One example he pointed out is that Ukraine is the “breadbasket” of Europe and the world. Russia has interfered with the production and shipping of grain around the globe which may cause a world-wide famine.  

District Governor Roger Taylor emceed the evening and District Governor Elect, Piotr Jankowski, Rotary Poland and Volodymyr Bondarenko, District Governor, Ukraine made a video appearance.  

Volunteers from 50 Rotary clubs in the Philadelphia area organized the event to raise money for a special relief fund created to help Ukrainians impacted by the Russian attacks. Rotary District 7450 is working directly with Poland’s Rotary District in a coordinated "on the ground” response to the worsening humanitarian crisis. Event proceeds will be used to purchase food, clothing, medical supplies, generators, transportation, and accommodations.

The origin story about how Philadelphia Rotary members started the Ukrainian Relief Effort

The event was an extension of the original initiative to help Ukraine that began shortly after the war broke out by Philadelphia Rotarians, Ken Myers and Joan Batory. "We have to do something. I don't know what that is or looks like, but we have to mobilize support to provide aid and assistance," said Myers.  She directed Myers to contact Rotary Clubs in Poland. “I knew that the clubs were severely impacted by the enormous number of refugees pouring into Poland. If anyone was getting anything done, it had to be the Rotarians there,” said Batory.  

Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Philadelphia Ukrainian Catholic Church, addresses event attendees

A centerpiece of the evening was a video appearance by Borys Gudziak, Archbishop of the Philadelphia Ukrainian Catholic Church. Gudziak who spoke about Rotary's important humanitarian role and helping Ukraine during this crisis. He also commented about his friendship with General Secretary of Rotary International, John Hewko whose family is also from Ukraine. Hewko's father helped start the first Rotary Club in Kyiv. 

However, the most visceral stirring moment of the evening was when Ukrainian performer, Yuliya Stupen, led the singing of the national anthem of the United States followed by Ukraine, while more than 150 guests stood at attention and sang along. DG Roger Taylor read the English translation of the anthem before Stupen's beautiful rendition. 

"Ukraine has not perished
Nor her glory; nor her freedom
Upon us Fellow Ukrainians
Fate shall smile once more
Our enemies will vanish
Like dew in the morning Sun
And we too shall rule brothers
In a free land of our own
We will lay down our souls and our bodies
To attain our Freedom
And we’ll show that we are Brothers
From the Kozak Heritage."

The night was capped off by an exciting live auction led by Rotary Peace Scholar and Honorary member of Philadelphia Rotary, D.F. Pace. The live and silent auctions raised an additional $25,000 for needed generators, medical backpacks, and pantry items. Pace's "day job" is an Inspector in the Philadelphia Police Department.  

All proceeds from the event go to the Ukrainian Relief Fund of the Gundaker Foundation of Rotary District 7450. From there the funds get sent to a special account in Poland used by local aid workers to respond to the needs of Ukrainians now in Poland and those still in their homeland.

A big thanks goes out to all the Rotary District 7450 members, guests and sponsors who supported this amazing event. 

“United with Ukraine” Event Committee
Joan Batory, Chair
Stacey Ballard
Julianna Blazey
Francy Cross
Renee DeCoskey
Michelle Gromilovitz
Dave Haradon
David Houtz
John Kopcha
Lisa Leonard
Eugene Luciw
Karen Mazzarella-Russo
Meghan Miller
Ken Myers
Jay Pennie
David Reinfeld
Roger Taylor

Rotary is all about the heart!

Even though Rotary Club of Philadelphia members Joan and Joe Batory have been active in Rotary for three decades, many of their friends and other acquaintances cannot understand why they have been affiliated with an organization which involves regular attendance at meetings, requires dues, and encourages participation in a wide array of community service and humanitarian activities.

“My only explanation is that like the Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz, who lacked a heart, some people will never understand Rotary,” said Joe Batory. “For the greatest joys in life come from giving, pure and simple, from your heart. And what Rotary returns is remarkable! ” 

Indeed, their greatest Rotary joys have come from their interactions with young people. They have been advisers and mentors to more than 23 visiting Rotary International scholars.

There were many discussions,  in-person conversations, and dinners and events with these students while they were studying here in Philadelphia. The relationships they developed have continued via IPhones and computers with many of these students who are now adults and successfully engaged in careers and often married with children.

They recount many memorable experiences. One Rotary scholar from Germany, Christoph Naumann, found his wife Laura while studying here in Philadelphia; the couple was feted by the Batory’s in their home to joyfully celebrate the engagement before the couple headed off to Germany, where they now have three children.

Manaka Kuwabara as a toddler

A Japanese scholar, Makoto Kuwabara and his wife, Chihiro, had the birth of their first child, Manaka, in Philadelphia; the baby was frequently in their environs as a cherished infant and toddler. Now an adult, she is a prominent actress in Japan’s musical theatre

A few years ago they travelled to Rome to attend the elegant wedding of another Rotary scholar, Jacopo Carmassi, who had studied at the University of Pennsylvania.
In addition to the Rotary visiting scholars,  they’ve also built long lasting relationships with numerous university students who have been active with the Philadelphia Rotary sponsored Penn Rotaract club over many years

Shahmar Beasley, Penn Rotaract and recent graduate of Drexel’s Law School

Just last week, they attended the graduation celebration for a young man, Shahmar Beasley, whom they knew from his participation in the Philadelphia Rotary-sponsored university Rotaract Club years ago. Beasley—who as a student spent several holiday dinners at their home— has just graduated from Drexel University Law School, a wonderful success story.

In addition to Penn Rotaract, Beasley has already accumulated quite a bit of leadership and humanitarian experiences including Founding Drexel Black Action Committee, testifying at City Council on criminal justice reform, and organizing a nationally televised prom dress giveaway for underprivileged girls in Philadelphia. He was also named as a Forbes Under 30 Scholar.

There are many other touching episodes that could be added.  But the message is the same: Rotary is all about the heart … the caring interactions with others that you give and receive so much in return.

Several Hundred Rotarians Gather for Inspiration and Fellowship

Three neighboring Rotary International Districts came together this past weekend in Hershey, PA for information, inspiration, and fellowship after two years of relative isolation caused by the pandemic. The conference was located at the Hershey Lodge, in the town dubbed as “The Sweetest Place on Earth.”

The theme, Charting Your Course, had the aim of creating a roadmap for accomplishments within each club, and inspiring and engaging in teamwork for success. Leaders and members gathered from District 7430 and 7450 covering nearly 100 Rotary clubs in Southeastern Pennsylvania and 7475 with 81 clubs in nine New Jersey counties. The three Districts represent more than 5,000 members.

Philadelphia Rotarians played a notable role by presenting the origin story of how the Rotary District 7450 Gundaker Foundation Ukrainian Relief began by showing a video during Saturday’s international program. The video documents Ken Myers and Joan Batory’s initial conversation that sparked a District-wide fundraising effort to help in war-torn Ukraine.

“It started out as one person having an idea and that idea grew and formed,” said District Governor Roger Taylor. “What it is truly about is it reminds us of what it is to be a Rotarian.” 

In addition, Ms. Batory helped organize and staff a table highlighting the Ukraine project to attendees. Lisa Leonard, District Public Image Chair and Jay Pennie, Lt. Governor, collaborated with District 7430 by presenting two breakout sessions on the topic, Enhancing Rotary’s Public Image. Krysta Halye and her husband, David Houtz, District Governor-Elect, helped with conference planning and hosted a Hospitality Suite for members on Friday and Saturday nights.

“One of the highlights for me was Plenary Session presenter, Darren LaCroix, who was extremely well-spoken and funny,” said Halye. “He talked about dedicating 17 minutes a day to your dream and making it a daily habit for a short amount of time – so that it is not too daunting; the dream or goal becomes more attainable.”

“The best part of the conference was getting to interact with members from other clubs,” said Joe Batory. “I was able to share Philadelphia Rotary projects and find out what others are doing.”

“As a brand new Rotarian, I jumped at the chance to attend the recent Tri-District Conference with the intention of learning more about Rotary International and the work in which our various clubs engage,” said Carrie Sharpshair. “I was not disappointed! The keynote speakers were inspirational, the breakout sessions informational, and the opportunities to connect with fellow, like-minded individuals numerous.”

Here are a few highlights from the conference:

District Governors, Shelby Rhodes, Roger Taylor, Bob Hobaugh opening Charting Your Course. (l–r)

Vice President, Rotary International, Valarie Wafer standing on box during opening speech.

Philadelphia Rotary member Carrie Sharpshair at Ukrainian relief fund table.

Lt. Governor, Philadelphia Rotary member Jay Pennie accepting donation for Ukrainian relief.

Plenary session Motivational Speaker, Darren LaCroix.

Public Image breakout session.

Jay Pennie co-presenting at Public Image training session.

Public Image breakout session.

Lisa Leonard co-presenting at Public Image training session.

Plenary session speaker, Chad Priest, CEO, American Red Cross.

Chocolate dessert party!

Chocolate dessert party!

Chocolate dessert party!

Lisa Leonard, Roger Taylor, Jay Pennie at Chocolate dessert party. (l-r)

Jay Pennie, Lisa Leonard, Carrie Sharpshair with Hershey characters. (l-r)

Philadelphia Rotary members, Joe and Joan Batory with guests. (r)

Speech Contest: 4-Way Test

Speech Contest winner, high school student, Jack Geld.

Speech Contest winner, high school student, Rena Robinson.

Party In The Harbor!

Uptown Band at Party In The Harbor!

Carrie Sharpshair dancing to the Uptown Band at Party In The Harbor!

Outbound students for the 2022-23 Youth Exchange Program.

Jay Pennie and Lisa Leonard at Ukrainian relief fund table in the House of Inspiration.(l-r)

Best inspirational moments

➢    Listening to Darren LaCroix, motivational speaker’s 17 Minutes to Your Dream. LaCroix went from a failed business owner of a Subway shop to a World Champion Speaker and coach.
➢    Hearing high school student, Jack Geld, one of the two winners of the Rotary Speech Contest: The 4-Way Test, skillfully argue for bringing back the study of the humanities and philosophy in schools in order to build critical thinking skills and goodwill toward others. 
➢    Listening to plenary session speaker, Chad Priest, CEO, the American Red Cross, speak about Social and Economic Equity and Well Being of communities. Backed by research, he spoke about the importance of community in disasters and how populations with more resources fare much better. He also argued that it’s not always about money or physical issues. One of the more odd facts, people with detached garages fare better in disasters than those with attached garages on their home. Why? They get to know their neighbors better because they have to get out of their car to enter their house.  

Top emotional moments

➢    District Governor Roger Taylor’s introduction to the Ukrainian relief video, “Imagine yourself in your home, your children going to school…and the next thing you know, there are bombs falling. You have to leave your home. You have to send your children away.” You could hear a pin drop in the room.
➢    Watching the video and hearing DGE of Poland, Piotr Jankowski, describe seeing a young boy crying for help.  He had lost his parents at the border and was alone among thousands of other refugees.  
➢    Hearing high school student, Rena Robinson, one of the Speech Contest winners, speak about the crisis of gun violence in schools and how it affected her ability to learn and grow.   

Most fun moments

➢    Attending the Chocolate Dessert Party on Friday evening and posing with the Hershey Chocolate characters.
➢    Dancing to the Uptown Band at Saturday night’s Party At the Harbor event and listening to District Governor Roger Taylor sing on stage with the band!
➢    Socializing in the Hospitality Suite on the 5th floor and hearing neighboring Districts belt out tunes like “Don’t Stop Believing” for hours.  

“The best part was just being together with friends from other Rotary clubs, live and in-person,” said Batory. “It provided that special camaraderie and friendship that only Rotary can.”

According to Sharpshair, “I came away full of ideas and grateful for being part of this amazing service organization! Who will be joining us next year?”

Hopefully, every member will next year. 

How Philadelphia Rotary Began Relief Efforts for Ukrainian Refugees Pouring Into Poland

By Jay Pennie

Shortly after war broke out in Ukraine, Philadelphia Rotary members Ken Myers and Joan Batory took action.

Hearing about the situation in the early days of the war, Myers was making plans to go to Poland and help volunteer to assist refugees flooding into that country. Later, those plans would change.  

"We have to do something. I don't know what that is or looks like, but we have to mobilize support to provide aid and assistance," said Myers.

She directed Myers to contact Rotary Clubs in Poland. “I knew that the clubs were severely impacted by the enormous number of refugees pouring into Poland. If anyone was getting anything done, it had to be the Rotarians there,” said Batory.  

“This is not going to change in a few days…So, we expecting that we will have to take care of them, maybe months.” Piotr Jankowski, International Aid Coordinator, Poland.

Myers was able to reach Piotr Jankowski, who is the International Aid Coordinator and Rotary District Governor Elect in Poland. Meanwhile, within days, a committee was formed and is comprised of Philadelphia area leaders, including Rotary International District 7450 Governor Roger Taylor, Lt. Governors Julianna Blazey and Jay Pennie, Gundaker Foundation President, Karen Mazzarella and Treasurer Dave Haradon, and Wayne Rotary member, John Kopcha, who is an active member of the Ukrainian-American community in the Philadelphia area.

A series of Zoom calls were set up with the newly formed committee and Jankowski to find out the most up to date information and get an “on the ground” perspective of the massive task of helping the Ukrainian refugees find food, shelter, transportation, medicine. Jankowski mention clearly the need for funding because the Rotarians from the 79 clubs in Poland are bearing the costs for providing what the refugees need.

“This is not going to change in a few days, said Jankowski. “So, we expecting that we will have to take care of them, maybe months.” Upon hearing this, the committee immediately set up the Rotary District 7450 Gundaker Foundation Ukrainian Relief Fund to set up a mechanism to accept donations and transfer to a special Rotary account in Poland. This way, Rotary Poland can respond to the dynamic needs for food, clothing, medical supplies, transportation and accommodation.

In the early days, Jankowski saw something that he will never forget. He saw young boy, holding a sign with his name on it and a paper bag, just walking along the border among thousands of refugees. The boy could not find his family, alone and crying for help. He later recounted that Rotarians were able to eventually find his family. 

Rotary Poland is also gathering food, medical supplies and sending into directly into Ukraine through coordination with Rotary there. The committee had that opportunity to speak with Ukraine's District Governor, Volodymyr Bondarenko.

Hearing first-hand accounts from Bondarenko was chilling but inspiring for the committee. He expressed a lot of gratitude to Rotarians around the world who have been donating supplies, equipment, and money. He also spoke affectionately about his Rotary friends in neighboring Poland, where a special account has been set up specifically for refugee relief.

A fundraising event to support the relief effort is in the works and is scheduled for Tuesday, June 14 in Boothwyn, PA. The program will include several prominent members of the Philadelphia area Ukrainian community.

To make a donation, visit Gundaker.org/Ukraine 

Youth Showing Support for People Experiencing Homelessness

The Interact students at Philadelphia’s Liguori Academy recently completed a service project of creating hundreds of cards of support and caring for the homeless clients of Philadelphia’s Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission. Three meals each day are served to the homeless each day by the Mission, one of the oldest and most reputable organizations of this kind in the USA.

Liguori Academy is one of two high school Interact clubs that Philadelphia Rotary sponsors. The other is at West Catholic Prepartory High School. Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Rotary's motto, Service Above Self.

A cheerful grouping — Liguori students and their cards

Mary Theresa Martin, Workforce Program Manager at Liguori Academy, was a key force in making this happen. The cards were delivered to the Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission of the Philadelphia Rotary’s youth service chairperson, Joe Batory.

These cards were designed to be distributed to homeless individuals at a meal to provoke a smile with a brief but meaningful message of caring and support.