![]() ![]() The clubs, with Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation, work to make lasting improvements in their communities and around the world. “We could not let any of our children leave for financial reasons, and we’re grateful to the Rotary Clubs and others who are helping us cover the shortfall.” Rotary Clubs bring together dedicated individuals to exchange ideas, build relationships and take action. “Low-income families don’t always have access to high-quality programs, and dependable child care is critical to their employment,” said Board Chair Karen Miller. When the agency learned of unexpected funding cuts that would impact many of its families, its board of directors launched a fundraising effort to keep affected children in its centers. Scholarships are provided to low-income families, allowing them to maintain employment and providing their children with the continuity that fosters learning and social development. Ninety percent of the brain’s neurons develop by the age of 5, so kindergarten is too late to start providing an effective learning environment.” Child Care of Southwest Florida provides early-education and voluntary prekindergarten programs at six accredited centers in Lee and Hendry counties. “Studies prove that children who are deprived of high-quality early-education experiences are far more likely to drop out of school, experience teen pregnancies and run into trouble with the law. “Once we shared research results with the Rotary Clubs, they were eager to support our efforts,” said Executive Director and Rotarian Beth Lobdell. Rotary Club of Fort Myers contributed $5,000, Rotary Club of Fort Myers South donated $2,500, and Rotary Club of Sanibel-Captiva added $1,000. Three Rotary Clubs have supported Child Care of Southwest Florida’s efforts to provide high-quality early education to low-income children with a combined $8,500 contribution to the agency’s scholarship fund. ![]() Fort Myers South was pleased to collaborate with several other local clubs on projects such as Blessings in a Backpack, which provides student backpacks filled with groceries to help families feed their children over the. Club members also volunteered hundreds of hours of their time for events such as the quarterly Adopt-a-Road Cleanup, the annual Scholar Athlete Banquet and Dictionary Day. Over the past year, Rotary Club of Fort Myers South donated thousands of dollars for numerous causes such as The Heights Foundation, Child Care of Southwest Florida, Southwest Florida Symphony and Good Wheels. The club also welcomed new Board Members Greg Blurton, Tracie Bagans and Gerry Poppe and recognized returning Board Members Cliff Parker, Jeff Kircher and Kimberley Christian. The officers serving along side Goff for 2014-2015 include President Elect John Doramus, President Elect Nominee Gerry Poppe, Treasurer John Kozak, Assistant Treasurer Mark Rupolo and Secretary Steve Wassman. ![]() Immediate Past President Roger Mercado presented a year in review of this active chapter of Rotary International, whose motto is “Service Above Self.” Mercado then introduced the club’s new president, Rebecca Goff, who highlighted her goals and opportunities for the club to do even more in the year ahead. Rotary Club of Fort Myers South installed its new officers and Board of Directors at its annual dinner on June 28, 2014. Rotary Club of Fort Myers South Installs New Officers
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