Plano West Rotary is committed to serving our Plano community. Our club holds pecan sales and funnel cake sales as fundraisers throughout the year that allow us to donate some of these funds towards student scholarships, while other funds are distributed as grants to nonprofits working within Plano to enrich the lives of our citizens.
Our club’s benevolence committee determines which nonprofit organizations will receive grants from the club. This year the committee was comprised of Joy Hinkelman (our current president), Steve Lauten, Mollie Hancock and Glen Thornton.
Beginning in February, the committee accepted nonprofit nominations from club members. Nominated organizations were asked to provide some financial paperwork, and then the board of directors voted on the nonprofits recommended by the committee.
This year Plano West Rotary donated a total of $10,000 in the form of five $2,000 grants to Plano-based nonprofits.
Journey of Hope is a grief support center that requested the donated funds to purchase art supplies and meals for peer and community support groups.
The Wellness Center for Older Adults requested funds to purchase 10 high-back office/desk chairs for its staff.
Barron Elementary School, a Title I campus, requested $1,000 to cover breakfast for Saturday school and testing days, and $1,000 to help show support for their staff and teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week in May.
CRU requested funds to sponsor five students to attend the summer getaway conference at AZUSA Pacific University.
Douglass Visions Committee requested funds to extend its reach within the Douglass Community by providing rental and utility assistance, as well as healthcare for those without insurance, and to expand the programs for the 9th-12th grade Multicultural Honor Society.
Our club members are grateful for the opportunity to impact our community not only through service, but through grants that allow other organizations to serve Plano as well.