Connecticut Rotary District 7980 has begun to provide assistance to people in Rockport, Texas who have felt the effects of Hurricane Harvey which battered the Gulf Coast with massive flooding and rain earlier this week.
“It is a way to make a connection with those who will make sure the money goes where it is needed most and establishes a natural relationship with the folks who are the boots on the ground,” said Trish Pearson, District Governor of 7980.
“We have a personal connection with Rockport as one of our leaders has family there and who knows firsthand what Harvey has done to that community. He has visited the Rockport Rotary club many times and knew the members, so it was a natural place for us to focus our efforts,” said Pearson.
Since announcing this plan, many clubs are planning events to raise funds in addition to sending cash donations individually. The Rotary club of Norwich is dedicating a portion of the proceeds from their golf tournament next week, Haddam Killingworth put it on their Facebook page allowing people to donate online, and Madison will donate a portion of the proceeds from their carnival this weekend. The need will continue to be great for months to come, so Rotary will continue to raise funds for Rockport. The theme for Rotary International this year is: Rotary – Making a Difference and this is a great example of Rotarians seizing an opportunity to make a difference in a community in crisis.
District 7980 is comprised of 58 clubs in 55 cities and towns in Connecticut with over 2,000 members. Rotary is an international service organization that brings together professional and business leaders who share high ethical standards, in order to provide humanitarian service and to advance goodwill and peace throughout the world.
Anyone wishing to donate can send a check payable to: District 7980 Rotary Foundation, PO Box 409, Milford, CT 06460 and note on the check “Hurricane Harvey”.