Rotary Club of Florence Raises Fund for COVID19 Support,Foundation to match up to $5,000
Written By: Julia Pile
Florence, Kentucky – April 20th – The Rotary Club of Florence, Kentucky kicked off a campaign to raise funds for two organizations who are providing support to our community during the COVID-19 crisis. The Club’s Foundation will be matching dollar for dollar up to $5,000 of funds raised.
The first organization which will receive funds is the RC Durr YMCA. The Y is providing daycare for essential workers such as health care personnel, first responders, postal and food supply chain workers.
“While the Covid-19 pandemic has forced many businesses to close or require employees to work from home, those who work on the frontlines of battling this pandemic and keeping our community safe still have to report to work. Many healthcare and first responders need access to childcare so that they can have peace of mind while at work.” states YMCA Group Vide President, Jacob Brooks who is also a Rotarian.
The R.C. Durr YMCA is currently providing care to approximately 50 youth per day between the ages of 6 weeks to 12 years of age. This task comes with tremendous responsibility as it is critical that we still practice social distancing, implement a rigorous cleaning schedule, as well as provide an outlet for youth to cope with the anxiety that the Covid-19 pandemic causes. The Y originally received a grant to cover some of the costs, but he is projecting those funds will run out by May 1st. It costs the Y around $50/day or $250/week per childcare.
The second organization to receive funds is Master Provisions:
Roger Babik, also a Rotarian, Director of Master Provisions shared “Demand for food from Master Provisions has increased by 20 % during the last three full weeks of operation since shelter-at-home orders were enacted. During this period of increased demand, non-profit partners pick up an average of 680 pounds of high-quality food per visit to distribute at food pantries, soup kitchens, senior feeding programs, school backpack programs, to the homeless or for residential care programs. 131 of the 190 organizations we currently assist distribute food in Kentucky, primarily Northern Kentucky.”
Masters Provisions is able to provide food at approximately 20 cents per pound which equates to about $25 for 25 meals for families of four.
“Members of the community and the Rotary Club of Florence have always been generous when supporting organizations who are essential in providing much needed services and food for those in need in our community.” stated club President Frank Schneider. “When Jacob and Roger approached our foundation with their needs, it was the perfect call to action for our club members.”
The two gentlemen shared their experiences and explained the growing needs during the club’s Monday, April 13th virtual meeting held on Zoom. The recording of the meeting can be found on the club’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RotaryClubFlorenceKY/videos/247044543167364/
The public is encourage to donate to these organizations providing much needed services. There are three suggested donations levels:
- $25 – provides 25 meals for families of four through Master Provisions
- $50 – One day of childcare through the RC Durr YMCA
- $250 – One week of childcare through the RC Durr YMCA
- Any and all donations are greatly appreciated
The club’s foundation will match dollar for dollar up to $5,000. Tax deductible donations may be mailed to the club’s foundation at PO Box 6027, Florence, KY 41022 or made on the club’s website www.florencerotary.org.
The Rotary Club of Florence, Kentucky (serving all of Boone County) is a community service organization focusing on “service above self”. The club meets weekly on Mondays at noon on Zoom during COVID19 restricted times. Guests are always welcome. To learn more about upcoming speakers and events, please visit the club’s website at www.florencerotary.org or follow the club on Facebook or Twitter.
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