Rotary Club of Wooster

 

The Wooster Rotary Al Van Wie Classic continues to grow and grow. The Classic is a multi-faceted event that now honors the memory of long-time Rotarian Al Van Wie, a former coach and athletic director at the College of Wooster. The Classic begins with a food collection challenge among local schools. Wooster Rotary then partners with the College of Wooster men’s basketball team to conduct a youth basketball clinic and a clinic for coaches. Admission to the clinic is free with the donation of a non-perishable food item, and around 100 boys and girls in grades 3-6 participate each year. The College of Wooster then kicks off their men’s basketball season with two games at which admission is granted with a food or monetary donation. Food and cash donations raised by Wooster Rotary’s Al Van Wie Classic benefit People to People Ministries, an agency that serves the emergency needs of Wayne County residents. Over 49,000 non-perishable food items were collected over the 2015 events and cash donations are still being collected. Food and cash donations from the Classic make an enormous impact on People to People’s ability to serve its clients over the holiday season and in the cold winter months.

 

At the November 23 club meeting, Wooster Rotary celebrated the 7^th year of Parade of Flags. The Wooster Parade of Flags is subscription-based – subscribers receive an American flag installed at their home or business on each of five holidays (Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Patriots Day, and Veterans Day). Wooster Rotarians, other service organizations, scout troops, church groups, and others all serviced various routes in 2015 to put up and take down 1855 flags for each holiday. Wooster Rotary shares the proceeds from the Parade of Flags. On November 23, over $16,600 was distributed to the not-for-profit partners who assisted Wooster Rotary on 2015 flag routes. Over the life of the Wooster Parade of Flags more than $85,000 has now been shared with area partners of Wooster Rotary.

 

At the November 30 meeting Wooster Rotary recognized five non-Rotarians as Paul Harris Fellows. It has become an annual tradition for Wooster Rotary to recognize non-Rotarians who have had a positive impact on the community. Congratulations to Paul Harris Fellows Jim Barnard, Brett Gough, Dr Thomas Graves, Steve Matthew, and Catherine Webster.

 

   And on Monday, December 7 Wooster Rotary played host to 350 community seniors for the 50^th Rotary Senior Dinner. Community seniors are welcomed to a concert given by the Wooster High School Orchestra and Choir before they are served a nice holiday meal in recognition of the season.

Wooster Rotary wishes all District 6650 clubs a terrific holiday season!

 

 

Best Regards,

Brent