I am a member of this organization and serve on the board. Additionally, I am the Membership Chair. I would not hold these positions without believing in what we do and knowing that we are a caring, energetic, honest and ethical club. I am constantly amazed at all that we do (61 projects during the pandemic!) and the impact we have in our community as well as internationally. If there is a need, we try to find a way to help. "Service Above Self" is evident in our members through their generosity financially as well as with their time. I am proud to be a third generation Rotarian and honored to be a member of Sunrise Rotary. Laura K
The Covid Pandemic was a challenge to the Sunrise Foundation rather than a roadblock. They shifted fund raising plans, but still raised a total of $60,000 for the local food bank, provided funding for Scholarships, held outdoor food and entertainment at two local senior facilities, provided meals for first responders, did outdoor clean-ups, helped ORCA study water problems in the Indian River lagoon, invented a new Reverse Christmas Parade when the city cancelled the traditional Christmas Parade. Units that usually marched with displays or music instead parked along the road the the spectators drove past the fixed Christmas units. Proved exceptionally popular. This is a group that will not let a challenge get it down, rather it will work harder to meet the challenge. I am proud to be a donor and participant.
Having volunteered on numerous projects involving our youth, our elderly, and our environment in the Indian River County community as well as internationally, the Rotary Club of Vero Beach Sunrise Foundation truly embodies the motto "Service Above Self". I am so proud to be part of this organization for the past 10 years.
This is a wonderful, active Foundation. They work hard and are instrumental in following through to make the goals of many local groups happen.
Sunrise Rotary Club not only puts its money where its mouth is, but also gives generously of its time and physical support of other charitable organizations. Their members don't just make donations, they shine! Sunrise Rotarians get involved in making a difference in the community they serve. They personally interact with the leadership, the children, the families, through networking, meetings, attending events, responding to calls for help, and many other services. These Rotarians are business people who put their strength into caring for and caring about their community and about the recipients of their good hearts. Sunrise Rotary is an exceptional group of individuals focused on service!
Below are 4 photos: Two are photos of a Fund Raiser for my charitable organization The Gifford Youth Orchestra. The children performed for the guests while the Sunrise women served the guests. They volunteered to purchase and prepare all the food, serve the over 100 guests, and then clean-up after the event! Can you believe it? A financial donation, a special service, and TLC! That's an example of the Sunrise Rotary's Sun Shine!
On another occasion they gave our organization a check for 5 new violins. One of our students, Jada Powell, is playing one of the "Sunrise Violins."
Sunrise Rotary is a group of individuals that give of themselves and their money to do good in the local area and internationally. They support seniors at St. Francis Manor, Literacy at Citrus Elementary and all area schools with a book for each PreK student, teach healthy eating to homeless families twice a year, do numerous environmental projects most in the IR Lagoon like planting oyster mats, replanting sea grass and protecting them. Their mission is Youth, Seniors and the Environment and they live it.