GIFT OF LIFE

The Gift of Life Program raises funds to help provide appropriate medical attention as well as cover related expenses for families of children with potentially fatal heart conditions. Ridgewood AM Rotary has sponsored several children through this program and is currently on the waiting list to sponsor another child. To raise funds for this program, the Ridgewood AM Rotary seeks the assistance of Ridgewood High School's AM Rotary Interact Club and the Benjamin Franklin Middle School Rotary React Club to host a "Race for Life" fundraiser.

THEO'S WORK

Ridgewood AM Rotary is committed to supporting the work of HopeHouse in Les Caves, Haiti - a refuge for abused, abandoned and neglected Haitian orphans. Ridgewood AM Rotary Members have traveled to Haiti to deliver financial and material contributions as well as to volunteer in building structures and mentoring the kids. Our contributions have been instrumental in helping the organization provide food, clean water, clothing and bedding as well as the opportunity to attend school and learn marketable skills.

COMMUNITY BLOOD SERVICES ANNUAL SPORTS NIGHT AT SEASON'S

POLIO ERADICATION

PolioPlus, launched by Rotary in 1985, is an ambitious program aimed at immunizing the world's children against polio. Today, thanks in part to the efforts of Rotary Clubs worldwide, polio cases have dropped by 99% since 1988 and the world stands on the threshold of eradicating this disease.

RIDGEWOOD COMMUNITY CLOCK

In celebration of Rotary International's Centennial, the Ridgewood AM Rotary purchased a Community Street Clock and presented it as a gift to the Village of Ridgewood. The gift was made possible through the generosity of the many community-minded organizations, families, individuals and businesses that supported the effort. The clock is located on the corner of East Ridgewood Avenue and Van Neste Square.

THE HEALING GARDEN

Ridgewood AM Rotary spearheaded the Healing Garden - a project aimed at turning an overgrown lot into a community oasis. More than $500,000 was raised (thanks to the community, Ridgewood AM Rotary and the Rotary's Walter Head Foundation) and volunteers provided countless hours of manpower to make the garden a reality. The garden is located on Prospect Street, (behind Family Counseling Service). For its efforts, Ridgewood AM Rotary received the "Building Futures Award for Community Leadership" from Children's and Family Services.

THE ROTARY FOUNDATION

Ridgewood AM Rotary celebrated its First Annual Humanitarian Awards Dinner honoring 2006 award recipients Ray and Gladie Gilmartin for their many years of service to the community.

THE PAUL HARRIS FELLOWS AWARD

Forty-six members of Ridgewood AM Rotary have been recognized as Paul Harris Fellows for their donation of $1,000 to the Rotary International Foundation - the largest privately-funded educational foundation in the world.

Every year, Ridgewood AM Rotary awards four-year scholarships to Ridgewood High School students.

ROTARY EXCHANGE STUDENT - 2006

Ridgewood AM Rotary is proud to sponsor Ariel Hensley - a Ridgewood High School student who will be spending her junior year in Taiwan.

JAMES ROSE HOUSE

Ridgewood AM Rotary Members helped with spring cleaning at Ridgewood's James Rose House. The preparations were for the opening of the center's sculpture, architecture and landscape collections after a long winter.

KATRINA RELIEF EFFORTS

In September 2005, Ridgewood AM Rotary Members joined fellow District 7049 Rotarians traveling to Louisiana to aid in the Hurricane Katrina disaster recovery efforts. Ridgewood AM Rotary raised funds to help sponsor the trip as well as provide supplies and medical relief to those in need.

FUNDRAISING

Ridgewood AM Rotary conducts numerous fundraisers throughout the year including: a car raffle, the holiday gift basket sale, the calendar, benefit dinners and special events; and much more. Without the support and generosity of family, neighbors, business associates and friends like you, Ridgewood AM Rotary could not accomplish the many programs, projects and humanitarian efforts described in our 2007 calendar.