The Rotary Club of Ridgewood AM

GIFT OF LIFE

The Gift of Life Program raises funds to help ensure appropriate medical attention as well as cover related expenfses 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 - an orphanage and school 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 with the goal to immunize 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.

Members Larry Prendergast and Doug Dittrick

The Kasschau Memorial Shell

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

ROTARY EXCHANGE STUDENT - 2010

Ridgewood AM Rotary is proud to sponsor Zoe Burgin - a Ridgewood High School student who will be spending her junior year in Italy.

Ridgewood High School

JAMES ROSE HOUSE

Ridgewood AM Rotary Members have 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.

HAITI DISASTER RELIEF EFFORTS

The club has for many years provided direct support to the Project Hope orphanage and school in Les Cayes Haiti.  Our members were especially shocked and concerned, and took immediate action to provide some degree of relief, following the earthquake devastation in Port au Prince.  Supports have included travel and provision of supplies in-country, financial support, logistical support, and packing tons of clothing, medical, and other urgently needed supplies.

FUNDRAISING

Ridgewood AM Rotary conducts numerous fundraisers throughout the year including: a car raffle, the sale of Fair Trade coffee, the calendar raffle, 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 calendar.