Category Archives: The Rotary Foundation

Fighting Disease and Ending Polio Now

Rotary’s top priority is the eradication of polio, but our members take on far greater responsibilities to fight disease. They set up health camps and training facilities in undeveloped countries and in communities struggling with HIV/AIDS and malaria. They also design and build the infrastructure for doctors, nurses, governments, and partners to reach the one in six people in the world who can’t afford to pay for health care.

Disease prevention and treatment takes on many forms, from supporting studies to helping immunize people to improving drinking water and the sanitation infrastructure. The world relies on Rotary to tackle these global challenges, and to set an example for others to follow.

Learn more about our work to prevent and eradicate disease on the Rotary International website.

Orange Plaza Rotary Recognized for Charitable Giving

Members of Orange Plaza Rotary celebrated the work of The Rotary Foundation at the annual Rotary District 5320 Foundation Gala, held November 14th at Crevier Classic Cars.  The event drew more than 300 supporters of The Rotary Foundation, which funds grants for service projects performed by Rotarians around the world.  The Foundation’s areas of focus include water and sanitation, basic education and literacy, disease prevention and treatment, maternal and child health, economic and community development, and peace and conflict resolution.

Orange Plaza Rotary was recognized for donations to the Foundation of more than $290 per member.  In addition, the club was praised for encouraging every member to contribute during the Rotary year.  And Orange Plaza Rotary was one of a few clubs in the District to donate more that $2,000 to the campaign to end polio.

The Rotary Foundation returns 93 cents of every dollar it receives to Rotary clubs in the form of service project grants.  Orange Plaza has previously received grants to perform cleft palate and eye surgeries for children in Mexico, provide desks and computers to schools in India and fund the Mentor Meals program at El Modena High School.

For more information about The Rotary Foundation, visit the Rotary International website.

 

 

July Cruise-In to Fight Polio

Orange Plaza Rotary welcomed local car enthusiasts to our regular meeting spot at Marie Callender’s on July 29th.  The “cruise-in” was a chance to check out some great cars and catch up with old friends.  Many participated in our “Dine-In and Donate” fundraiser, taking advantage of happy hour specials at Marie Callender’s.  The restaurant donated 20% of the proceeds to Orange Plaza Rotary, which will use the funds in the battle to End Polio Now.  Join us for the next cruise-in event on August 26th at Marie Callender’s.

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Announcing our Summer Cruise-In!

Cruise into the Marie Callender’s parking lot on July 29th or August 26th for cool cars, happy hour specials and great food!

Present your ticket when you dine and Orange Plaza Rotary will receive 20% of the sale. And don’t forget to order some delicious pie to go!

Eventbrite - Orange Plaza Rotary Cruise-In

 For Cruise-In July 29th and August 26th

Proceeds support the community and world service projects of Orange Plaza Rotary.  Check out our website to learn more about Rotary in your town.

A Rededication to Service

Orange Plaza Rotary celebrated another year of service over dinner with family and friends at Orange Hill Restaurant on June 24th. The club, which marked its 30th anniversary in March, completed numerous youth and community service projects during the the 2014-2015 Rotary year.

These projects and more will continue, under the leadership of President Tracey L. Curtis:

  • Mentor Meals – this partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce matches at-risk high school juniors with adult mentors to discuss career and academic issues.  The program will begin its third year at El Modena High School in September.
  • Interact Leadership Program – also at El Modena High School, the Rotary sponsored Interact Club is open to all students on campus. Interact members provide service and support for numerous nonprofit events around the county each year.  Orange Plaza Rotary will expand its efforts with Interact this year, adding a mentoring and leadership skills program for student members.
  • Police Explorer Recognition – Orange Police Explorer Post 266 is a nationally-recognized unit, instilling discipline, self-confidence and leadership skills in its teen members.  Members of the program (a part of the Boy Scouts of America system) often struggle with difficult personal issues including poverty and the threat of homelessness.  Orange Plaza Rotary, in partnership with Orange Rotary and the Rotary Club of Orange North, will offer additional cash scholarships to assist Explorers as they continue in their studies and careers.

These and other service projects are funded by the Annual Orange Plaza Car Show, a premier Southern California event.  The 22nd Orange Plaza Car Show is scheduled for April 17, 2016.

At the club’s June event, Rotary District 5320 Governor Jim Paddock presented member Jack Sappington with a bejeweled pin in honor of Jack’s $5,000 donation to The Rotary Foundation. The Foundation manages donor funds, directing them into projects around the world to improve water and sanitation, basic education and literacy, and economic and community development in third world countries.

Orange Plaza Rotary is a network of neighbors, friends, and community leaders who come together to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world.  The club meets Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. at Marie Callender’s, 307 E. Katella Avenue, Orange.  For more information, visit the club website: http://OrangePlazaRotary.org.

 

 

Orange Plaza Marks World Polio Day

Make History Banner - Square

 

Orange Plaza Rotary observed World Polio Day with a special “Polio Update” presentation by Past District Governor Rae Shirer.

The program will be repeated on November 5th.  Members of the public are welcome to attend to learn how Rotary’s efforts to eradicate polio worldwide have made it much easier to battle other diseases, such as ebola.

 

Orange Plaza to Mark Polio Day on Oct 22nd

As World Polio Day approaches, many Rotarians wonder if polio can truly be eradicated in the world by 2018. Meanwhile, most American are unaware of the risk that polio could, once again, become a problem on our own shores.

Join us on October 22nd, for an update on the battle to beat polio and learn why Rotary’s efforts make it easier to combat other diseases such as the ebola virus.

Invite your friends and family – especially the parents of young children – as PDG Rae Shirer presents “Where Are We Now?”

 

Ruby’s Streamliner Lounge
186 N. Atchison
Old Towne Orange, CA

5:30 p.m.

Plaza Parking at the Street Fair

Thank you to everyone that came out to support Orange Plaza Rotary at the Orange International Street Fair this weekend. We raised several thousand dollars to End Polio Now and to support our community service projects. A special shout out to our volunteers from the Orange Plaza Car Show and to Past President Amy Bippus. Of course, we always have the best signs, thanks to Sue MacArthur Hansen Hayes of Showcard Signs. See you next year! — with Teri Snyder, Joe Colombo, Chris Hale, Jack Sappington, Jason Curtis,Tracey L. Curtis and Howard Glasser at Orange International Street Fair.

Clubs Partner in International Service

Members of five Rotary clubs met with Orange Plaza Rotary on July 30th to celebrate the success of the Edenvale School renovation project, funded by a Rotary District 5320 grant.  The project was spearheaded by Orange Plaza Rotarian Amy Bippus, who pulled together the support of other clubs to contribute time, money and talent.

The $18,000 project renovated school restrooms and provided much needed school supplies for elementary school students in Edenvale, South Africa.  Amy personally traveled to South Africa to deliver supplies and tour the campus.  Her report to the combined clubs was inspirational!