Saratoga Rotary Club Gifts $21,800 to Franklin Community Center and CAPTAIN for Youth Homeless Shelter

Posted by Kaitlin Russitano 
on Jun 30, 2011
 
The Saratoga Springs Rotary Club marked its 87th year of service to the Saratoga Springs community at its annual dinner held last night at the Wishing Well restaurant, where the Club presented two local organizations with major financial gifts for this year. The CAPTAIN for Youth Homeless Shelter in Malta received $14,800.  CAPTAIN programs and services addresses youth homelessness, poverty, youth violence, alcohol/drug use and other issues affecting area youths.  Franklin Community Center of Saratoga Springs received $7,000.  Franklin Community Center provides basic needs and services to less fortunate individuals and families to promote healthy lifestyles and positive changes.

In addition to these gifts, Saratoga Rotary gives throughout the year to numerous local organizations.  “The Club gave out $48,000 in scholarships to graduating area high school students and more than $24,000 to local organizations like Rebuilding Together, Shelters of Saratoga, domestic violence services, Little League Baseball and others,” says Emily Muller Esq., Rotary president for the 2010-11 year. “And, we also were able to give $10,000 to Rotary International to support their efforts to eradicate polio around the world, help Japan’s quake victims and other vital projects.”

                                           

         The Club recognized several Rotarians for their service to the Club and community.  Jill Robbins of Schulylerville and Brad Sexauer of Saratoga Springs received the Paul Harris Fellow awards in recognition of their leadership in the Club, as well as in other activities in the community.  Chuck Martin of Saratoga Springs was recognized as Rotarian of the Year for his work on the Saratoga Home Show, the primary fund raising event for the Club.  Gina Michelin of Ballston Spa was recognized as Outstanding New Rotarian, and John Nelson of Saratoga Springs was honored for Exceptional Service.   

 

The new leadership team sworn in for the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club for the 2011-2012 year includes James Doern, Esq. as President, who will be supported by twelve Board members:  Matt Dorsey, Esq., President Elect 2012-2013; Maria Heise, President Elect, 2013-2014; Charles Wheeler, Vice President for Special Projects; Gina Michelin, Vice President for Programs; Charles Wait, Jr., Secretary; Sarah Dallas, Assistant Secretary; William Harrison, Treasurer; Heather Kisselback, Assistant Treasurer; James Frey, Director; Roger Calkins, Director and Emily Muller, Esq., Past President.

 

The members of the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club meet every Wednesday at 12:15 at Longfellows Restaurant for fellowship, luncheon, and an informational program.  Community residents interested in membership are invited to contact the club through its Web site at www.saratogarotary.com   The weekly gatherings are the launching point for the Club’s community and international service activities.