Rotary ready to raise funds

 Staying true to its motto “Service Above Self,” the Rotary Club of West Hempstead is gearing up to host its annual fundraiser on Thursday, April 28.

The fundraiser, which Rotary President Rony Kessler said is the “one and only big fundraiser,” sets out to raise money each year for a chosen charity: this year, the Rotary has chosen to focus on the New York Asian Women’s Center as the recipient of about a third of the funds. The resident will be divided amongst other charities and organizations.

The NYAWC is an organization devoted to helping women and children overcome domestic violence and other forms of abuse. It provides a safe haven through multi-lingual support programs and shelter services, and works to raise public awareness about violence against women.

“The New York Asian Women’s Center is heartened that the West Hempstead Rotary Club has chosen us to benefit from this event,” said NYWAC director Larry Lee. “In their lifetime 100,000 Asian women in the metropolitan area will be abused by intimate partner violence. This donation will enable NYAWC to offer much needed service to this population, and we are pleased to partner with the Rotary Club in standing up against domestic violence.”

Since the Rotary only holds this fundraiser once annually, choosing the one charity that receives the largest sum of money is a crucial decision. Throughout the year, various charities are brought to the Rotary Club’s attention, and then its up to the club’s Board of Directors to select one. This year, club member Shelley Wang, who sits on the board, suggested the NYAWC.

Wang has been involved with the center since 2002. She started off as a volunteer, working with support groups, helping with training and answering calls made to the organization’s emergency hotline. Seeing first-hand the efforts — and benefits — of the organization, Wang decided to suggest it to her fellow board members.

The center is based primarily in Manhattan and Queens, but the Rotary is hoping this fund raiser will lead to the potential possibility of establishing such a center in Nassau County. “Our event will provide seed money for that effort,” Kessler said. Even though it is known that the economy is struggling, the Rotary still hopes for the same, if not greater success from this years fundraiser as they have had in the past.

Last year the Rotary had chosen the Center for Science in Rockville Center as the main donation recipient. Other past recipients include the Ronald McDonald House and the West Hempstead Library. The club also contributed to the efforts to build a permanent sports facility for the Anchor Camps.

The Rotary relies on the donations from various businesses, as well as sales from tickets to the event, which are priced at $45 each. The event includes silent auctions for items that are donated by businesses and community members, as well as dinner and dessert.

To make a donation or purchase tickets, email Kessler at ronyrotary@aol.com.