Holland AM Rotary donates $2,000 to CASA
The Holland AM Rotary donated $2,000 to Children’s After School Achievement, a Holland non-profit that provides at-risk children tools to succeed in school.
HOLLAND, Mich. – The Holland AM Rotary at its July 25 weekly meeting presented a $2,000 donation to Children’s After School Achievement, a Holland non-profit that provides at-risk children tools to succeed in school.
“We selected CASA to receive a donation from our Rotary Club because of the impact they’ve had on Holland area youth since its inception 25 years ago,” said Kevin Phillips, commercial banker at The PNC Financial Services Group and the club’s service projects chairman.
CASA is an after-school program for elementary school students hosted by Hope College. It pairs college students with children in grades one through five for academic tutoring and mentoring. The program serves 120 student clients in two, twice-weekly programs.
“In particular we liked the group’s emphasis on academics, the way staff and volunteers continually evaluate and improve their programs, and the mutual benefit of having Hope College students develop relationships with the kids,” Phillips said.
Holland AM Rotary raised money for the donation during its premier annual fundraiser, the Snowmelt Shuffle 5K race in February.
“Our role is to inspire others by raising awareness about needs locally and globally, and to foster good relationships,” said Paul Eshanauer, Holland AM Rotary president. “This gift reflects that goal by showing our commitment to the mentoring of young children in need right here in our schools.”
In 2010, CASA was named Michigan’s outstanding mentoring program through the Governor’s Service Awards. This year CASA celebrates its 25th anniversary.
“Rotary’s motto is ‘Service Above Self,’ so supporting worthwhile organizations financially or with volunteer hours is a core focus of Rotary and its members,” Phillips said. “The world is a better place because of Rotary and Rotarians.”
Holland AM Rotary meetings each Wednesday from 7:17 a.m. to 8:17 a.m. at Holland New Tech School, 36 E. 24th St., Holland, MI USA. Meetings include thought-provoking speakers, information on books and websites, lots of laughter and fellowship, and a thought for the day to guide members in their lives as leaders and doers. Guests are always welcome.