Posted on Dec 07, 2017
The Rotary Club of Carlisle and the Rotary Club of Carlisle-Sunrise will host their annual holiday dinner and fundraising event Dec. 8 at the Comfort Suites in Carlisle.
 
Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Cumberland County Historical Society’s pocket park adjacent to its building at 21 N. Pitt St. The new park includes benches, trees, a walking path and “landmark lines” pointing in the direction of historical attractions throughout the county.
 
“It is designed to both enhance the Historical Society’s visibility and create an outdoor location for people to rest in the downtown. It also will be a setting for outdoor lectures, concerts and history programs,” said Jason Illari, executive director of the Cumberland County Historical Society.
 
Funds raised at the Rotary auction will support their themed project called “Rest and Refresh.” The “rest” aspect of the project is the purchase of four hardwood benches that will provide a place to sit and relax. The “refresh” aspect will be Rotary labeled bottles of water providing facts about water around the world.
 
Signs in the park will direct visitors inside the Historical Society’s building for free water compliments of the Rotary Clubs. Signs near the refrigerator will provide facts about Rotary’s clean water focus internationally.
 
 
“Carlisle’s two Rotary clubs have each been engaged in separate international projects for years, bringing clean water to those in need,” said Rena Geesaman, president of the Carlisle Sunrise Club. “Amazingly, over the past 15 years the clubs have raised over $270,000 to support international water projects in both Africa and Central America. Now we are teaming up to provide a local solution right here at home, to encourage proper hydration and create a restful atmosphere in which to enjoy a drink of pure water.”
 
“The ‘Rest and Refresh’ project allows us to share our story regarding one of Rotary’s six areas of focus, which is providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene,” said Kathleen Stoup, president of the Carlisle Rotary Club. “Rotary International has set a goal to provide everyone with safe water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Much work still needs to be done and the ‘Rest and Refresh’ brochures provided through this project will inform the community of the ongoing efforts of Carlisle Rotarians to achieve this goal.”
 
“Rotarians Larenda Twigg and Marv Salsman have taken the lead in soliciting support from the community,” said Bill Blankmeyer, the fundraising chair for the auction. Tax-deductible donations can be made to Carlisle Rotary Club Foundation.
Checks to support the project should be made out to Carlisle Rotary Club Foundation and mailed to Carlisle Rotary Club, P.O. Box 301, Carlisle, Pa. 17013. Questions regarding the auction should be directed to Bill Blankmeyer at (717) 590-7229.