The York East Rotary Club announced the recipients of its annual grant awards totaling $10,200 at its recent ceremony, continuing its tradition of supporting critical community programs. This year's beneficiaries included Veterans Gold Star Memorial Gardens, Byrnes Health Education Center, Veterans Helping Hand, and Mr. Sandy's Homeless Veterans Fund, with each organization expressing their gratitude and outlining plans for utilizing the funds to further their important missions. During the award ceremony, representatives from the selected organizations spoke passionately about how the Rotary Club’s generosity would be used to benefit veterans and advance health education within the community.
- Gold Star Gardens was granted a portion of the funds to help maintain and enhance the memorial space dedicated to local veterans. The funds will be used to update landscaping, repair monuments, and create a more welcoming environment for families and veterans to honor those who have served.
- Byrnes Health Education Center, an organization committed to improving health literacy and education in the region, will use its grant to fund new ceiling fans in the great hall. This initiative will support youth health education, covering important topics such as mental health, nutrition, and substance abuse prevention.
- Veterans Helping Hand, a community organization providing resources to veterans in need, plans to utilize the Rotary's grant to bolster its outreach program. The funding will assist veterans with job placement, emergency financial assistance, and accessing health care services, ensuring they have the support needed to transition back into civilian life.
- Mr. Sandy's Homeless Veterans Fund, known for its work with homeless veterans, received a portion of the grant to maintain its shelter services. These funds will help provide housing for veterans facing homelessness, with the ultimate goal of helping them find permanent housing Speaking at the ceremony, the incoming president, Kris Pollick, shared the importance of continuing the club’s mission of "service above self" and the pivotal role that these grants play in making a lasting impact on the community.
Pictured: Sandi Walker, Veteran’s Helping Hand: Chris Izzo, Grant Committee Chair: Lyndsey Mackie, Byrnes Health Education