Rotary SE PA Foundation’s Impact in the Community
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A message from Francy Cross, Rotary SE PA’s Past District Governor and President of the Gundaker Charitable Foundation.
This year's success at Gundaker truly reflects the heart, generosity, and dedication of our District 7450 family. Thanks to your support, we are making a meaningful impact on our communities.
Every contribution, fundraiser, hour volunteered, and act of service has helped make this year remarkable. Together, we have strengthened our ability to do good, support important causes, and continue changing lives through Rotary.
In this video, you’ll hear from vocational scholarship recipients, exchange student, and learn about the impact of the Gundaker Foundation.
Vocational Scholarships
“This scholarship toward my tuition is a major opportunity and blessing,” said Aliyah Smith, scholarship recipient enrolled in the Philadelphia Institute of Technology. Aliyah is in the Licensed Practical Nurse program and plans to work in the mental health or home care fields.
The Gundaker Foundation provided matching financial community grants to District 7450 Rotary Clubs to support local projects within Rotary International's seven areas of focus. These areas include Promoting Peace, Fighting Disease, Providing Clean Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, Saving Mothers and Children, Supporting Education, Growing Local Economies, and Protecting the Environment. The Gundaker Foundation provided 12 clubs with community grants totaling $15,500.
The Gundaker Foundation awarded vocational scholarships to students enrolled in vocational training programs and trade schools within District 7450. These institutions offer post-secondary, hands-on education for various occupational programs, equipping graduates with the skills and real-world experience needed to enter their chosen careers immediately after graduation. Twenty-two students were awarded vocational scholarships totaling $19,500.
“Your support means so much to me and motivates me to continue working toward my dream of becoming an immigration lawyer,” said Mariia Chyveska. Mariia is in the Paralegal Studies at the Community College of Philadelphia. She hails from Ukraine where she already earned a law degree. “Thank you so much for selecting me…I am truly honored and grateful for you support,” said Doorveley DeChamin, nursing student at Community College of Philadelphia.
Rotary Exchange Student
The Foundation also provided financial support for Ana Sofia, a Rotary Exchange student from Ragusa, Italy, the same town that Rotary International’s President is from. The popular Rotary Youth Exchange program offers summer and school year international experiences to high school students between the ages of 15-19. The Program makes a significant impact on the lives of approximately 8,000 high school students worldwide each year.
“I came her the 21st of August and my life has changed since that day,” said Ana Sofia. “I had so much fun and so many opportunities!”
Supplemental Nutrition Grants
The Eagles' season ticket giveaway raised $9,000, which was used to fund a new initiative this year called the SNUG grant. The Supplemental Nutrition Ultimate Gundaker grant was established to strengthen local food banks by improving access to nutritious food for individuals and families facing food insecurity. The grant funds were used to purchase staple and fresh food items, expand storage capacity, and support distribution efforts through partner food banks. This project aligns with Rotary’s focus on community economic development and disease prevention by addressing a critical basic need.
A total of twenty-seven clubs participated in the initiative, and each received a $1,000 grant to support their local food cupboards. Overall, the SNUG grant provided $27,000 in nutritional support to 25 food cupboards throughout District 7450.
Thank you for your commitment, generosity, and belief in Service Above Self. This success belongs to all of us, and the impact will continue long after this Rotary year ends.
Francy Cross
The Rotary District 7450 Gundaker Foundation, Inc. is named as a tribute to the lifelong accomplishments of Guy Gundaker, one of the founders and a charter member of the Philadelphia Rotary Club. He served as President of the Philadelphia Rotary Club in 1914 -1917, and he carried his level of service even further when he served as President of Rotary International in 1923-1924.