Rotary of Anthem, Salvation Army raise $73,000

STAFF REPORT~ 12/28/2011

The Rotary Club of Anthem raised $31,702.49 in charitable donations in 2011. Members of the Anthem Club also operate the Salvation Army Extension Unit in the North Valley, which gave more than $42,000 in assistance in 2011.
The combined charitable giving of Rotary of Anthem and the Anthem Salvation Army Extension Unit totaled more than $73,000 during 2011.
The Rotary of Anthem Club donated more than $28,000 to local charities which included: dictionary distributions to elementary students in local schools, scholarships, fine art charities, food banks, youth programs, New River Teen Challenge, the Veterans Memorial and local charitable events.
According to the Homeless Youth Connection, a nonprofit organization developed to assist homeless youth, “The United States will have 22,000,000 homeless kids on the streets over the next year and Phoenix’s West Valley will be home to 1,800 of those children.” Rotary of Anthem donated $3500 to the Homeless Youth Connection.
The Club donated $2500 to international and out-of-state charitable projects including: Hope 4 Kids, Shelter Box and Carborca, Mexico projects. Another donation was given to assist the Humane Society of Joplin, MO after the devastating tornado last spring.
The Club’s 44 members raise money for their charitable projects through two key events, the May golf tournament and the October Round-up. Rotarians also sell food and beverages throughout the year at key events in the area including Anthem Days, Independence Day, and AutumnFest.
Under the guidance of Del Mau, Rotarians Tom Leyda, Larry Evans and Tim Maki lead the Unit, organizing the annual bell ringing and distributing assistance to local families in need.
The Salvation Army Extension Unit helps families received assistance for APS bills, water bills, gas bills, rent, gas, food and waste management. Those requesting assistance are screened by The Salvation Army for recipient qualifications.
Funds for Salvation Army distribution come from the annual bell ringing campaign, which requires nearly 250 volunteers to cover the shifts each weekend from Thanksgiving through Christmas. Additional funds are derived from the Project SHARE. Funds for Project SHARE come from APS and SRP employees, shareholders and customers. All funds raised by this Extension Unit stay in the area to assist people in Anthem, New River, Black Canyon City and some areas just south of Anthem.
Anyone wishing to donate to Rotary of Anthem or the Salvation Army Extension Unit may do so by going to www.AnthemRotary.org. Those who prefer to donate by mail to the Rotary of Anthem may do so by sending donations to 3655 Anthem Way A109, Anthem, AZ 85086. Please make checks payable to Rotary of Anthem. Those who wish to donate by mail to the Anthem Salvation Army may do so by sending donations to Anthem Salvation Army, 3655 Anthem Way A109, PMB 107, Anthem, AZ 85086. Please make checks payable to the Salvation Army Extension. Anyone wishing to donate to the Salvation Army Extension Unit through SHARE should contact their APS and/or SRP or review this section of their monthly bill.
For information on the Rotary of Anthem and Rotary International, go to AnthemRotary.org.