Dear Editor:

The Douglas Rotary Club embarked on a fund raiser during the month of February to fund some very special projects for the year 2013.

Our goals are to help Douglas become a better community. Some of our accomplishments are funding two $500 scholarships for the June 2013 graduating class. To hand out dictionaries to all third graders in our schools including McNeal, Double Adobe, and Elfrida; make contributions to the Douglas Williams House to help with repairs and the International Rotary Foundation to eradicate polio worldwide.

A dance to raise funds for these projects was held on Feb. 7, 2013 which was a huge success.

Many people contributed to the event and those that attended had a great evening and we wish to thank them for their support. Sponsors who contributed more than $100 are to be commended and they are:Wal-Mart of Douglas, Dairy Queen of southern Arizona, Helen Lehman and former Colonel and Mayor of Douglas Albert Rodriguez.

We are still waiting to hear from other sponsors and any one that wishes to make contributions can call 364-9718 and they are a deductible donation.

We also expanded Rotary’s reach in new and effective ways by entering into partnerships with Mercy Ships and UNESCO-IHE. We built on our record of humanitarian service by continuing our strong relationships with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, Aga Khan University, Oikocredit and the Rotary Peace Centers.

Over half a million young people worldwide participated in our New Generations programs. Their involvement in Rotary Youth Exchange, Rotaract and Interact clubs, and RYLA events helped them develop skills that they’ll need to become service-minded community and global leaders - and future Rotarian's.

Extraordinary progress was made toward the eradication of polio. We made history when India was removed from the list of polio-endemic countries — leaving just Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan. A difficult road lies ahead, but thanks to the commitment and generosity of Rotarian's and friends, we are confident that Rotary will lead the way toward a polio-free world.

The Douglas Rotary Club meets every Tuesday from 12-1 pm at the Alamo. Please come and join us to hear more about what are plans are locally and globally.

Rotary clubs are open to people of all cultures and ethnicities and are not affiliated with any political or religious organizations.

Respectfully submitted,

Douglas Rotary Club