Rotary raises $400,000 in matching grant funds for Vermont Irene recovery

On June 30th Rotarians will gather for a gala Rotary District-wide event at the Grappone Conference Center Courtyard by Marriott where the honorable Rotary International President-elect, Sakuji Tanaka, will recognize the awarding of a $412,000 Vermont Recovery Matching Grant by the Rotary Foundation.  This matching grant which consists of $174,006, combined with the $238,284 raised from local Rotary Districts and clubs, will be used to assist in the long term recovery for the victims of Tropical Storm Irene that hit the VT Region on August 28, 2011.  

This matching grant earmarks one of the largest allocations of matching funds on American soil, to date.       

The grant funds will be allocated to the counties in proportion to the percent of need determined by FEMA data. Working with Southern Vermont Community Agency (SEVCA) to do the screening and delivery of services needed  through the other Community Action Agencies.    

To date, Rotarians have helped in the relief and recovery effort in numerous communities throughout the region.  

“We are confident that these rotary funds will support the humanitarian efforts required to launch a second wave   of assistance to those still needing help to get back to a “new normal” in Vermont”, says District Governor Janice McElroy.   

McElroy has spearheaded this grant application for the past seven months helping Rotarians get involved in a hands-on way.         

Rotary Club of Concord is a local non-profit membership based organization with the purpose of  providing service above self within our local community and internationally. For more information about rotary or rotary membership visit:  www.clubrunner.ca/ concordnh  /.