Benson Rotary Projects 


Each year the Benson Rotary club awards scholarships to local students. Three students received $1000 each for their college fees.

Two of the scholarships are awarded in the names of past Rotarians. Roy McGoffin was the Charter President in 1944-45. He died a few months after attending the 50th Anniversary celebration of the club. A scholarship bearing his name is presented each May.

Clarence Post was the first District Governor from the Benson Rotary - 1974-75. A scholarship was designated for him. In December 1998 his son, Howard, died unexpectedly and was a 20 year member of the club and for many years had headed the Scholarship Committee. The yearly scholarship is now known as the "Clarence and Howard Post Scholarship". In addition there is a Benson Rotary Scholarships. There has been a good relationship with many of the students, watching as their dreams unfold. In past years, a few of the recipients of these scholarships have made contributions into the fund as they became successful in their careers.

This year's special fund-raiser was to benefit Benson Hospital. 

February 10th rang out in Benson will the sounds of Mardi Gras. The attendees came in a large number, some in costume, others sporting decorated masks to enjoy an evening of entertainment, dancing, cajun food and participated in the raffle and auction. As a result of the evening a $15,000 check was presented to CEO Ron McKinnon for equipment for the new Emergency Department at Benson Hospital that will open at the end of March. A patient ventilator, 2 programmable vital sign machines, 3 K-MOD heat therapy pumps, a portable ophthalmoscope/otoscope, wheeled exam light, physician's loupe lamp and a set of Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice will be purchased. Included in the $15,000 was a District 5500 Simplified Grant for $1000. A great deal of the success was due to the sponsors who generously donated money and goods for prizes.

Coverage in the local newspaper, San Pedro Valley News-Sun and the Sierra Vista Herald helped to bring awareness of the upcoming event. And the follow up in the Benson paper on March 7th let residents know just how much the Benson Rotary and those participating means to improvement of their community.

More information about the upcoming Golf Tournament will appear soon.


Literacy Program Important

With the Benson Public Library's director an active member of the Benson Rotary, the club has had an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the literacy program. This year we assisted the staff to reorganize the library, moving books, shelving and whatever else was needed. It allowed an expansion of the areas and instituting an area specifically designed for ages 11-14.

The Dictionary Project was enjoyed by all members of the club. After placing the bookplates, which included the 4 Way Test and area for the student to put his/her name, in each book during a club meeting, the members divided into teams. They then presented the dictionaries to third graders in Benson, Pomerene and St. David schools, plus in four charter schools. Each dictionary contained the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, maps of the seven continents, information about the 50 states, planets and solar system, countries throughout the world and much more. Not only were the children excited about this gift, but also the teachers and administration. The letters of thanks are real treasures.


 

Community Service - Local & Worldwide

$15,000 proceeds from the Mardi Gras, held in February, were donated to the Benson Hospital for equipment for the new Emergency Department expansion. A patient ventilator and other major equipment was purchased.

The second year of the Dictionary Project was successful with 175 dictionaries delivered to seven schools in the Benson, St. David and Pomerene schools. Each third grader received this very comprehensive dictionary which included the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, maps of the seven continents, information about the 50 states, biographies of the 43 presidents, weights and measures and facts about the planets in our solar system. Teachers, students and administrators were  delighted to receive these comprehensive dictionaries. This is an ongoing project for our club.

Participation in the Christmas Box project of Samaritan's Purse shows the interest in giving to children throughout the world that we care. Each shoebox is filled with gifts for the certain ages. It will include toys, hygiene products, candies and whatever will please the children. It also gives the members the pleasure of shopping for these children.

Whether it is youth programs, such as RYLA, scholarships, helping to provide for the elderly and underprivileged, or if helping to provide funds for International projects, the Benson Rotary is there. And, it has been there throughout its history.

In addition to the Food Bank donations, a campaign within the club for Meals on Wheels has been held with good success. The food bank users will be receiving turkeys as a part of the fundraiser - The Turkey Shoot Golf Tournament - last year's donation to Food Bank was 60 turkeys for the holidays. Another golf tournament will be held in November 2007.

The youth of our area have been a focus of the club. With education being well represented through the membership, including the Superintendent of the Benson Unified School District  Through this involvement RYLA and the 4 Way Test Speech Contest have been important activities. Last year two students, one exchange from Germany, was sent to RYLA. Plans are to send two more this Rotary year.


 

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