At the meeting of the Upper Keys Rotary Club on June 30, incoming President Terry Abel took the gavel. Outgoing President Jill Miranda Baker highlighted the accomplishments of the previous 12 months and honored several members for their dedicated service to the club and the community.
Successes included raising more than $86,000 through a scholarship appeal to replace the money that would have been raised through the canceled annual Gigantic Nautical Flea Market. This, in part, allowed the club’s foundation to award more than $145,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors and current college students.
Funding was also provided to United Way’s Stuff the Bus campaign, Treasure Village Montessori supporting its middle schoolers’ participation in the Pathfinders program, Rise Against Hunger to feed those in need in South Florida, and to fight the COVID-19 outbreak in India.
Two Rotarians – Karly Venezia and Kate Banick – were presented with Service Above Self awards for their outstanding efforts with the Scholarship Appeal and managing the individual donations and sponsors.
Rising Star awards went to Jordan Budnik and Kate DeLoach in recognition of their hard work, enthusiasm and dedication to the club during the past year.
The Upper Keys Rotary, established in 1967, meets weekly at noon at Capt. Craig’s Restaurant, MM 90. More information is at KeysRotary.com, on Facebook or from Abel at 305-360-1917.
