A record of over $36,000 was raised at the Rotary Club of Lakewood-Rocky River Sunrise’s Derby Fundraiser on Friday, May 6. At the featured race/live auction, $6,700 was donated for the many services to the homeless and needy met by Trials for Hope. Johnathon Gray, founder of Trials for Hope was a track side and told the attendees about T4H, and its need for a large refrigerator. The cost of $2,100 was covered by one donor. Over 160 attendees wondered around the Track to look over the entries, which included a Top Hat Raffle and attractive silent auction items. They took time to go to the “Club House” for a delicious dinner served by Karen King Catering of Lakewood.
Funds raised at the Derby went to the Club’s Foundation which supports the many community, youth, vocational, and international service projects of the Lakewood-Rocky River Sunrise Club. Current projects include an annual clean-up of Beck Center grounds and gardens, Holiday Food Distribution, Food Pantries, 3rd Grade Dictionary Distribution, Youth Exchange Programs (sending dozens of young men and women to experience other cultures and welcoming dozens of others into our homes and schools), Foster Care birthday bags & school backpacks, Nicaragua Student Supplies, Emergency Shelter Boxes, supporting children’s sight in Ukraine, and more.