Photo from left to right: Rotarians Judith Roberts, Lisa Gibson, Richard Bates, Venus Miller, President Queen Rolle, Rotarians Elsie Knowles, Bert Lightbourne, and Othyneil Pinder, workers at the Children’s Home and Director of the home, Kay Forbes-Smith. Standing on the ladder is Community Chair, Louis Alleyne. (Photo courtesy Derek Carroll)

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- It is the intent to have a new president at the helm of Rotary Clubs every Rotary year. This allows for variety in new leadership during the period beginning July 1st through to June 30th of the following year. It is every president’s desire to establish a signature project and be remembered by that specific project.

President Queen Rolle and the membership of the Rotary Club of Freeport planned and executed a successful fundraiser which took the form of a wine and cheese tasting earlier this month. The goal was to earmark proceeds from this event to funding hurricane shutters for a building at the Grand Bahama Children’s Home (GBCH), and on Saturday, October 25th, the Rotary Club of Freeport realised that goal when the first of the shutters were installed.

“The members present were elated, as it was a dream come true,“ said President Queen. “We began visiting the GBCH earlier this year to celebrate birthdays with the children,” she continued. “We purchase birthday cakes and gifts for each child and we take delight in singing, playing and chatting with the children.”

Community Chair and Past President Louis Alleyne said, “The visits to the Home has become a dear and special time for the Rotarians, so much so, that we cherish it and look forward to it. We have come to love the children and take great interest in the Home. Therefore, we say thanks to corporate Grand Bahama and the community at large for their overwhelming support at our recent wine and cheese tasting event, as well as our other fundraising initiatives.”

“Strong financial oversight, a stellar charity rating, and a unique funding model means that your monies are in good hands when you give to Rotary, and we make the very most of your contributions,” stated President Queen. “There is transparency, fairness, and prudence in the management of funds, our policies, and most importantly sustainability of the projects, the Rotary Club of Freeport supports and or maintains.

“Past President of the club, Richard Bates of Guardian Fencing and Shutters will be doing the work. We say a special thanks to him.

“The Rotary Club of Freeport remains committed to support the Grand Bahama Youth Choir under the leadership of Kevin Tomlinson, in the refurbishment of a building recently donated. We look forward to receiving your continuous support of our fundraising initiatives, so we can also fulfill this mandate. Together we make great things happen!”

“It is always good to acknowledge those who contribute to our success,” continued President Queen, “therefore we say thank you in a very meaningful way to the following companies (shown below).”