Moorpark Rotary grants funds to numerous local nonprofits
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

The Rotary Club of Moorpark distributed $100,000 to 40 different groups last week.

The club has two major fundraisers each year and 100 percent of the proceeds go to help local and international organizations, said club president Jim Arthur.

A committee representing a wide range of interests and age groups was formed to select the beneficiaries.

They selected a variety of beneficiaries, said Arthur. From scholarships to charitable organizations and sports leagues, the need is great everywhere and some needs are unique, he said.

Catholic Charities, which feeds thousands every year and helped prevent about 40 families in the community from being evicted, received a portion of the donations. Pat Esseff, regional coordinator for the organization, expressed gratitude when she received a check at the Rotary luncheon at the Moorpark Country Club.

Donations will also help Moorpark Girls' Softball Team members who need a scholarship to participate, said Rhonda Curt, treasurer of the organization. When they play sports, she said, girls get exercise and learn to work as a team.

Moorpark Little League, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, also received a donation at the event.

"We don't turn away any child who wants to play, said Gary Kelman, league board president.

Sponsoring sports teams may seem less important than supporting vital services provided by some charitable groups, Kelman said, but it's very valuable for children who have a need.

"Sports build confidence and character, and they get kids off the streets," he said.

The Flory Academy Booster Club, the Moorpark College Foundation and the Moorpark Unified School District preschool program were also recipients of Rotary funds this year.

Although the Moorpark Rotary Club is in a small community, it's able to raise a large amount of money because "The Blue and the Gray" Civil War reenactment draws thousands of people each year, Arthur said.

Local Rotarians give treasure, talent and time for the benefit of others, he said.

"The Rotary of Moorpark is living up to its motto, which is service above self."

The club will host a Celebrity Golf Tournament with Moorpark Packers Youth Football at the Wood Ranch Golf Course on June 4. For more information, call (805) 279-5253.