'Service above self': Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary gives out $42,000

ENGLEWOOD — The Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary members woke up bright and early Thursday morning to give out some checks to more than 30 nonprofits in the region.

It’s an annual tradition where the Rotary Club recognizes the hard work of various community organizations.

Club Treasurer Dennis Guzik said what the club handed out Thursday is just a portion of what they contribute to the community.

“Throughout the year, we’ve benefited the Englewood community through scholarships at Lemon Bay High School all the way to fireworks on Englewood Beach, and then everything in between,” Guzik said. “That number was $140,370 — and that does not include today.”

Club member Jim Harrison said this is his favorite program that the Rotary does.

“Our Rotary motto has always been ‘Service Above Self,’ and that’s Rotary International,” Harrison said. “This is the day that we recognize other groups that share our same beliefs and giving service above self every single day.”

Nonprofits recognized included:

Lemon Bay CemeteryRotary Youth CampCure Alzheimer’s FundJesus Loves You MinistryThe Boy ScoutsJohnny’s DreamEnglewood Youth FootballOCDA UniversityNancy Kay Looney FundMeals on WheelsEnglewood Community Care ClinicKids Needs of Greater EnglewoodEnglewood Youth BaseballThe Suncoast Humane SocietyThe Lemon Bay Historical SocietyEnglewood Animal RescueMyakka River ElementaryEnglewood ElementaryVineland ElementaryLemon Bay High SchoolL.A. Ainger Middle SchoolSKY Academy of EnglewoodOn the Spot AidYoung LifeSpread Spencer’s SparkleCrossroads Hope AcademySt. David’s Jubilee CenterTLC for DyslexiaGift of LifeOperation Solid 7The Lemon Bay Woman’s ClubHope for Lost Hearts

Checks will go to various projects within these organizations like a new air conditioning for SKY Academy, funding to provide equipment for the youth baseball and football teams, as well as providing scholarship money to send students to college.

Representing the Nancy Kay Looney Fund, Carolyn Pope said the check will help provide financial aid to students with aspirations and achievements in ecology and wildlife to the University of Florida.

“For those that knew Nancy, you know that she was a lovely person,” Pope said. “She loved nature and wildlife in Englewood, so we can’t thank you enough for these funds.”

Lemon Bay Historical Society volunteer and Grand Marshal for Pioneer Days Esther Horton received funds as well.

“My late husband (Mac) was the charter president of this Rotary Club, and you all have looked out for me and taken care of me personally,” Horton said. “Right now we are not taking on the project because we are not in a position to do it, but we are supporting refurbishing the (Historical Placida) Bunkhouse.”

Harrison closed the program by discussing the impact the Englewood community has on the region.

“In a time when people like to hate more than they like to love, Englewood sees a problem and they solve it,” Harrison said. “That’s why Englewood is a special place, because of the people in this community that make a difference every day.”