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Following a presentation about the work of Rotaplast International, Inc.—the organization committed to helping children and families worldwide by eliminating the burden of cleft lip and/or palate—member Chestnut Hill Rotary member Andy Sears was inspired enough to present a challenge to Chestnut Hill Rotary.
Manuel with his family following surgery from an earlier Rotaplast mission.
Sears, with help from member Larry Schofer, announced that he would match donations to Rotaplast up to $1,100 which was immediately met with commitments by many other members. In addition, the Chestnut Hill Rotary’s International Committee pledged last year’s amount of $1,750 bringing the total commitment to $6,000. Chestnut Hill Rotary generates those funds from events like the highly successful Lobster Fest and other donations throughout the year.
Click to watch the short video presentation.
“Rarely do we have the opportunity as mortals to so completely fix an issue this horrible which has been inflicted on individuals that are so innocent,” said Sears. “Rotaplast is one of those few amazing opportunities we have to so completely change a life.”
The check, which will fund surgeries for six children, was presented to SE PA Rotary District Rotaplast Chair Paul Quintavalla, and committee member Jim Bradley who spoke at a club meeting a few months ago. Quintavalla and Bradley presented a Certificate of Appreciation from Rotaplast International to Chestnut Hill Rotary for supporting an upcoming mission in Medellin, Columbia in September, 2026.
“I’m very, very overwhelmed by the donation,” said Bradley. “This is one of the largest donations from a Rotary club since I have been doing this.”
Rotaplast was founded in 1992 initially as a service project by members of the Rotary Club of San Francisco to facilitate a surgical program in La Serena, Chile.
Working with local professionals, Rotarians, and other organizations, Rotaplast sends multidisciplinary medical teams to provide free reconstructive surgery, ancillary treatment, and training for the comprehensive care of these children.
Each year eight to ten missions of medical personnel supported by Rotary volunteers leave for such places as rural Guatemala and rural Philippines. Children and adults alike come from near and far to be evaluated for an operation that is life-changing.
“Rotaplast is one of those Rotary-related projects that allows individuals to accomplish great things that we could not do on our own,” said Schofer. “Helping to change a life is mind-boggling!”
