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Following a recent 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 Andy Sears was moved enough to present a challenge to Chestnut Hill Rotary.
At last week’s breakfast program, 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 several members totaling $1,200. In addition, the Chestnut Hill Rotary’s International Committee pledged last year’s amount of $1,750 bringing the total commitment to $4,050. Chestnut Hill Rotary generates those funds from events like the highly successful Lobster Fest and other donations throughout the year.
“We are hopeful that additional members and their friends will choose to participate and get us to at least $5,000,” said Sears. “This equates to five infants in some of the poorest communities in the world who will not face the challenges of life with a cleft palate on top of the unbelievable hurdles they already confront daily.”
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. 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.
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.
Donations can be made online via credit card or PayPal or send check made out to: Chestnut Hill Rotary Foundation, Attention: Tim Sager, Treasurer, 200 Montgomery Avenue, Erdenheim, PA 19038. Indicate in the check’s memo, “Rotaplast Challenge.”
