Possibly one of the most important functions of Rotary, is our community involvement and our fundraising efforts to support local charities and international projects.  We participate in two major fundraisers: Strawberry Festival and the Golf Tournament.

Strawberry Festival

This is our main fundraiser of the year and all members are needed to make it a success.  The club cooks gumbo and serves beer and soft drinks during the festival.  Each Rotarian is expected to give 6 hours of service during the weekend.  Additional help may be requested in set up, cooking, or clean up after the festival.  The Strawberry Festival is typically the first weekend in April each year.  Please mark your calendars now to ensure your participation in this major event.

Golf Tournament

Our second largest fundraiser is a Golfing for Scholars Golf Tournament, typically held in late September, early October.  Funds are raised in two ways: players make donations to form a team, or businesses/politicians make donations to sponsor a sign to be placed on a hole.  The event raises funds for the Ned Welles Scholarship Fund for scholarships for college students and the Rotary Scholarships awarded each year.  Rotarians and Interact members work in many areas, from the initial step of fundraising, to organizing the event, and serving food at the event.  Members can also help by soliciting items to place in a “Goody bag” handed out to players, filled with local  business paraphernalia such as koozies, pens, golf balls, etc.  The event is typically held atOak Knoll Country Club.

left to right: Garnett Bedenbaugh, Chad Richard, Sparky Welles, Angelique Richardson

Thanksgiving:

Generally held on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Rotary in partnership with Kiwanis host a Thanksgiving lunch for approximately 50 Senior Citizens from the Ponchatoula area.  We serve them a traditional Thanksgiving meal.  The Thursday meeting following is cancelled.

Gumbo Cook-off

In February or March, Ponchatoula Rotary often participates in the Gumbo Cook-off.

Socials:

Socials may be held at various times throughout the year to build goodwill amongst members.  Locations have varied from Rainbow’s to Mi Patio Restaurant.  This is a great opportunity to bring prospective members and guests.

Project Work:

Occasionally there is a “work day” scheduled for the club, in which we may perform hut maintenance.  Try to participate so the workload is spread evenly among club members.  The club also participates in community charity.

Dictionary Project

Once a year, Rotary with the involvement of the Ponchatoula High Interact Club provide dictionaries to all 3rd graders at D.C. Reeves.  The members pass out the dictionaries in the classroom and discuss the mission of Rotary/Interact and the importance of community service.