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 “Building a More Peaceful Evanston” Grants to be Distributed to Local Organizations

Like most U.S. communities, Evanston faces the issue of violence in many forms – ranging from youth gang activity and bullying in schools to domestic violence and urban crime. The tragic murders of two Evanston youths in the last year are the most recent reminders of this problem.

Recognizing the destructive impact of violence on communities, and particularly the recent acts of violence in Evanston, the Rotary Club of Evanston Charitable Fund will award several community grants to local organizations in 2013 that are addressing this issue through innovative programming. “Building a More Peaceful Evanston” Grants will range from $500 to $2,500. 

“It has become clear that the problem of violence in a community is one that can only be solved if the entire community pulls together to focus on solutions,” said Pam Rosenbusch, president of the club. “Our Charitable Fund offers a way to encourage innovative thinking and new ideas aimed at this issue from multiple organizations.” 

For more than 90 years, the Rotary Club of Evanston has divided its service to the community between hands-on, volunteer projects, and raising funds to help organizations and causes. It has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for not-for-profit organizations, helping Evanston cope with pressing issues ranging from illiteracy to HIV/AIDS to homelessness and poverty.

The club’s philosophy is to provide general assistance wherever it is needed – thus it has provided volunteers for everything from building homes for low-income families to cleaning up Evanston’s beaches to delivering hot meals to the needy.

In its recent history, the club has placed a strong emphasis on helping Evanston’s youth. Projects range from youth mentoring to after-school reading programs and scholarships

Rotary Club of Evanston members are business, professional, and community leaders who meet regularly to plan and implement community service activities and network with other professionals. For those interested, members can also choose to become involved in international humanitarian service efforts. We meet every Thursday at 12:00 at the NorthShore Hotel, 1611 Chicago Avenue, Grand Ball Room, Evanston.

Historian and author Leslie Goddard provided an entertaining glimpse at the life of Frances Willard, temperance reformer, educator, and woman’s suffragist during our January 19, 2012 meeting. Dressed in Victorian era clothing, Goddard “became” Willard, offering colorful reminisces of her life in Evanston, where she attended school and lived during her national career.

Former Evanston Police Chief and longtime club member Bill Logan shared memories on January 12 of his experiences providing special police protection when Rev. Martin Luther King visited Evanston in 1962 and 1963.

Rotary Club of Evanston and Rotary Club of Evanston Lighthouse members, plus other Rotarians and community members, participated in a special meeting Thursday, October 20 at Rotary international in observance of World Polio Day.