By Robert G. La France—
MUNCIE, IN – The Muncie Rotary Club marks 10 years of fundraising to support high school athletic teams by volunteering to direct traffic and collect entrance fees at the gates of the Delaware County Fair.
For at least 5 hours a day from Monday, July 17, to Saturday, July 22, 2023, Rotarians braved the relentless sun and threatening storms alongside student athletes to greet visitors to the fair and raise money for four teams. The Central High School wrestlers were led by A. J. Bradley on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday and Thursday, Kenzie Andrew and her students represented Central High School volleyball. Friday was dedicated to Central High School soccer players, headed by Alex Williamson. Finally, Tim Cleland and his students represented the Delta High School tennis team on Saturday. More than 20 Rotarians from both the Muncie Noon and Muncie Sunrise Rotary clubs participated.
For the hard work, the Delaware County Fair provides a stipend, which is further supplemented by the Rotary Clubs. In the end, each team receives a donation of $500-$1,000 dollars to buy uniforms and to meet their various expenses. Initiated in 2013, the partnership between Rotary, the Delaware County Fair, and local high school sports teams has been continuously guided by Dale Basham, a past Rotary District Governor and ex president of the Muncie Noon Rotary Club.
“I’ve always seen this community service project as a great way to stay in touch with the citizens of Delaware County while also helping our wonderful student athletes,” Basham, a former Southside High School principal, said. “It’s all part of Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self.”
Other local Rotary service projects include repairs and cleanup at Rotary Park along the Cardinal Greenway in the fair-weather months, and nonprofit grant opportunities in August through the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County.
About the Club
The Muncie Rotary Club, affiliated with the global service organization Rotary International, was founded in 1917 by a group of local business executives, professionals, and community leaders. Muncie Rotary is a catalyst for community leadership, professional development, friendships, service, and international understanding. There are two clubs: the Muncie Noon Rotary Club meets on Tuesdays at noon at Minnetrista for lunch, networking, and a feature program; the Muncie Sunrise Rotary Club meets on Fridays at 7:00 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall.
Join the Rotary Clubs of Muncie at muncierotary.org or munciesunriserotary.org
