Provided by the Rotary Club of Youngsville
YOUNGSVILLE, LA (December 19, 2024) – In 2024, the Rotary Club of Youngsville successfully raised an impressive $30,847.10 through our two primary fundraisers: Pickle & Pints pickleball tournament and Patch at the Park pumpkin patch. We welcomed 14 new Rotarians to our ranks, enhancing our commitment to service.
We proudly granted $12,700 to seven outstanding non-profits: Escape from Poverty, Acadiana Advocacy Network, Healing House for Grieving Children, Lafayette Council on Aging, Jamal Smiles, Dreams of Acadiana, and LARC. Additionally, we awarded $4,500 in educational scholarships to five deserving students from Southside High School and Acadiana Renaissance Charter Academy. Furthermore, we empowered over 900 elementary students by providing them with solar eclipse glasses to witness the
historic 2024 lunar eclipse.
Our collaboration with Catholic Charities of Acadiana for their annual PBJ drive was a remarkable success, with seven local businesses participating. Lagniappe Physical Therapy led the charge by collecting the most peanut butter and jelly donations for area students. Our members dedicated 82
hours at St. Joseph Diner, ensuring that those in need received hot meals.
Many Rotarians also contributed to the Love of People 10th Annual Community Thanksgiving, where we prepared and delivered an impressive 2,000 Thanksgiving meals to families in need.
The club continued its dedication to keeping the City of Youngsville beautiful through the Adopt-a-Road program and assisted with a citywide cleanup after Mardi Gras.
The Interact Club at Acadiana Renaissance Charter Academy High School is growing significantly. Sponsoring this club is one of our highlights; they currently have 37 members and a wonderful faculty advisor. These students are the future Rotarians and servants of the community.
The Patch at the Park event at the new Youngsville amphitheater was a remarkable success. It drew approximately 6,000 attendees and became the largest event in Youngsville for 2024, outside of Mardi Gras.
We initiated our first international project by collaborating with the Rotary Club of Felicity/Charlieville in Trinidad. The “Chair the Love” program provides wheelchairs to those in desperate need, thus improving
their quality of life. Our next international project is already in the works.
Additionally, we worked alongside the Youngsville Fire Department to bring Bon Temps Santa to neighborhoods throughout Youngsville over two nights, spreading joy and holiday spirit. We concluded the holiday season by collecting and distributing gifts to area elementary students in need of a little extra love.
Our impact on the community this year has been significant, and we are excited for what lies ahead!
Thank you for making 2024 our best year yet.
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Learn more and view photos at the Rotary Club of Youngsville’s Facebook page.
