The Rotary Club of Stephenville is approaching its 50th Anniversary! Most
people are familiar with the Rotary Music Festival and the major annual
fundraiser Auction held at the Legion in November. But, Rotary does so
much more!

Today, the Rotarians contribute to the local Food Banks, The Hospital
Foundation, Long Term Health Care, Status of Women, Kettle Campaign,
and Block the Bus. You see the town Clock at the corner of Main and
Queen St. every day. As you walk through Blanch Brooke park, you see
Rotary Place which is a peaceful area by Blanche Brook where you can sit
and enjoy the peacefulness of the park.
.
Over the years, fundraising activities and projects have changed
according to the needs of the community and the interests of the
Rotarians.

Maybe you can remember the Radio Auction? For many years, local
businesses provided items or services that were used to help the Rotary
Club of Stephenville. The items would be listed in the Georgian and the
auction would be broadcasted on CFSX. This was an exciting event for the
club which included the support of local businesses, newspapers, radio, and
the general public.

We all know that pumpkins are available for sale at many grocery stores in
October. But they weren't always available. The Rotary Club of Stephenville
was the first to bring pumpkins to the area as a fundraiser. A Rotarian
would travel to the Annapolis Valley and purchase the pumpkins for 6
cents per pound (yes, 6 cents!). Although some initial skepticism about
doing something unique, this fundraiser brought excitement and local
customers for many years. The Rotary Club partnered with students
enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh program to sell the pumpkins and in
turn, the club supported the Dukes.

There have even been seal dinners, in partnership with the College of the
North Atlantic, with the co-operation of the staff in the cooking and
hospitality programs.
 
When you look back over 50 years, the contribution from the Rotary Club
of Stephenville is impressive.. There are also many projects that you may
not remember, such as donating $5000 each year for 5 years to the new
hospital for lobby furniture and sponsoring the Air Cadets in Port au Port.
The list goes on!

As you can see, the types of fundraisers and sponsored projects are open
to the creativity and enthusiasm of the Rotarians. Maybe you would like
to bring your skills and enthusiasm to the club. We would love to meet
you!