By Wendy Barry
Rotary Club of Orange
Wendy Barry
As president of the Rotary Club of Orange, I am honored to share the impactful initiatives our club has undertaken to serve our community and beyond. Our commitment to “service above self” has driven numerous projects aimed at addressing local needs and fostering a spirit of unity and support.
Rotary Clubs across Connecticut have a long history of making a profound impact in our communities, coming together whenever needed to support each other in our shared mission of service. Whether it’s funding local food pantries, supporting youth programs or responding to crises, our clubs exemplify the power of collective action.
A shining example of this was last year when Rotary clubs from across Connecticut organized a large-scale food drive and mobilized resources to send critical aid to the Carolinas following devastating floods. This effort demonstrated the strength and compassion of Rotarians, proving that our commitment to service extends far beyond our immediate communities. Annually, our club provides more than $50,000 to area charities and organizations.
In collaboration with the Rotary Clubs of Milford, Devon and West Haven, we have proudly supported the Purple Pantry Boxes organization. Purple Pantry Boxes provides accessible food assistance to individuals facing food insecurity, with brightly painted pantries located throughout the region from East Haven to Bridgeport. Over the past two years, our combined efforts have resulted in a total of $20,000 in grants to this vital cause, and we are committed to continuing this support into a third year.
Our club has a rich history of impactful projects. Starting in 2012, we expanded our coat donation program, distributing over 4,000 winter jackets per year over a number of years to students and individuals in Bridgeport, West Haven and New Haven. This initiative was made possible through partnerships with organizations like Operation Warm and the generous contributions of our members and supporters.
We have been instrumental in enhancing local school campuses with beautification and playground projects, collecting clothes and shoes for those in need, and joining with other clubs in the state to fund a vision and dental clinic for children. These efforts reflect our dedication to improving the quality of life for everyone.
Our commitment to youth development is evident through initiatives such as providing scholarships for the Rotary Youth Leadership Award training camp, awarding scholarships to Amity high school students who are heading to college, hosting an annual speech contest and sponsoring local athletic events. Additionally, our members supervise satellite Rotary Interact clubs for students from Orange and other area high schools as well as at Saint Martin de Porres, a tuition-free middle school for children of low-income families providing leadership training for their future.
Rotary clubs around Connecticut share a unified mission of community service and have implemented numerous programs to support their local areas. The Ridgefield Rotary Club has been a significant financial supporter of the Evelyn C. Peeler Children’s Holiday Gift Fund, which provides new clothing, food certificates and gifts to less fortunate children and families in Ridgefield. In collaboration with the Westport Police Department and Stop & Shop, Westport Sunrise Rotary organized a “Super Bowl” food drive to support local food pantries and individuals facing food insecurity. Demonstrating a commitment to children’s welfare, the Branford Rotary Club distributed free winter coats to children in need, ensuring they remained warm during the colder months.
These examples highlight the collective impact Rotary clubs have across the state, addressing diverse community needs through dedicated service and collaboration.
At the Rotary Club of Orange, we remain steadfast in our dedication to serving our community, fostering partnerships, and upholding the values that guide our mission. We are grateful for the continued support of our members and the community, enabling us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
If you’d like to come to a meeting to meet the club and see what we do, please reach out to myself or Michael Lanza, our membership chairperson at 914-924-2449.
Wendy Barry is the president of the Rotary Club of Orange Contact her at Wendy@wbarryrealtor.com.