Our Programs and Service
Rotary clubs engage in service projects in thousands of communities all over the world. Representing a cross-section of professionals and business leaders in their local communities, members tend to be knowledgeable about the local needs, priorities, customs, and resources that contribute to effective service projects. They evaluate the community’s needs, plan relevant projects, and manage project resources.
Service to the local and international communities is organized both by the Southeastern Pennsylvania District and clubs working individually or in groups. District volunteers organize and coordinate programs to support the clubs such as:
Peace Fellowships
Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully-funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of our peace centers. Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers train and develop participants to become effective catalysts for peace. The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses.
End Polio Now
Area-wide awareness and fundraising efforts to raise money to eradicate polio are coordinated by District volunteers. They organize fun events such as Rotary Night Out With the Phillies. Hundreds of members, their families and friends gather for a special Phillies game at which a Rotary leader throw out the first pitch. The night also begins with a fun-filled tailgate party.
Past District Gov. Kevin Katarynick with Phillie Phanatic; Philadelphia Rotary Club; Tailgating pre-game; Best game-view
There’s an annual Pints for Polio where volunteers serve as guest bartenders for one evening at Locust Lane Craft Brewery in Malvern, Pennsylvania. There’s even a special brew, Purple Pinkie Pale Ale that is produced and sold each fall. The name of the ale is derived from the pinkie fingers of children who have been immunized against polio. Fingernails get stained with topical purple dye to prevent double dosages. Purple pinkie has become a symbol of Rotary’s eradication efforts. A portion of the proceeds from all these events help inoculate more than 5,000 children.
Pints for Polio at the Locust Lane Brewery; Purple Pinkie Pale Ale; Guest bartenders: Philadelphia club member Michael Curcio; Past District Governors Russ and Dawn deFuria
Rotaplast
District volunteers organize events to support missions to help provide reconstructive surgery of cleft lip and cleft palate for children. Their goal is to fund and participate in medical missions to underdeveloped countries where children are currently not being served. The District recruits and trains local Rotary volunteers to go on medical missions around the world.
50s Night Fundraiser for Rotaplast, organized by District volunteers
Area-Wide Service Days
Several days each year, large service events are organized by District volunteers in projects such as preparing food or seniors or families experiencing homelessness, planting trees or preparing beds for community gardens.
Dozens of volunteers in four locations help thousands of families experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.
