“Buildings don’t make a community.” This impactful statement was made by Kentucky resident and fellow Rotarian, Fred Biggs, following the devastation of at least nine tornadoes that struck towns across the southern and central regions of the state.
While formal requests for aid from the federal government are in progress, panic continues to stir among those in need of food and shelter. Also traveling along the 260-mile path of devastation left by the tornadoes, is the trauma of loss and suffering. However, the people of Kentucky do not face this tragedy alone. As Mr. Biggs suggests, community is immeasurable.
Rotary International is a global service organization with a common goal of providing humanitarian service and advancing goodwill and peace around the world. With a practiced motto of “Service Above Self,” it did not take long for individual Rotary clubs here in New Jersey to spring into action. Just days following the 2021 December outbreak of tornadoes in Kentucky, the Rotary Club of Asbury Park in partnership with the Rotary Club of Spring Lake-Brielle presented the Mayfield Rotary Club with a $6,485.00 donation for disaster relief.
During a live interview Mayfield Fire Chief, Jeremy Creason, discussed next steps for the resilient citizens of Kentucky. He expressed that the goal is “for the new normal to be even better than the previous normal.” In these unprecedented times of hardship, a new normal is being defined by individuals, businesses, and organizations that are joining forces to help one another. The significant Rotary Club donation would not be possible without the combined generosity of our members. State Farm Insurance Companies Foundation Matching Gift Program graciously matched the charitable contributions of its associate, an active member of the Rotary Club of Asbury Park. This cause was perfectly aligned with their mission to encourage giving back. A special thank you to the Asbury Park and Spring Lake-Brielle Rotarians for their personal donations, and the Rotary Foundation.
As Kentucky begins the road to recovery, New Jersey residents and Rotarians alike are proud to be part of the same community.
References:
- Daily Mail. (2022). Mayfield, Kentucky Tornadoes. Retrieved from https://videos.dailymail.co.uk/video/mol/2022/01/10/3045478369089991622/640x360_MP4_3045478369089991622.mp4.
- Matching gift program - state farm®. State Farm. (2021, May 27). Retrieved January 30, 2022, from https://www.statefarm.com/retirees/matching-gift
- Rojas, R. (2022, January 25). With Nightmares and Tears, a Kentucky Town Feels the Long Reach of a Tornado's Trauma . The New York Times. Retrieved from https://ww.nytimes.com/2022/01/25/us/tornadoes-kentucky.html.
- Who we are. About Rotary | Rotary International. (n.d.). Retrieved January 30, 2022, from https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary
Special thank you to Asbury Park Rotarian & President Elect 2023-2024 Tony Chambrovich for spearheading this project to support the victims in Kentucky.
Article Prepared By Catherine Liquet, Rotary Club of Asbury Park