Emmett Rotary presented $45,770 to local youth groups in Gem County as a result of their annual Flip Flops and Flamingos Presents...Dinner and Auction.
Emmett Rotary presented $45,770 to local youth groups in Gem County as a result of their annual Flip Flops and Flamingos Presents...Dinner and Auction.
Shown in the photos is Emmett Foundation Chairman, John Buck, presenting the checks and a group photo of those who were able to be at the Park for the presentation. Over 4,600 youth were impacted by the funds.
The event is held the first Saturday in May at the Gem County Fairgrounds. This year along with our $500 sponsors, dessert auction donations, local merchant donations and monetary donations we were able to not only present these youth groups with their requested funds we were able to put some aside for needs that come up throughout the year. One of our goals is to have enough money set aside that we can meet ALL the needs of kids who earn trips to state and national competitions so they don't have to go knocking on the doors of businesses in town asking for donations. Many of our sponsors are already telling kids who come knocking to "go see Rotary" for funding so it's working. We know it may take awhile to build up enough funds to handle all the requests but we are well on our way.
A requirement for the groups to receive money is that they work "with" us on at least one service project during the year. These groups are integral to our Gem County Fair and Rodeo booth in August, "Rake The Town" efforts in the fall, and Cherry Festival Parking in the spring. They also help the days before,after and of the auction itself by helping with set up and tear down. Any time we have a project they are notified and some, like roadside clean-up, require adults only so their coaches/leaders come out to help.
If you would like to attend next year's auction, circle the date of May 2 on your calendar. Plans are already underway for another great year!
Kathy Buck, Immediate Past President