About 300 eager diners filled Enid High School’s Food Court April 7 to enjoy the culinary offerings of local eateries — all in the name of raising money for a good cause.
Festival of Flavor, sponsored by Enid Rotary Club, raised money for two projects — one local and one international. The lion’s share of the proceeds from the event will fund technology purchases for Emerson Middle School.
Emerson principal Kim Jones said the money likely will be used to buy SmartBoards and responder kits. The school nearly has completed its 100 percent Smart initiative to place the interactive boards in every classroom.
A smaller portion of proceeds from Festival of Flavor went to a Rotary International campaign to wipe out polio worldwide.
Diners, who paid $10 per ticket, got to sample delicacies from Enid-area restaurants and food suppliers including Golden Chick, Jumbo Foods, Buffalo Wild Wings, Oakwood Country Club, Shieber’s Donuts and Deli, Angel Delight, Advance-Pierre Foods, Freddy’s Frozen Custard, KFC, Mid America Whole-sale, El Chico, Rib Crib, Pastimes, Cafe Garcia, Donna’s Catering, Great American Cookie Company and United Supermarket Stores.
The 148-member club quietly does a number of community service projects while members network and expand their personal horizons.
The club, which has a long history of proud community service, celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2007.
Rotary is an international organization with local branches that take on community service projects and assist with international projects.
The club’s ongoing project to fight child hunger is found in its Breakfast Club at Lincoln Academy. A breakfast of granola bar, pop tart, cheese stick or Chex mix and juice, provided this year for 93 students, is funded with coins Rotarians drop in a jar at Monday lunch meetings.
Club members also have a weekly raffle during meetings, with proceeds going to the Salvation Army shoe project for needy children.
Besides ongoing projects, Enid Rotary Club selects special endeavors. In December 2010, for instance, instead of a Christmas party for members the club opted to give a car to a needy family. Community service chairwoman Martie Oyler got to be the one to deliver the car.
“It made my Christmas,” Oyler said, beaming as she spoke. “We see needs, and we are able to make those donations to our community.”
Schools are a frequent recipient of Rotary support.
“Since 2007 we have contributed over $43,000 to Enid Public Schools,” Oyler said.
Rotarians also support after-prom or after-graduation events for EPS, Oklahoma Bible Academy and Chisholm Public Schools.
“In 2010, we contributed over $13,000 in additional money that goes back into the community,” Oyler said.
Those projects run the gamut, from sponsoring a team at National Junior College World Series and helping purchase a copier for Booker T. Washington Center to buying supplies for back-to-school backpacks for underprivileged children.
“It is a pleasure to be a part of the Enid Rotary Club and see the difference they can make in the community,” Oyler said.
Community Service 2011
Related Photos
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Festival of Flavor is one of Enid Rotary Club’s main fundraising projects. Rotarian Martie Oyler discusses the fundraiser. (Staff Photo by BONNIE VCULEK)
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Festival of Flavor is one of Enid Rotary Club’s main fundraising projects. Rotarians Shawn Cummings (left) and his father, Joe, share a laugh with Emerson Middle School Principal Kim Jones during the event. (Staff Photo by BONNIE VCULEK)
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Festival of Flavor is one of Enid Rotary Club’s main fundraising projects. Rib Crib’s workers prepare sandwiches. (Staff Photo by BONNIE VCULEK)
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Festival of Flavor is one of Enid Rotary Club’s main fundraising projects. Hundreds line up for food. (Staff Photo by BONNIE VCULEK)
Discussion
Enid Rotary Club flavors its fundraising
- Community Service 2011
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Community Service 2011
One of the attributes of living in Enid and Northwest Oklahoma is the abundant pride residents have in its people, land and businesses. The 2011 News & Eagle Progress edition highlights these areas and pays tribute to all of those who make our region shine 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
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A spirit of past, present, future
Residents of Enid and northwest Oklahoma should be proud of their service, which no doubt will continue to be a hallmark of the region and a picture of pride.
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Century of service
One of the P.E.O.’s primary projects is to sponsor a scholarship for an Enid student going to college with the intention of majoring in music.
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It takes a team
“Everyone ... is dedicated to making things work and won’t give up easy.” — Jim Hartzell, city of Enid
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Snow’s purpose: Just to be there
“Naoma shoveled the snow for our first patient, and she has gone above and beyond for all our patients since then.” — Julie Nelson, volunteer coordinator for Hospice Circle of Love.
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Enid Rotary Club flavors its fundraising
Festival of Flavor, sponsored by Enid Rotary Club, raised money for two projects — one local and one international. The lion’s share of the proceeds from the event will fund technology purchases for Emerson Middle School.
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‘I’m just doing what I’m supposed to do’
“Education is the reason why I am where I am currently. It’s totally changed my status, my life. I think education’s a difference maker. I think in America it’s the great equalizer, quite frankly.” — Paul Mathis
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On the right trail
“My enthusiasm comes from recognizing that Enid needs more outdoor activities that people can do every day. Not to mention it is dangerous to ride a bike or run or walk in Enid.” — Matt Davis
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Serving Enid a Return Engagement for JWL
Enid’s Junior Welfare League began in the fall of 1930 by women who saw a need in the Enid community during the Great Depression.
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Do anything to give kids a chance
“It costs money for kids to play sports these days. Kids don’t have money to do that. We decided if kids wanted to play, they would play." — Sonny Lawrence
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