Lakes Region Rotary distributes $52K to local nonprofits

LACONIA — The Lakes Region Rotary Charity Car Show is the largest fundraiser for the Rotary chapter. This year, $52,000 earned from the event was distributed to 31 area charities that make a lasting change in the world.

“It is awesome to meet all those groups and be able to help them in their mission, even if it is a small part,” said Lakes Region Rotary President Mark Cote. “This is what we love being a part of. There are so many good people out there trying to make a difference.”

The funds were distributed to the nonprofit organizations on Oct. 16, at Laconia Country Club.

The annual car show was held on July 26, in the parking lot of Alamo Texas BBQ & Tequila Bar at the Weirs, and in its 13th year attracted 200 cars for people to check out. More than 1,000 spectators were in attendance, and vehicles ranged from early 1900s to present day.

All the proceeds go to local charities, and funds are raised through the vehicle registrations, sponsorships, and spectator entrance fees.

“Each year, it has been getting bigger and bigger,” Cote said. “We have been doing this so long that the regulars come every year. They’re very tight-knit and come from all over.”

As the event increases in size, the pot of funds to be distributed also grows. This helps the Lakes Region Rotary support local organizations providing food, shelter, clothing and services to assist underprivileged children and their families.

This year’s lead beneficiary is the Child Advocacy Center of Belknap County. Their grant from the Rotary club will allow staff of the organization to purchase the supplies they offer children who have been in traumatic situations.

“We had them in on Tuesday and they fit our mission very, very well, because of the work they do with kids in the Lakes Region,” Cote said.

The Child Advocacy Center is part of the Granite State Children’s Alliance network of Child Advocacy Centers. Julia Sullivan, manager and family support specialist, said the organization staff and volunteers provide a coordinated and compassionate response when there are child abuse allegations.

Those working with the organization strive to minimize trauma for children through bringing together professionals in law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, medical and mental health, and victim advocacy, in a child-friendly setting. Sullivan said trained forensic interviewers speak with children about their experiences only once, and a multidisciplinary team observes so they can ensure the child’s safety.

“The CAC of Belknap County connects children and non-offending caregivers with critical follow-up services, such as onsite specialized medical care, onsite, short-term, trauma-focused behavioral services, and referrals to other support services,” Sullivan said. “The generous contribution from the Lakes Region Rotary helps ensure that these services remain available at no cost to families, and that each child’s voice is heard, supported, and protected.”

Cote said a different lead beneficiary is chosen each year, and last year the group selected Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center in Laconia. Members of the Rotary vote on the top three contenders, but funds are distributed to several nonprofit organizations which applied. Many of the organizations are those with which the Rotary has built a relationship over the years.

“We have different nonprofits come in and talk to the club over the course of the year,” Cote said. “They tell us abut their history, what they do, and sometimes make a request.”

The Rotary will then keep a tally of requests and information presented, to make their decisions on who to benefit. The amount each organization receives is kept private, but Cote said it usually depends on the specific needs.

“The organizations tie closely with our goal, which is to help kids on our community,” Cote said.

As the Lakes Region Rotary’s primary fundraiser, planning for the car show is a year-round endeavor, and members work to recruit sponsors and make sure the event runs smoothly.

“Without them, we could not make this happen, and they do this because they are on board with our mission in supporting our community,” Cote said.

The following agencies were awarded grants from Lakes Region Rotary this year: Belknap House, Belknap Regional Special Operations Group, Big Brothers Big Sisters of NH, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central and Northern New Hampshire, CASA of New Hampshire, Circle Program, The Cure Starts Now Foundation, Family Promise of the Lakes Region, Franklin VNA & Hospice, Gilford Got Lunch, Got Lunch! Laconia, Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction, Hands Across the Table, Laconia Educational Endowment Foundation, Lake Winnipesaukee Association, Lakes Region Disabled Sports, Lakes Region Mental Health Center, Lakes Region Santa Fund, Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation, Lakes Region Visiting Nurse Association, Make-A-Wish New Hampshire, The Mayhew Program, Neighbors in Need, Patriot Resilience Leader Institute (Camp Resilience), Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, Rock Steady Boxing, Rotary International, The Salvation Army Carey House, Veterans Count, and 603 United.

For more information, log onto lakesregionrotary.org.