The Rotary Clubs of Gainesville Foundation has announced that it will sponsor three community projects, including an emergency food pantry expansion, a new playground and the installation of a 50-foot flagpole and flag at Veterans Memorial Park.
After reviewing 25 community grant applications at its Oct. 17 Board of Directors meeting, the board has announced three local organizations to receive the 2025 Rotary Wild Game Feast grant: Catholic Charities Bureau Inc. – Gainesville Regional Office, Girls Place, Inc. and Alachua County Veteran’s Memorial Committee.
“We are committing more than $100,000 to these projects, continuing our legacy of supporting our local non-profit organizations to do good in the community,” Matthew Braddy, Feast Master 2025, said in a press release. “Selecting the recipients from 25 worthy grant applications was not an easy task, however our board felt Catholic Charities, Girls Place, and the Alachua County Veteran’s Memorial Committee were organizations who impact our community in three distinct ways, and we liked the diversity of the projects.”
Catholic Charities maintains an emergency food pantry with shelf-stable food for people facing food insecurity, but some food donations require freezer or refrigerator storage.
“The expansion of our infrastructure enhances the pantry’s ability to assist a larger segment of the community in need, we can continue to be a reliable resource for individuals and families during times of hardship,” Denise Fanning, Regional Director of Catholic Charities, said in the release.
Girls Place, Inc., which offers programming for girls ages 5-14, is planning renovations to its playground to serve more girls and encourage free outdoor play. Executive Director, Christi Arrington, said in a release that the grant money will allow the organization to finish the new playground structure in time for summer 2025.
The 50-foot flagpole project is driven by the Alachua County Veteran’s Memorial Committee and is planned for Veterans Memorial Park, where it will honor Alachua County citizens who have served in the military.
“Replacing the existing small flagpole will mean the flag will be visible from all parts of the Veteran’s Memorial Park and bring joy to the hearts of veterans and their families when they visit the site,” said Lt. Col. Jason Robinson, chair of the Veteran’s Memorial committee.
The 2025 Rotary Wild Game Feast, celebrating its 40th year, is set for March 6, 2025.