Projects
Annual Vinings Villlage Cemetery Clean Up
The Vinings Cumberland Rotary Club has helped maintain on an annual basis the historical cemetery on Paces Ferry Road, adjacent to Hotel Indigo. This year due to heavy growth and poison ivy in the area, the decision was decided to fund the cemetery clean up via a Landscape company. The cemetery is an important part of the history of Vinings. The cemetery was cleared and cleaned on 10/15/2022. It took the landscape company 3-1/2 hours to complete the work.
Atlanta Mission Mock Interviews
Members volunteered to do mock job interviews at the Restoration House at Atlanta Mission with a few of their residents to prepare them for real life job interviews. Three of our members participated in two different sessions where residents come dressed and prepared as though it was a real job interview. At the end of each person's interview, volunteers provide feedback on what they did well and where they needed improvement.Cold Water Project in Lique, Paraguary
The Vinings Cumberland Rotary Club has continued to financially support several water projects in Paraguay over the past 5 years. This year we approved a donation of $2,500 for a new system that was completed at the end of February 2022 and another $2,500 was sent in January 2023 to begin the process of another system.
Good Samaritan Health Center Garden Clean Up
Good Samaritan Health Center is working to remove the barriers preventing low-income families from obtaining access to quality healthcare in the Atlanta area. By providing a full circle of health that includes medical, dental, behavioral, nutrition/health education, and wellness services, they are helping to reverse the healthcare gap in our community and set families on a path to achieving long-term health.
Grant & Support for the Bankhead Boys Association
The Bankhead Boys Association was established in 1990 for underserved young men in Atlanta. The organization blends the influence of corporate work place mentoring, social events, and the values and discipline of scouting to provide a path for opportunity, citizenship and leadership to young men who might otherwise end up in gangs. We were awarded a District and Competitive Grant totaling $6,750. Our Board approved up to another $2,300 of club funds to add to the grant to purchase scouting uniforms, scouting equipment and laptops for their after school program. We also participate in after school mentoring. Eleven Club members participated in a career day on Sat., Feb. 18th from 10am-1pm where each provided insight into their individual careers to provide inspiration and ideas for their own futures. Ten youth and two adults from BBA were there. We also provided a Chick-Fil-A lunch and presented a District Grant plaque and 24 backpacks filled with school supplies to them.
LaAmistad Holiday Toy Drive
LaAmistad, which simply means "the friendship", is the premier organization serving Latinos in Atlanta. With a nurturing environment, rooted in the fundamental belief in the power of friendships and relationships, they foster academic excellence and help their students, parents and families to achieve a better quality of life. Two of our members volunteer with LaAmistad with after school tutoring on a regular basis. Many of the children are ESL students.
Lunch & Support for Calvary Children's Home
Calvary Children's Home is one of our signature charities for our Vinings Downhill 5k Race. On June 14, 2023, we held our regular luncheon meeting at the home and we provided a Chick Fil-A lunch for the children and staff. In addition, we donated $500 for upcoming school supply needs. They provided a tour of their facility for our members and several of the house parents spoke about how they serve the children in their care. Our member who is a Chick Fil-A franchise owner provided delivery of the food and a $103 discount on meals for 55.
Pinots to Fight Polio on World Polio Day
As a fundraiser for World Polio Day, our Foundation Chair, Brad Groff, created a fundraiser at the local Vineyard Wine Market in Smyrna. Each Rotarian and guest that came contributed $50 each and received two glasses of wine (Pinot Grigio or Pino Noir) along with light appetizers provided by the Club. A little over $20/person came back to us as a Polio Plus donation along with 15% of any wine sold that night. Anyone that couldn't attend could make a donation in lieu of attendance. The event was from 5-7pm. Donated funds are tripled by the Gates Foundation. We raised $450 for Polio Plus which was tripled by the Gates Foundation..
Provide a Meal for First Responders
This is an annual event for our club. A Chick Fil-A meal was delivered to the Fire Station in Vinings on Paces Ferry Road. The Firefighters look forward to this gesture of friendship and support from our club each year. One of our members is a Chick Fil-A franchise owner and provides the food at a discount and two of our members personally delivered the food.
Shelter Box for Earthquake Victims in Turkey
On February 6th, Turkey was hit with an earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale. Thousands of buildings were collapsed, hospitals collapsed, highways were broken. The cold weather conditions made life even harder and since roads were not available, they cannot send goods. The main natural gas line was broken so electricity and heating was a major issue.
Sponsorship for Students to Attend RYLA
The Vinings Cumberland Rotary Club was once again very supportive of the Rotary Youth Leadership Program by providing sponsorship and bus transportation for up to three students to participate at Georgia Southwestern State University June 17 - 21st. We ended up this year supporting two rising junior high school students participate in the program. In the past, several of our members have had their own children go and they came back with glowing testimonies about the experience.Summer Lunch Program Collection for MUST Ministries
MUST Ministries is a volunteer organization dedicated to helping the homeless and struggling individuals and families with food, clothing, housing employment and other needs. In May our Club sponsored a food collection to support MUST Ministries with their summer lunch program. Many of the Cobb County Title One school students that receive free lunches may miss their main meal of the day without this summer program. An additional $1,000 donation was made from our club to MUST for the program as well as $94 in food purchased through Amazon. About 20 Rotarians purchased items from a list that MUST provided needed for the lunch program. All the collected items were delivered to the MUST food pantry on May 26th.
Support Cobb County Seniors
We will be baking cookies and filling goodie bags with cookies and chocolates for 60 senior residents' Easter luncheon that will be served at their lunch on April 5th. Photos of the cookies are not available due to timeline of report. Labels were printed to go on the goodie bags with the club logo and "Compliments of VCRC"
Support for Atlanta Mission's Shepherd's Inn
The Shepherd's Inn is Atlanta Mission's shelter for men experiencing homelessness in Atlanta. They serve up to 450 men every day with the goal of shepherding them, one at a time, into a new life of independent living. They provide hot meals and a place to sleep. Staff members listen to each man's story and help craft a customized plan for moving forward. Our club is providing a barbeque wing based meal on February 12th, Super Bowl Sunday, along with decorating for the football game. The cost of the meal and decorations is $1600. We had10 Rotarians & family members volunteers that day. The meal was complete with wings, sausage,, beans, rice, potato salad & bread. At half time, BBQ ribs were served. Approximately 200 men partook.
Support for Breakthrough Atlanta
Breakthrough Atlanta's mission is to increase academic opportunity for highly motivated, underserved students and get them into college ready to succeed; and inspire and develop the next generation of teachers and educational leaders. On January 23, 2023, the Club Board approved a $2500 donation to support this cause in addition to the $1,000 grant from the Vinings Downhill 5k race.
Support for CART
The CART Fund is a 501(c)3 dedicated to raising funds to provide "seed" money for cutting edge high impact research in hopes of finding cure/prevention for Alzheimer's Disease. The Fund was started in 1995 by Rotarian Roger Ackerman and has been adopted by 23 Rotary districts. Our club uses a raffle at each of our meetings for $1/ticket(s). Half the money is held for CART, 1/4 goes to the winner of the raffle and 1/4 is set aside in a pot for the person that draws the Ace of Spades from a deck of cards. The card drawn each week is torn up reducing the number left in the deck, increasing the odds of winning. The club will match the funds raised for CART up to $500 for a total contribution this year of at least $1200. The Ace of Spades was drawn on 2/22/23. The winner received $486. $760 went to CART, and the club donated $440 for a total donation of $1,200 to CART. We will continue the raffle starting over until the end of this year and submit any additional funds raised.
Support for Cobb County Police Athletic Leage (PAL)
Cobb County Police Athletic League (PAL) is a charitable non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of young people ages 4-18. Cobb PAL focuses on juvenile crime prevention through mentorships, and recreational activities for youth in Cobb County. Through the various athletic and recreational activities these youth are surrounded with the positive influences of adults, police officers, and volunteers in a controlled, supervised environment. The PAL program helps expand public awareness about the role of a police officer and the strengthening of the responsible principles and attitudes instilled in young people by their parents. On Feb. 21, 2023 our Club Board approved $6,143 to purchase track uniforms & bags to support this program. A check for the uniforms & bags was presented to them at Cobb Police Precinct#2 on March 2nd. A Photo of the presentation was posted on Facebook & LinkedIn & sent to the local newspaper. Cobb PAL presented our club with a plaque in appreciation for our continued support. The presentation was featured in the March District Newsletter.
Support for College Students In Need
Research shows that an estimated 56,000 students are currently homeless. With the rising cost of college tuition, and books, students are sometimes left in need. On My Mother’s Shoulders campus initiative is to start toiletry pantries so that students will be able to receive basic toiletry items. To date they are on 12 campuses and have donated 66,535 toiletries which includes 43,923 to students experiencing hygiene insecurities.
Support for Frontline Response International
Frontline Response International's ultimate goal is preventing children from becoming trapped in sex trafficking or homelessness, their Prevention Department engages in outreaches, discipleship, and academic programming in communities that have been strategically identified as having some of the greatest need. Through these programs, we partner with children and families to cultivate positive relationships, reduce harm, and focus on the future. Our Club donated $2,000 in addition to the $1,000 grant given from our Vinings Downhill 5k Run For the Kids proceeds.
Support for Georgia Laws of Life Program
A Law of Life is a short, pithy saying or quotation that points to a core personal value or ideal. Oftentimes, a Law of Life serves as a memorable and meaningful moral compass on a person’s journey through life.
The Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest asks students to select their own Law of Life, and to write about how it applies to their lives. In doing so, students reflect deeply and write from the heart about what they think matters most. The contest celebrates the students’ stories and their often profound reflections, and proudly presents significant cash awards to students and teachers.
Support for Seniors & Veterans
Our Club is partnering with the Cobb County Senior Services to sponsor a bus day trip for veterans to visit the Fort Benning Infantry Museum on May 16, 2023. Our contribution of $1700 covers the bus, museum admission for 45 veterans and 45 box lunches. They are also able to accommodate any of our club veterans at no charge as well as two additional nonveterans. We will provide a recognition package for our Club for their publications and we were featured in their June 2023 Newsletter.
Support for The Guatemala Literacy Project
The Guatemala Literacy Project is a 20-year partnership between Rotary clubs and districts and the nonprofit Cooperative for Education. This global grant provided textbooks, computer labs, teacher training, and scholarships to impoverished schools. The sustainable model requires families to pay a fee to rent the donated textbooks; schools use the money to buy new books More than 500 Rotary clubs have participated in the Guatemala Literacy Project over the past 20 years. Our club has participated in the project many times & this year we donated $2,000. On February 22nd, Emily Paver, Marketing & Outreach Mgr. for the Program’s fundraising partner, Cooperative for Education, was our meeting guest speaker. She showed us an elementary school book program that is a huge success. Students began writing their own stories & drawing pictures as a result of the influence of the colorful story books. Due to crime & gangs literacy is the lifeline for a better life for the Guatemala people.
Support for Victims of War in Ukraine
Rotary has set up a temporary Foundation Donation Account to assist the people of Ukraine who have been devastated by the Russian invasion in Ukraine. The funds will go directly through a local Rotary club either in Ukraine or Poland. On March 21, our club board approved a donation of $1500 to support this project.Support LaAmistad Animate Summer Carnival
LaAmistad supports children in the Latino community. They recently lost their sponsor for their Animate Summer Academy and the Vinings Cumberland Rotary Club stepped in with a $400 donation to provide 60 students with multiple games & activities for the two hour afternoon carnival event on June 23rd.
Support of Atlanta Mission
Atlanta Mission is a non profit Christian ministry serving homeless Men, Women and Children. The organization's goal is to end homelessness, one person at a time. On August 17, 2022 the Club Board approved $1,133 to provide Chick Fil-A lunch to 100 men, women, & children at the Reunion House. Eight members volunteered to serve the meal on Saturday, September 10th from 11am to 1 pm. One of our members that owns a Chick Fil-A franchise is providing the food at a discount.
Support Way Maker's Women's Center
Way Maker Women's Center is located in Marietta Georgia. Their mission is to nurture and educate women within our community giving encouragement, maternal education and alternatives to abortion. Their mission is to show the love of the Lord through compassion and support of those who are vulnerable and struggling with life changing decisions of an unexpected pregnancy offering grace and post abortion counseling.
Supporting Local Police, Firefighters & First Responders
An annual tradition of our Rotary Club is to support our Police & Fire departments for their efforts in serving our local community. We attempt to honor one First Responder a quarter. We also provided our Local Vinings Fire House #6 a meal.
The first is Cobb County Police Officer Laura N Killingsworth who was selected by Cobb County Police Captain Scherer and Precinct Sgt Denson for her outstanding service in a drug and firearm bust during a routine traffic stop. The officer was honored at our regular luncheon meeting on 8/17/22. Donated restaurant gift certificates are presented to each recipient. The presentation was pictured in the local Brightside Newspaper.
Vinings Downhil 5K, a Run for the Kids
On August 13th, 2022, almost 1,000 runners gathered to compete in the 26th Annual Vinings Downhill 5K race. The Vinings Down Hill 5K course begins at the top of Mt. Wilkinson, winds around the Cumberland Mall area, and ends at the Lovett School (280-foot net drop).
Vinings Village Road Clean Up
It is a tradition with our Club to do at lease two annual clean-ups of the streets and roads in the Vinings Area. This is a project planned in conjunction with Keep Cobb Clean.
We had about 15 Rotarians, family members and Interact students spend a few hours on Saturday, November 5th picking up trash along the streets in Vinings. We followed the event with a complimentary lunch at Mellow Mushroom in Vinings Jubilee for our volunteers.
Weekly Book Donation to Local Library
At our weekly meetings, the Vinings Cumberland Rotary Club donates a book to our local Cobb County Vinings Library, in honor of our speaker's name. This ties in to one of Rotary's areas of focus - Basic Education and Literacy. We donate over 40 books a year to the library and deliver a book each week we have a speaker at our meeting. One of our members, Steve Hughes, purchases and donates the book each week and tries to tie the subject to the speaker's topic when possible. The speaker signs the faceplate of the book indicating it is in their honor and being donated by the Vinings Cumberland Rotary Club. Steve Hughes or another member delivers the book each week to the Vinings Library.