Members of the Illinois Valley Sunrise Rotary presented a symbolic check to Rotary District 6420 Governor Dave Emerick this week for being the 1st of 43 clubs in northern Illinois to complete the Create Hope Food Drive Challenge. Governor Emerick has challenged every Rotarian in District 6420 to contribute at least 20 pounds of food to local pantries in support of this year’s theme ‘Create Hope In The World.’
“Every member was given the option of bringing in either 20 pounds of food or $20,” according to IV Sunrise Rotary President J. Burt. “We used our appearance the Pistol Shrimp, benefited from a Jeans Day Fundraiser at Peru Federal Savings and Loan, and anonymous donations, along with 100%-member participation to exceed our challenge,” according to Burt. DG Emerick presented to the Illinois Valley Sunrise Rotary this week and indicated if every member of the district does their part, then over 28,000 pounds of food will have been raised for northern Illinois food pantries. “You are the first club to finish,” Emrick told the group. Rotary International’s theme ‘Create Hope in the World’ can have many different meanings according to Emerick, “But here, close to home, helping the food pantries create hope for those in hunger and in need’ motivated the challenge. IV Sunrise Rotary divided its contributions between Illinois Valley Pantry and Hall Township Food Pantry.