Suttons Bay Rotary Club of Suttons Bay, Leelanau County

 

 

 

 

 

TYPE OF GRANT
Rotary Club Matching Grant

AWARDED
$2,000 annual Suttons Bay Rotary Club Matching Grant

TOTAL LEVERAGE
For the last 12 years, as part of a regional Rotary program to promote philanthropy, Rotary Charities has matched a $2,000 club fund raised by members of the Suttons Bay Rotary Club. The $4,000 is then used to provide half tuition for students from each of Leelanau County’s five school districts.  This tuition pays for students in sixth and ninth grades to participate in the Inland Seas School Ship program, an on-board educational exposure to the Great Lakes Watershed and the stewardship that results.  In addition to the tuition, individual club members support the program with annual giving matched up to $250 by Rotary Charities.  Out of a club of 55-members, this can be another financial boost to the program for county youth notes Lou Gurthet, club co-treasurer and Good Works Committee chair.  Several Rotarians also regularly accompany students on school ship outings.

COMMUNITY NEED
Providing all of Leelanau County’s school kids with an exposure to the Great Lakes Watershed that flanks their peninsula seemed like a worthwhile Rotary Club project when first proposed some 12 years ago.  Ken Cerny, a retired educator of 30 years who also spent 17 years in the auto industry, championed the program as a Rotarian.  He was also an instructor on the Inland Seas School Ship.  “When we started our tuition support, 100% of our club signed a stewardship pledge.  Today, that pledge is hanging in the Inland Seas Education Center.”

 

Ken Cerny, Former President of the Suttons Bay Rotary Club (2008–2009)

 

 

 

 

 

“What I see….”

“Rotarians have a good feeling about their support of the county’s schools in the Inland Seas School Ship program.  Monies invested in the school system are well spent, and the sense of contributing to schools reflects the Rotary credo of “service above self.”

“Over 89,000 students have participated in the Inland Seas program over the years.  When you think of the countless students whose lives were touched by that experience; who have gone on to careers in the sciences and environment; who are making a difference or just have an appreciation of our Great Lakes and its ecosystem —it’s humbling.  And nice to be a part of….”