December 13, Whitnall Park Rotary Club held its annual Christmas Party.  And as we always do, our  members donate wrapped gifts which are then part of a Charity Auction held that evening.

All the funds raised from the auction this year will be split between Kathy’s House and Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative.   Both organizations are great examples of the community helping others!

·         Kathy’s House is a hospital guest house committed to providing affordable lodging and caring support in a “home away from home” environment for families who need to travel to Milwaukee for medical care.

·         The Milwaukee Homeless Veteran Initiative provides services that homeless and at-risk veterans need to reach and maintain their highest level of independence.

We were able to raise $941 for these great organizations.  We hope others in our community consider a donation to these great organizations this holiday season!!!

The Rotary International Global Grant that Whitnall Park Rotary Club has been involved with in Tepeaqua, El Salvador has had 3 phases. The estimated total cost of the project is $280,000.

Phase 1 ---  a water well was drilled.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Phase 2 ---  the necessary piping and equipment to supply 150 households with water including trenching to bury the pipes.                                                                                                          Phase 3 ---  piping, equipment and trenching for the rest of the community.  Building 260 latrines.  Some management projects.

We have partnered with the Rotary Club of South Salvador and with Atonement Lutheran Church of Muskego. The project has been very challenging due to a number of reasons including language, politics, and supply chain .

As of this date, the final Global Grant has been fully funded and has been sent to Rotary International for approval. Once RI approves the final application, the funds will be forwarded to RI and then sent on to El Salvador.  It is hoped the medical and political situations will allow area funders to travel to El Salvador to participate in the project's completion.