Front Royal Rotary generosity on display

Cory Michael accepts Rotary check from Jennifer McDonald on behalf of United Way. Courtesy Photos/Bret Hrbek

The Rotary Club of Front Royal donated $80,200 to local non-profit organizations and schools in Warren County during its fiscal year ending last month, immediate past president Jennifer McDonald has announced.

Four of the last awards received were by Ressie Jeffries school playground ($5,000) and the Humane Society of Warren County, $3,500 to help in the purchase of a new transport van for the Julia Wagner Animal Shelter;  and another $1,000 check to a children’s program called Backpack Buddies.

One of the last checks presented (Aug. 18) was to Cory Michael of United Way (see accompanying photo). McDonald was succeeded as Rotary president last month by Rick Novak who stepped aside while she wrapped up the club’s fund raising activities for last year.

Novak announced a popular fundraising project, Dueling Pianos Party on Nov. 4. The club’s “Half Lit Golf Classic” begins Aug. 25 at Bowling Green Country Club with funds going toward the worldwide eradication of polio.

German exchange student Sarah Schulte-Bunert

At the same meeting, Rotarian Bret Hrbek introduced a surprise guest – 16-year-old Sarah Schulte-Bunet of Ratingen, Germany.  Sarah, who took a bow, is a Rotary Exchange Student and is staying with the Hrbek family, including wife Jessica and the childdren, Noah (13), Annie (11), Hunter (8) and Luke (5). All are excited to greet their new “sister” who will stay with the Hrbeks for several months, then move to the Cory and Kristie Michael familly. She is currently a junior at Warren County High School.