Celebrates Birthday Bash In-Person
Millsboro) (March 28, 2021) — At the monthly Birthday Bash celebration held in March, Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club President Apryl Parcher presented Erica Kennedy, Executive Director of Oak Orchard Boys and Girls Club, with a check for $2,000. The check is to be used for upcoming special pizza / ice-cream parties that serve as an incentive reward to students who accomplish stated goals. Such goals would be for the completion of educational components including homework, as well as showing positive behavior. The money will also be used for winners of the Club’s Team Art contest held throughout the summer and to help defray the cost of summer field trips. The hope is that the donation will cover about 12 months of parties and awards. $1,500 of the donation came from Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club’s annual charity golf outing, held each year in June, and $500 was part of a special $2,500 donation made by Morse Roofing and Siding to Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club earmarked for youth related projects. “This partnership with Morse Roofing and Siding is truly special,” noted Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club President, Apryl Parcher. “Having extra funds to support these worthwhile programs makes such a difference in our community.”
With pandemic restrictions lifted, Long Neck Sunrise Rotarians were once again able to enter the Oak Orchard Boys and Girls Club to host the monthly Birthday Bash, celebrating those children who have a birthday that month. Each birthday child receives a $25 gift card and a balloon. All children at the Club are provided with cupcakes and a fruit drink. Begun in October 2017 under a Rotary District grant, Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club has continued the monthly tradition each year for every student attending the Oak Orchard Boys and Girls Club. When outsiders were restricted from entering in deference to pandemic restrictions, Long Neck Sunrise Rotarians dropped off the treats and gift cards at the door so that the children could continue to celebrate. Over the years, hundreds of children have enjoyed their special birthday recognition.
“We had a great in-person club bash in March and are particularly grateful for the wonderful donation to keep the celebrations ongoing for the children and for one of their summer trips!,” remarked Erica Kennedy, Executive Director, Oak Orchard Boys and Girls Club. “The kids were so excited to hear this news! We appreciate all that the Sunrise Rotary club does for our club and kids!”
Pictured Above: Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club Apryl Parcher (right) presents Erica Kennedy, Executive Director of Oak Orchard Boys and Girls Club (center), with a check for $2000. Rotarian Cathy Cardaneo stands left. She is the liaison from Long Neck Sunrise Rotary to the Oak Orchard Boys and Girls Club.
Children celebrating their March birthdays are from left to right: Callie, Kaden, Fiona and Dylan. Adults (left to right): Madison Fleetwood of the Boys and Girls Club Apryl Parcher, Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club President; and Cathy Cardaneo, Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club manager of the Birthday Bash program.