Rotary Progressive Dinner Raises $5,000 to International Rotary Foundation

The Rotary Club of Ridgefield’s 20th Annual Progressive Dinner last Saturday, March 28, raised $5,000 for the International Rotary Foundation (IRF). The dinner had a record turnout despite the unexpected spring snow. Funds donated to the IRF are raised almost exclusively among fellow Ridgefield Rotarians (rather than through public events such as the Taste of Ridgefield or the Ridgefield Gone Country BBQ Festival which raise funds earmarked primarily for local scholarships and local charitable causes).

IRF, as the charitable arm of Rotary, taps into a global network of Rotarians who invest their time, money, and expertise into Rotary priorities, such as such as eradicating polio and promoting peace. Foundation grants empower Rotarians to approach challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition with sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact. Despite (or because of) its international focus, a portion of IRF funds come back to help meet local needs through local rotary clubs.

The Progressive dinner works as follows: All meet at one location for appetizers. Then, participants divide into smaller groups for the main course. Later everyone meets again for dessert -- or desserts. According to Rotary President Rich Vazzana: “The keys to the success of the dinners are the hosts, Rotarians and their significant others who put out a giant WELCOME sign and go all out in every way.”   Last Saturday, everyone agreed they had a great time while raising money to help others around the world and here at home.