The Wakefield Rotary Club offers a unique opportunity to its new members through the “Rookie Year Challenge”: each receives $100 of club funds to pursue a charitable project of their choice. The only requirement? The funds must be used in a way that allows the member—and other Rotarians—to actively serve, not simply donate.When new member Carla Dale joined the club in March, she knew exactly how she wanted to use the funds. As the mother of an adult daughter with developmental disabilities, Carla is deeply aware of the limited recreational opportunities available to individuals like her daughter, Brittany.
“Especially on a Friday or Saturday, it’s hard to find age-appropriate activities for her,” Dale said. Inspired by the Rookie Year Challenge, Carla decided to organize a luau for adult participants of Communitas—a nonprofit that provides individualized, family-centered services to people with developmental disabilities in Wakefield and surrounding communities.
With a date secured and St. Joseph’s Church as the host venue, Carla quickly enlisted fellow Rotarians to help decorate, chaperone, and clean up.
“We had no idea how many people would attend,” Dale said. “We were thrilled with the turnout!”
“We had no idea how many people would attend,” Dale said. “We were thrilled with the turnout!”
Held on Friday, May 23, the luau welcomed approximately 80 attendees, along with over two dozen volunteers and staff.
“It was a wonderful evening for everyone involved,” Dale said. “A big thank-you to my fellow Wakefield Rotarians who helped chaperone, decorate, and provided colorful leis and flowers for all our guests. We look forward to supporting more events like this in the future!”