(Pictured, Harry McCabe 1975)
The lead up to the day of the trip to Washington D.C., and the aftermath have combined to shake up old memories and create some thoughts and feelings that l will carry with me for the rest of my life. I cannot express how grateful this veteran feels about the Honor Flight Chicago (CHF) organization. I’ve observed close associates at American Legion Post 80 and their reactions to their Honor Flight experiences, but I never could imagine the impact.
Dan Harrington was a CHF Ambassador and our Bus Captain on Wednesday. He did a marvelous job attending to all of us “Senior” Veterans' needs as he entertained us with his knowledge and compassion for our country. Pictured With Dan outside the National Air and Space Museum:
The most moving part of the day was the homecoming reception we received at Midway airport. The Honor Guards, bagpipes, and military that met us at the gate were a prelude to the scene at the main terminal. Throngs of people wildly cheering and waving welcome home signs & American flags. I was overtaken with tears of joy when I spotted my siblings and members of my Rotary family. Being so warmly thanked for my service had never happened before.
The outpouring of love will never be forgotten.
In respectful gratitude, Harry M. McCabe, ARMY.
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Rotary Gives Back To Our Community
Tuesday, June 11, 2024
The Rotary Club of Downers Grove’s newest members distributed mini-grant stipends to local organizations earlier this month. As part of their development, each new Rotarian was asked to identify their favorite Not-for-Profit / Charity for a $1,000 donation.
| Rotarians |
Recipient Organizations |
| Michelle Imes |
SEASPAR |
| Tinamarie Hernandez |
Diveheart |
| Rob Brannigan |
Downers Grove Area FISH |
| Courtney Sustr |
NAMI DuPage |
| Chris Johnson |
Dad’s of Steele |
| Greg Elisha |
Reclaim13 |
| Aaron Decker |
DuPagePads |
| Todd Drafall |
The Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 |
The Rotary Club of Downers Grove reviews applications from organizations throughout the year. Funding primarily comes from Rotary GroveFest proceeds.
MINI-GRANT APPLICATION CRITERIA
- Each application must be a non-profit organization based in Downers Grove or serving Downers Grove residents.
- Distributions are made to organizations that promote basic humanitarian needs. These include the simplest of needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, physical and mental health, education, and sanitation.
- Rotary funds must have a measurable impact on the organization and the community it serves.
- Applications are judged on their merits. No distributions are made to individuals, political groups or for political activities, or to Rotarians or their families.
Completion of the mini-grant application is required for consideration. If your organization is interested, the application can be found on the club's website dgrotary.org.
Michelle Imes
When I first heard about SEASPAR many years ago, I was touched by their mission to offer organized sports programs and activities for children with disabilities. I chose them as the recipient of the mini-grant because I work with children with disabilities and have seen the joy it brings them to be involved in sports and a member of a sports team. I have great respect and admiration for what SEASPAR does.
Pictured with Michelle Imes, Matthew Corso, SEASPAR Executive Director
Tinamarie Hernandez
Rotary is all about supporting our community and so is Diveheart, so I thought it was a perfect match. Bill Bogdan added “With this generous donation from the Downers Grove Rotary Club we will be able to help support our Women of Diveheart Program. Thank you so much Rotary".
Diveheart is a nonprofit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. The purpose of Diveheart is to provide and support educational scuba diving programs that are open to any child, adult or veteran with a disability, with the hope of providing both physical and psychological therapeutic value to that person.
Tinamarie Hernandez presents $1,000 check to Bill Bogdan, board member for Diveheart
Rob Brannigan
A couple of years ago, I organized a food drive for Downers Grove Area FISH food pantry. The
people who volunteer their time there were so great. I became a senior driver for them. I've really
enjoyed volunteering there so when the opportunity came to be able to donate money to them.
from the Rotary Club, it was a no-brainer. They absolutely deserve it.
Courtney Sustr
I'm proud to support the programs and initiatives of NAMI DuPage who provide vital support to individuals and families navigating the challenges of mental health.
Pictured: Jessica Schneider- Director of Community Education and Courtney Sustr
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Chris Johnson
Chris Johnson is acutely aware of the challenges facing anyone who has lost a child, especially fathers. He serves on the Board of Directors of Dad’s Of Steele. Their mission is to strengthen families and communities by encouraging & equipping Dads to be more present in their children's lives.
Pictured: Chris Johnson and David Steele, Founder of Dads of Steele
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Further donations to be featured in future newsletters.
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