Eight different groups -- including six primary schools -- shared $86,000 as Pembroke Rotary Club's recent fair at BAA Gymnasium exceeded all expectations.
And it was accomplished without charging admission to the February 10 fair, as the six schools -- Victor Scott, Elliot, Gilbert, Northlands, Paget and West Pembroke -- and Big Brothers and Sisters and Foster Parents charities received sizeable cheques recently from Alan Pailing, chairman of the fair and Pembroke Rotary president Sinclair Rayner.
"It's the highest that we've made,'' Mr. Rayner said of the sum. "Every year the gross is more than the previous years. Obviously the more raffles that are sold the more money that is generated. All of the games are geared to young children and parents get involved as well.'' Added Mr. Pailing: "For the first time ever we didn't have an admission price. So we lost income overall but we made up that money quite easily. "It was a beautiful sunny day and that encouraged everybody to stay and spend more money at the stalls. The final figures just blew us away, absolutely tremendous.'' Elliot received a cheque from Pembroke Rotary for $19,500 while Paget received $15,500, West Pembroke $15,000, Gilbert $12,500, Northlands $10,000 and Victor Scott $5,500. Big Brothers and sisters were awarded a cheque for $5,000 and the Foster Parents $3,000.
"The fair is a children's fair, so whoever the beneficiaries are, they are always children related,'' explained Mr. Pailing.
"It was my idea this year to target six of the Government primary schools and also Big Brothers and Sisters who are a children's charity as is the Foster Parents.
"We knew who the beneficiaries were, we had to put that on the raffle tickets and the posters so people knew who we were trying to raise money for. The club does not keep any of the money raised, once we pay out the expenses everything goes back to the beneficiaries. We're not in the business of making money for ourselves.'' Pembroke Rotary Club is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and have been running the fair for 18 years.
"It has now become the club's number one annual fundraiser,'' said Mr.
Pailing who noted that the schools helped out with students selling raffle tickets and working in the stalls.
"It was absolutely packed full this year, we had about eight or nine stalls, all children's games and everyone of the kids walked away with a prize.
"We asked the school to tell us how they are spending the funds and when you see some of the things that the schools do need, that's where the satisfaction really lies.
"Most schools these days need computers and not every kid has access to a computer. Obviously school books are required as well as musical instruments for one of the schools.'' Added Mr. Pailing: "Carol Figureido at West Pembroke just purchased for their school field some concrete tables and concrete benches and said that the funds donated by the Rotary Club will be used to purchase them.'' Cathy Bassett, principal at Elliott Primary, expressed her school's gratitude to Pembroke Rotary Club in a letter to Mr. Pailing when she wrote: "The funds are an actual answer to prayer. We had charged computers and printers for the upper school. The hardware has allowed our students to increase their skill in so many areas.
"We have increased the honour roll numbers from 112 last term to 131 this term. We have 284 students who range in age from 5-10 years. Many of these youngsters have special needs. We are able to secure hardware for both the able students as well as those who require adaptations.
"In addition to the software we will be financing a variety of plants and seedlings for our butterfly garden, materials for our EnviroFair which will take place during Heritage Month and buttons and pins for honour roll students, prefects, Junior Sanitation Engineer Club members, Garden Club members and Junior secretary members.'' The school will also use some of the funds to purchase additional books and concrete benches and tables for their courtyard.
"We salute the Rotary Club for their vision, their commitment to the youth of Bermuda and the foresight witnessed,'' Mrs. Bassett concluded. Wendell Smith, principal of Paget Primary, had a long list of needs for his school in the letter he wrote to Pembroke Rotary Club. They included: A decent piano for concerts and assemblies; Ink cartridges for computers, computer headphones; Posters for the hallways and classrooms; Books and prizes for the graduates, library books; and PE equipment for indoor games and sports day trophies.
Four break-ins since last October has prompted the school to consider installing a security system.
"On behalf of the students and staff of the Paget Primary School, thank you very much,'' Mr. Smith wrote.
"We wish the Pembroke Rotary continued success and look forward to assisting you whenever and however we can. Be informed that you are making a valued and significant impact on our youngsters' education.'' Said Mr. Rayner: "It's so satisfying giving something back to the community, helping the young people of today who are the leaders of tomorrow.''
