Rotary Club of Verrado Presents $90,000 Check to Buckeye Food Bank 

From left:  Doug Bredow, President, Verrado Rotary Foundation, Cassie Wilkins, Executive Director, All Faith Community Services, Holly Nott, President, Rotary Club of Verrado

In a heartwarming display of community support, the Rotary Club of Verrado, along with its affiliate Verrado Rotary Foundation, proudly presented a donation of $90,000 to All Faith Community Services Buckeye Food Bank on June 10, 2025. This remarkable contribution was made possible by the successful Gathering Buckeye - A Chuckwagon Charity Feast event held earlier this year.

The fund raising event, which took place on April 5th, was a memorable evening filled with Chuckwagon-themed cuisine, live entertainment from Highway 85, and the opportunity to meet artist Janis Blayer. Attendees also had the chance to speak with Gary and Bonnie Miller from Saquaro Boot Art, participate in live and silent auctions, and enjoy the beautiful weather. The overwhelming attendance and donations culminated in raising $90,000 for the Buckeye Food Bank.

Doug Bredow, President of the Verrado Rotary Foundation, expressed his gratitude to participants, saying, "Thank you for joining us at Gathering Buckeye. Your attendance and donations were overwhelming. We hope you enjoyed a memorable evening. On behalf of the Rotary Club of Verrado and Cassie Wilkens, Executive Director of AFCS Buckeye Food Bank, THANK YOU! We are grateful for your generous heart and support. You made a difference in the lives of many in our Buckeye community."

Holly Nott, President of the Rotary Club of Verrado, echoed these sentiments, stating, "We were delighted to present a check for $90,000 to All Faith Community Services Buckeye Food Bank, made possible by the successful Gathering Buckeye event held earlier this year. Particular thanks go to our presenting sponsor Teravalis and all the other sponsors and guests who generously made the success of the event possible."

The Rotary Club of Verrado, chartered in September 2018, has quickly become a pillar of support in the community. With 58 members, the club and its affiliated charity, the Verrado Rotary Foundation, have donated over $500,000 in support of various causes both in Buckeye and around the world. As a member of Rotary International, one of the first service clubs founded in Chicago in 1905, the Rotary Club of Verrado is part of a global network of over 32,000 clubs and 1.2 million members in 185 countries.

The presentation of this donation underscores the Rotary Club of Verrado's commitment to making a positive impact in the community and supporting those in need. The funds raised will help All Faith Community Services Buckeye Food Bank continue their vital work in providing food and assistance to those who need it most.

Clear the Shelves Food Drive held on Nov 23 (updated)

In what turned out to be a very busy week, the club held its 2nd Annual Clear the Shelves food drive at Basha's on Main Street.  Betweeen the Clear the Shelves event and the collection box at the Victory Club, we were able to donate about 1,600 pounds of food to  the All Faith Community Services Buckeye Foodbank.  A big thank you to Mike Nott for coordinating the Basha's event and Doug Bredow for delivering the food received at the Victory Club.  Thanks to everyone who participated, to our community who supported us and to our friends at Basha's who allowed us to solicit and loiter on their sidewalks. Apparently the only one who remembered to take pictures at the event was Mary Lu Cannelos.  Here are George and Mary Lu proudly helping out at Basha's.  Thanks Mary Lu for the photo!