Rotarians recognize essential workers
Clubs adapt this year’s ‘Taste of the Holidays’ fundraiser
This year, the Rotary Club of Arcata Sunrise adapted its annual “Taste of the Holidays” fundraiser to the current pandemic, selling and distributing 200 take home packages, which were filled with items from local specialty food and beverage producers, including Brio Breadworks, Cypress Grove Chevre, Kinetic Koffee, Mad River Brewing Company and more.
The fundraiser capped the Week of Gratitude that Arcata Sunrise Rotarians co-sponsored with the Rotary Club of Mad River and the North Bay Rotaract Club. The celebration honored all of the essential workers in the community.
The clubs received over 40 nominations of outstanding essential workers for consideration, and 20 were selected by lot to receive complementary Taste of the Holidays packages, which were re- christened “Gratitude Packages.”
In addition, Arcata Sunrise and North Bay Rotaract provided $1,200 to help five employees of Mad River Community Hospital in Arcata with unexpected costs stemming from the pandemic.
“North Bay Rotaract members have immense gratitude for local health care heroes and their service during the coronavirus pandemic,” said Rotaract President Rhea Varley. “We wanted to give back to those who work tirelessly while caring for all of us.”
Arcata Sunrise Rotary President Maggie Kraft expressed her appreciation to those who provided the goodies for the fundraiser.
“Please continue your support our local food and wine producers,” she said. “These business people stepped up at a time when many of them are experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic.”