Atlantic Ave June 2023

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
WE ARE
DELRAY
Two organizations that are working hard
to make Delray the best village ever.
Let’s start with Rotary International.
Founded in 1905 in Chicago, what began
with one club has, over the past 118 years,
expanded to over 46,000 clubs worldwide.
Their mission includes promoting peace,
fighting disease, providing clean water, sanitation
& hygiene, supporting mothers, babies,
education, and the environment. Truly
an “O.G.” of giving!
The Rotary Club of Delray Beach was chartered
in 1948 and has served our community
for the past 75 years! Each year, the club
provides dictionaries to all 3rd graders in
Delray’s elementary schools. They also provide
school supplies and host food drives, toy
drives, and clothing drives for the Achievement
Centers for Children and Families, the
Milagro Center, the Drug Abuse Foundation,
48 | june 2023 | www.AtlanticAveMagazine.com
by Lynn Van Lenten
Yo u r m o n t h l y f e a t u r e o f a l l t h i n g s D e l r ay f r o m
Thanks to Over 50 Years of
Service from These Two O.G.’s!
The term “O.G.” has been used a lot in the media, especially
in sports and music. But no matter where it is used, it is
always prefaced with respect and awe. I am going to use this
month’s We Are Delray article to describe two organizations
held in deep respect and admiration here in Delray Beach.
and other local organizations. They have
planned beach clean-ups, planted trees, and
helped restore the community through Love
Delray. Over the past 75 years, the club has
also awarded over $750,000 to graduating
seniors in Delray Beach, providing ten $1,000
scholarships annually.
As club President Nick Basiaga explains
Rotary’s vision statement, “Rotary is a global
network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends,
leaders, and problem-solvers who see a
world where people unite and take action to
create lasting change – across the globe, in
our communities, and in ourselves.”
Our second, but no less important “O.G.”
in town is Kiwanis Club. Started in 1915, the
name Kiwanis was coined from an expression
in an American Indian language Keewanis,
which means we trade or we share
our talents. And boy, do they! Now in their
t h e
C h a m b e r
50th year, the Delray Beach Kiwanis Club is
one of the fastest-growing Clubs in the state
at a time when other service organizations
struggle to remain vibrant.
“All of us in the Delray Beach Kiwanis Club
are grateful to members of the community
for its support of our efforts to make the
place that we care deeply for stronger,” said
Pam Davidson, the current president. “We
take pride in knowing we are making a difference
in the lives of children and families
one child at a time.”
Local Kiwanis partnerships include
Achievement Center for Children and Families,
EJS Project, High School scholarships and
support of the Delray Beach Police. The club’s
current “On a Roll” campaign collected several
thousand dollars’ worth in paper towels,
wipes, other papers products and school supplies
for Orchard View Elementary School.
With respect and admiration, let’s cheer
on these two O.G.’s. Thanks for helping make
Delray GREAT!
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