Event at the Pond House Café increased awareness about the organization’s mission, announced several grants, and raised money for Rotary’s local and international initiatives.

Suzanne Oslander of West Hartford’s Town That Cares Fund thanks Rotary for supporting the Hillcrest Neighborhood Outreach Center. Submitted photo.

Submitted by Christine Looby, Rotary Club of West Hartford

On Monday, Oct. 6, the Rotary Club of West Hartford raised more than $2000 through its “Light up West Hartford” Reception at The Pond House Café. More than 100 individuals attended and learned more about the organization’s commitment to global Polio eradication and local initiatives including The Third Grade Dictionary Project, Gifts of Music, and the Hillcrest Avenue Neighborhood Outreach Center.

At the event, student Fallon Moore, winner of the 2014 Sixth Grade Writing Contest, shared her essay about the educational and personal benefits of Unified Theater. Rotarian Tony Rodriguez then surprised Fallon with the announcement that the Club would provide Unified Theater with $500 to promote its mission and upcoming events.

The event also provided the opportunity for former Club President Hap Leabman of West Hartford to name Ed Peltier of West Hartford, recently retired executive director of the American School for the Deaf (ASD), with the award for 2014 Rotarian of the Year. The Rotary Club and current ASD Executive Director Jeff Bravin shared the good news that, thanks to a $33,000 Rotary Global Grant championed by the West Hartford and St. Thomas Clubs, ASD will be able to develop a Visual Media Studio in order to enhance students’ literacy skills.

Ed Peltier (left), recently retired executive director of ASD and current ASD Executive Director Jeff Bravin. Submitted photo.

“We have lit up West Hartford with the powerful beacons of service, collaboration and philanthropy,” said Cynthia R. Lang of West Hartford, president of the Rotary Club of West Hartford and owner of Cynthia R. Lang Photography.  “Thanks to all of our Rotarians and to all of the outstanding citizens of West Hartford who have come together tonight to build good will and better friendships.”