Members of the Rotary Club of Evanston and guests gathered at Evanston’s North Shore Hotel Thursday, Dec. 9 for a special holiday fundraiser to benefit charitable causes.
More than 90 people turned out for the club’s annual Holiday Benefit, which featured silent and live auctions and musical entertainment. Proceeds have yet to be tallied, but in recent years the event has raised more than $10,000 per benefit – which is dispersed to support charitable work in Evanston.
Founded in 1920, the Rotary Club of Evanston provides service to the community via hands-on volunteer projects and fundraising to help worthy causes. It has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for not-for-profit organizations, helping Evanston cope with pressing issues ranging from HIV/AIDS and literacy to homelessness and poverty.
The club also provides scholarships, supports international aid projects and maintains the Friendship Garden in Evanston’s Ladd Arboretum for public use.
Local Rotarians are part of a global network of more than 1 million Rotarians who work together in providing local, national and international service projects. Since the 1980s, Rotary International has played a major role as a partner in worldwide polio eradication efforts. The organization’s global headquarters are in Evanston.
The club’s weekly luncheon meeting is held Thursdays from 12 to 1:15 p.m. at the North Shore Hotel.