THE KENOSHA ROTARY FOUNDATION, Inc.
Serving our Community
The Kenosha Rotary Foundation, Inc. raises money from community members and Rotarians for the benefit of our community. It is a 501(c)(3) organization, so gifts are tax deductible to the full extent of applicable law and regulations.
Two major community-wide fundraising events are held each year:
1. In February, the WLIP Rotary Radio Auction is held on two consecutive Sunday afternoons. Listeners to WLIP Radio 1050 AM bid by telephone.
2. In June, a golf outing featuring silent and live auctions raises additional funds.
Details will be posted on each event.
RECOGNITION
The City of Kenosha recognized Kenosha Rotary's contributions to the community through the Kenosha Rotary Safety Center by naming a street Rotary Drive in April, 2009.
Kenosha Rotary's philanthropic achievements were recognized by Rotary International with a spring 2009 Significant Achievement Award. See the article below for details.
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Honorary Road and R.I. “Significant Achievement Award”
Kenosha Rotary Recognized Twice
Neither wind nor rain stopped members of The Rotary Club of Kenosha from gathering for the unveiling of the new "Rotary Drive" in Kenosha on April 21, 2009.
Rotary Drive is the portion of 14th Avenue between 57th and 58th Streets. See a photo of the dedication in our photo gallery http://www.kenosharotary.org/albums/5.
Mayor Keith Bosman and the City of Kenosha honored the Club for founding and continuing to support the Rotary Safety Center, 5716 14th Avenue, which now houses the Safety Education and Crime Prevention divisions of the Kenosha Police Department.
The Kenosha Rotary Safety Center provides programs throughout the entire school year to private, public, and parochial schools in Kenosha. The Center encourages a positive relationship between the child and police department; instills important safety values with elementary school children; reduces the chance of children becoming victims of crimes; and promotes a safe environment around elementary schools. About 560,000 children have benefitted.
The Rotary Club of Kenosha funds the Safety Center through a grant program with funds from a live-broadcast two-day radio auction. The annual "WLIP Rotary Radio Auction,” just completing its 56th year, was honored in May 2009 with the Rotary International Significant Achievement Award. The radio auction earns some $30,000.00 annually, totaling over $1,000,000 to date, for grants to non-profit groups serving Kenosha County, Wisconsin residents.
The event enjoys about 95% membership participation for over 800 hours of Club service time and has been co-sponsored for 56 years by WLIP 1050 AM Radio. All expenses are donated or paid by the Club separately from any auction money earned, so all funds paid by bidders are granted by the Kenosha Rotary Foundation.
Significant features of this annual event that have contributed to its recognition, success and longevity include:
* Agency programs benefiting children and families are funded by the grant program with a high priority placed on child safety, basic needs, and those facing physical or developmental challenges.
* Nearly all of the club’s members are involved each year in active solicitation of auction items, selling, doing the paperwork, running the auction, or in making the grant awards.
* The auction, request for agency grant proposals, and grant awards are all publicized in the Kenosha News and in a weekly entertainment magazine, Happenings that also lists the auction items being offered, supplemented by PSAs on the host radio station, WLIP-AM, and on public radio WGTD-FM, resulting in year-round widespread attention for Rotary.
* The funds raised equal about $400 - $500 per club member per year.
* The radio auction is managed using software developed for the club and a detailed manual documents all facets of the auction. Volunteer Dan Simoneau converted the software to Access 2007 this year.
* Each current year’s auction activity and grant making are complete by June 30.
In February 2009, the club Board honored Kenosha Rotary’s Executive Secretary Gil Dosemagen with its “Service above Self” award at a surprise ceremony and banquet. Rotary District Governor Tamie Koop attended and presented him with a special recognition certificate. Dosemagen has been the principal organizing force for the WLIP Rotary Radio Auction. In announcing the R.I. Significant Achievement Award to the Club, 2008-2009 President Len Iaquinta emphasized Dosemagen’s roles in the auction and the Safety Center.
On your way to Lake Michigan, turn down "Rotary Drive" and take a minute to stop in and see the great work going on at the Kenosha Rotary Safety Center! It’s truly an award-winning venue for everyone in the community.
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Kenosha Rotary Safety Center Programs
Kenosha Police Dept. "Child Safety Education" at the Rotary Safety Center
http://www.kenoshapolice.com/default.aspx?id=7
Crime Prevention -- Officers Wamboldt and Francis
Neighborhood Watch
Business Watch
Realtor Watch
Adult Safety Programs
Child Safety Education -- Safety Officer Walsh
Officer Friendly
Stranger Danger
School Safety
Pedestrian Safety
Bicycle Safety
History of the Safety Center
The Kaelber Family deeded the property to The Kenosha Rotary Club in 1979 during Gil Dosemagen’s presidency. He has been a big supporter ever since. Rotarians cleaned up and renovated the building for youngsters. About 560,000 children have passed through its doors. It is unique and a great tribute to what a dedicated group of people can accomplish.
The Kenosha Rotary Safety Center has evolved. It is also the home of the Neighborhood Watch officers and the Crime Prevention staff. Officer Friendly, Dennis Walsh, has been there 18 years. The Center has a small theater for viewing safety films and facilities for producing new safety training videos.
KENOSHA ROTARY FOUNDATION
PO Box 577, Kenosha WI 53141
262-657-3173