Rotarians give a grand
Rotary Club of New Iberia members, as well as U.S. Congressman Clay Higgins, met Wednesday at the Ramada Inn to give to representatives of St. Francis Diner so they can in return give to those in need.
“We’re here today because of the tragedy that happened at St. Francis Diner to help them continue their work for the community,” Rotary Club President Chris Whipple said.
Rotary, which was founded in Chicago in the early 1920s, aims to give back to those in the civic club’s community. The idea caught on and clubs started forming around the nation and eventually around the world, according to Whipple.
Whipple and the Rotary Club presented Lewis and St. Francis Diner a check for $1,000 to help overcome their loss last month
St. Francis Diner, which serves meals to needy people, lost more than $7,000 worth of meat one weekend in June after a thermostat and a walk-in freezer went out, according to St. Francis Diner Executive Director Juanita Lewis.
“We’re recovering slowly from that, but we’re doing good,” Lewis said
“That’s a beautiful endeavor,” Higgins said.
Higgins said when he talks to groups like the Rotary Club, he feels like he’s in the presence of greatness in America.
“You are all workers, you are all leaders of your families, of your communities and this is the cornerstone of what makes America exceptional — men and women like you,” Higgins said.
Higgins also said he’d like to donate meats like frozen venison and duck and plans to visit St. Francis Diner.
“Over the course of my life, I put a great deal of energy into helping the homeless and I’d like to do my small part in helping out with that,” Higgins said.
Whipple said the donation provided Wednesday was made possible thanks to a foundation account from members of the Rotary Club that contributes money to outreach programs such as like St. Francis Diner.
“We gave to them four years ago, but that’s part of Rotary,” Whipple said. “We do things locally. We do things nationally and internationally by the contribution of funds and those go out and help with various products.”
Whipple said that contributing to St. Francis Diner is the least he and his group can do.
“There are people who are in need that can’t help themselves,” Whipple said.
Whipple said those who are interested in joining the Rotary Club can contact him at cwhipple@bellsouth.net or call him 322-4400.