Casa Grande Rotary Meal Distribution

The Casa Grande Rotary Foundation is the charitable arm of the Casa Grande Rotary Club. The
Foundation has been in existence for more than 30 years, and a name change was effectuated in 2004
to the present name. The Casa Grande Rotary club is 94 years old and has a history of providing
community service in a number of ways. The club through its foundation, has built a city park, grants to
special needs and supported HS student’s college education by providing over $1.3 million dollars in
scholarships since its inception.

With the onset of the COVID virus and the great economic disruption it caused, the Rotary
members discussed how and what kind of assistance could be provided to individuals in need and in
providing some opportunity for employment. The idea to develop a meal distribution using a local
restaurant that had furloughed employees gained interest and momentum. A partnership with Eva’s
fine Mexican restaurant in Casa Grande and the Casa Grande Rotary Foundation was formed providing
employment for some and food for many more.

As a result, 800 families and over 4,800 meals have been distributed to unemployed, or single
parent families, senior citizens and others in financial need. Each meal box contains a prepared meal for
a family of 6, ready to heat and eat. The foundation has been able to obtain financial support for the
meal distribution from individual members, the Walmart Distribution Center, APS, The Western State
Bank, Fitzgibbons Law Offices and Rotary District 5500. The Foundation has an application pending with
the City of Casa Grande for $10,000 from the available CARES funding to continue this effort into the
near future.

However, as we experienced generosity from many individuals and organizations, the need
continues to grow. At the three meal distribution days, the meals prepared were distributed quickly as
more families than we had food to share, lined up for assistance. Our meal costs average $3.97per meal.
The cost to date totals $19,059.00.

The Casa Grande Rotary Foundation is seeking assistance from any organization or individuals
with a generous heart willing to share its resources. Our goal is to raise $60,000. These increased funds
will provide the opportunity to fund at the minimum, 8 additional meal distribution events.

Thank you for your consideration and generous assistance. Donations will be directed into the
Casa Grande Rotary Foundation Account at Western State Bank. Each donor will receive an
acknowledgment and receipt for the donation.