The Southeast Rotary Club's 4th annual jailbreak fundraiser took place at the Clearspring Center, on Thursday May 5th
The support of local celebrities and dignitaries was crucial in raising funds through community connections.
This prison-themed fundraiser includes well-known Steinbachers being arrested and hauled to the Clearspring Mall to await their sentencing. These jailbirds then raise money from the community for their bail. All proceeds then go towards the Rotary Clubs' charities of choice.
Many members of the community joined together to make this happen. Kris Ontong with The Southeast Rotary Club explains that these are the people who make our community work.
“To be able to see them, interact with them, share a laugh and be able to know them more. It's a it's a real privilege for me.”
This fundraiser was packed full of laughs and chatter while generating local and international effects. Ontong says that when choosing who to support, Rotary Club looks for organizations that need extra help.
This year the local funds are going towards Southeast Helping Hands. Ontong says Helping Hands is facing a large demand which continues to grow. They provide huge support, but they also need help. This is where The Rotary Club steps in.
“They showed us the work that they do and the challenges that they encounter, particularly the amount of donations because the demand is always increasing, especially now.”
Ontong went from paying bail last year as a jailbird, to participating in the event as a Rotary member. He says that the feeling of going full circle is something else.
“The experience is very, very positive for me. And that's also the reason which inspired me and encouraged me to join Rotary Club because I really believe in the work that they do.”
The Rotary Club makes its members feel at home. Through working together with local people, they generate support for the community during tough times.
“It's not for us, it's for the community, it's for our neighbors, the people that we see every day.”