Inaugural Fundraiser "Bowl for Water" Raises $6K for Water Projects

Katie Spotz and "Rotary Man" Rob Previte at Bowl for Water

The Rotary Club of Solon, one of newest clubs to join the Rotary Family (chartered in May 2010), raised more than $6,000 with its inaugural fundraising event called “Bowl for Water” at Freeway Lanes in Solon Ohio on October 23, 2010.

Unsafe drinking water is the leading cause of sickness and disease in developing countries, and Solon Rotary Club is doing its part to raise money for the cause. The charity was supported by Cleveland’s own Katie Spotz, the courageous young woman who captured the hearts of America when she became the youngest person to row solo across the Atlantic.

Katie was on hand to support this event as well as other local celebrities, including: Solon Mayor Susan Drucker, as well as local news celebrities Brian Duffy, Jen Picianno, and Jeff Tanchak from Action 19 news.

“It’s great that we raised $6,000,” Katie said. “But more than the money, the great achievement is making people aware that there are 1.1 billion people—that’s 1 out of every 6 people in the world—who do not have access to safe, clean drinking water. I’ve made it my mission to raise awareness for this cause.”

The Rotary Club of Solon’s $6,000 donation will benefit the The Blue Planet Network, a group of passionate people, working with a global network of experienced water groups, who are committed to bringing sustainable safe drinking water to people throughout the world, primarily in rural communities.

“The goal for next year is $10,000,” said Rob Previte, President of Solon Rotary. “Because $10,000 buys a village of 110 families a complete water system.”

For more information about Solon Rotary, please visit their website, solonrotary.org.