Rotary Club Contributes to Local Community
Name: Jeffrey Christakos
Organization: Cranford Rotary Club
Location: Cranford, NJ
Contact Information:
jeff@christakoscpa.com
Can you provide a bit of history about your organization?
Cranford Rotary was chartered in February 1923 by Rotary International. Originally an organization of local businesspeople and corporate executives, it now has members from across the spectrum of those living and working in and around Cranford who want to support Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self. Cranford Rotary supports international projects through Rotary International, area-wide projects through its membership in RI District 7475, and local projects, with a focus on our youth and education.
How long have you been with this organization?
I have been involved in charitable organizations for most of my adult life. I joined the Cranford Rotary Club last year. It has been a great experience.
What drew you to be part of this group?
We have a dedicated group of volunteers that are always looking for ways to contribute to our local community. I was looking to find a place to brainstorm and implement innovative funding concepts for those in need. As an example, we are looking at various ways that we can help with a food insecurity challenge at Union College. We will be meeting with local Rotary clubs and our Cranford High School Interact club to find ways to raise funds and awareness for this local issue. Another interesting project that is in the works relates to financial literacy. I will be joining some club members in a financial literacy presentation at Cranford High School this fall. The meeting will be for Cranford High School Seniors and their parents to discuss financial issues related to their upcoming college experience.
What types of tasks do you perform?
As President, I preside over the weekly meetings on Thursday mornings at the Cranford Senior Citizen center. I am also involved in all our events. I am especially proud of my contributions as a sub on our bowing team.
Tell us about your events?
In the 101 years since the club was formed, it has provided “hands-on” services to the Cranford community, such as constructing an outdoor seating area at the Cranford Senior Citizen Housing, participating in numerous River Carnivals, and volunteering at local soup kitchens and the Community Food Bank NJ. For the past 13 years they have organized Are You Smarter Than a Cranford/Garwood 5th Grader and for many years have handed out new dictionaries to all 3rd graders in the Cranford and Garwood public, private and parochial schools.
The Cranford Rotary has for many years sponsored Cranford Interact at the High School, and Rotoract Clubs at each of the middle schools.
The Cranford Rotary Annual Golf Outing just celebrated their 34th tournament, raising funds for the Rotary Scholarship Fund and numerous local organizations over the years. Those groups include, to name just a few: Cranford PAL, Cranford Family Care, Cranford Family Care, Cranford First Aid Squad, Cranford United Way, Cranford Baseball League, and Shining Stars. The 2024 Golf Outing was in support of the Aliver Foundation to pay for installation of an outdoor, all-weather AED to be placed in a public space in Cranford.
In the past the Rotary club has participated in bicycles collections, both for local children in need, and to be shipped overseas for international assistance. Through RI, the members have supported the Polio Plus project, which has raised $1.1B to immunize more than 3.9 billion children worldwide and all but eliminated Polio as a treaded childhood disease.
How can the community help your efforts?
There are many ways to support our fundraising efforts. I think that community involvement in our activities would be a great experience for those involved. In addition, we always welcome a tax-deductible donation to the Cranford Rotary Charitable Fund, Inc.
How can someone get involved with your organization and volunteer?
Anyone interested in joining us at a meeting or at one of our events can contact me at jeff@christakoscpa.com.