Rotaract Raises Record Amount for Charity Despite Pandemic

The Rotaract Club of East Stroudsburg University raised $1,245 for various charities this academic year. Rotaract, a college-level division of the Rotary International, is a service organization focused on helping those in both local and global communities. ESU’s Rotaract is sponsored by the Rotary Club of the Stroudsburgs, their motto is “Service Above Self!”

Emily Serpico, a senior majoring in history from Glenolden, Pa., is the president of Rotaract. She said the organization relied on social media and technology to fundraise during the pandemic. “We used bingo board fundraisers. Each member had a board with different donation amounts listed that range from $1-$3 per spot,” Serpico explained. “Donations were made through CashApp or Venmo to fill up our bingo boards, and members shared their boards via social media, text, and email.”

Like many during these unprecedented times, Serpico and her fellow Rotaract members knew they would be more successful if they worked with like-minded organizations. “We placed an emphasis on partnering with other organizations and clubs both on and off ESU’s campus. We worked with the ESU Pre-Med Club, Active Minds, the ESU and Mansfield University Phi Sigma Pi Honor Fraternity, the Mansfield Rotaract Club, and the ESU Theta Chi Fraternity Chapter,” she said. “These partnerships were critical in our success with our fundraisers and activities.”

ESU’s Rotaract raised $180 for End Polio Now, $165 for Operation Honduras, and $900 for Meals on Wheels. The group also made cards for those in the hospital or who are homeless during the holidays and Valentine’s Day cards for those at Women’s Resources of Monroe County.

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