November 01, 2023 – By Ann Marina | marina@swspotlight.com
When Bob Lombardo was invited by a friend to try a Rotary Club meeting, he thought it might be just a group of old men sitting around talking over coffee.
“Instead, I met substantive and influential people there, focused on community service, and I’m proud to be in their company,” Lombardo said. He eventually became the club’s treasurer, and later its president.
The Rotary Club of Bonita Springs will celebrate its 45th anniversary on November 3. The club is part of Rotary International, a fellowship and service organization for community and business leaders.
Rotary has over 35,000 clubs worldwide with memberships totaling 1.2 million. The Bonita Springs Club meets weekly, holds annual fundraisers, and supports numerous service projects.
“In 45 years, we’ve given over $2,750,000 to local and international organizations,” said club president Jim Burger. Meals of Hope, Bonita Springs Assistance Office, the Café of Life, Gift of Life heart surgery program for children, and the Wheelchair Foundation are major organizations we serve.
President Jim Burger with Tiffany Ervin, executive director of Coins for Alzheimer’s Research (CART) after she spoke to the club on Oct. 12.
President Jim Burger with Tiffany Ervin, executive director of Coins for Alzheimer’s Research (CART) after she spoke to the club on Oct. 12.“We have provided $266,000 in scholarships to Estero and Bonita Springs high school students over the years,” Burger said.
Rotarians mark 45 years of friendship, contacts, service
