The second annual Lobster on the Beach took place Saturday, Sept. 13 under a huge white tent on the shores of Osoyoos Lake at Gyro Park, hosted by the Osoyoos Rotary Club.
The sold-out crowd of over 200 was entertained by popular Global Television meteorologist Mark Madryga, who was the master of ceremonies for this year’s event. Lobsters arrived directly from Prince Edward Island the day before, and wine was provided by Oliver Twist and Squeezed Winery from Oliver.
Proceeds from the Lobster on the Beach is targeted to go towards community programs supported by the Osoyoos Rotary Club. Other projects organized by this local service club include the Canada Day breakfast and the annual golf tournament at Osoyoos Golf and Country Club.
Cheryle King, the club’s public relations spokesperson, stated, “The Rotary Club of Osoyoos was chartered 10 years ago. In a decade we have given over $180,000 back into our community.” She continued by explaining, “Rotary’s motto is Service Above Self. Rotarians, men and women, commit to be part of their community and, through their business and professional careers, have decided they want to make a difference.”
When asked further about the projects they contribute to and how they accomplish this, Cheryle replied, “We do this through fundraising with hundreds of volunteer hours. Every cent that Rotary raises goes into community projects such as the Splash Park.
We also contribute to other not-for-profits such as Roots of Empathy, Desert Sun Counselling, South Okanagan Hospital Foundation, and free public skating.”
Her list was not yet complete as she mentioned international projects they support such as the eradication of polio, shelter boxes for tsunami victims, and water filtration for Third World countries.
One may ask what is the benefit to becoming a Rotarian, and to that Cheryle replied, “the benefits of becoming a member, in my opinion, is the self-satisfaction of knowing the hours you donate to fundraising is making a difference not just locally, but internationally as well.”
Judy Miller-Bennett, current president of Osoyoos Rotary, has set out three personal goals while she is president. She stated, “My three goals are to grow our involvement with the youth, to work together with the Rotary (clubs) in all the Okanagan, to grow our club and to support Rotary International with $100 per year per Rotary member to support polio and all our efforts here and abroad.”
She then referred to a quote by Rotary International President, Gary Haung, to sum up her vision for their local club that makes such an impact on Osoyoos and the communities they reach beyond – “every generation sees the world in a unique way, and every individual has a unique point of view. Faced with the same problems, we arrive at different solutions. This is why, in Rotary, our diversity – of culture, language, expertise, gender, and age – is our strength.”
When Judy was asked to identify the biggest challenge that Osoyoos Rotary currently faces, the answer seems familiar, but achievable.
“We have been doing so much fundraising with so few people to do all the work. Recently we have had quite a few people who have shown an interest in joining,” she said.
Let’s hope that after the success of their latest event of Lobster on the Beach, their challenge is met with more hands wanting to pitch in and give back.
What’s out and about?
So wondering what’s coming up that you can take a break from your schedule and check out?
Sat. Sept 20 – Freak’n Farmer, Covert Farms – go and cheer on the participants through their obstacles!
Sat. Sept 20 – Canadian Alpaca Farm Days – come join them to celebrate Canadian Alpaca Farm Days 10 am – 4 pm
Sun. Sept 21 – Heritage Fall Fair at the Grist Mill and Gardens – fun for the whole family! Heritage games of skill, petting zoo, balloon animals, face painting, entertainment, local crafts and prizes.
Fri. Sept 26 – Movie in the Park –Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs and Oliver Parks and Recreation at Oliver Community Centre, 7-9 pm
Marji Basso
Special to the Chronicle
