Laredo Gateway Rotary Club awards $5,000 Paul Harris Grant to nonprofit

The Laredo Gateway Rotary Club welcomed the end of the 2023-2024 Rotary year at its meeting on Monday, June 24, at the Palenque Grill.

The meeting marked the beginning of President Letty Perez’s term, with former President Bill Green passing the gavel to the new leader, who will lead the organization for a one-year term.

“This past Rotary year, I worked with Letty Perez, the 2024-25 Gateway Rotary President, on many club goals and can attest to her leadership and administrative skills,” said Green. “I am honored that she selected most of the same officers and directors as in my Rotary year. This continuity in leadership should result in more goals being achieved to advance the cause of Rotary.”

The gavel presentation ceremony was led by Rogelio Trevino, Deputy Governor of Rotary Area 12, who explained the significance of the gavel and the banner that marks the club’s motto for the new year.

The meeting also saw the launch of a new leadership group, including officers and directors, including: Hector Alaniz (Director), Lucy Quintanilla (Director), Alberto DeLlano (Director), Sylvia Bruni (Director), Olga Cantu (Secretary), JD Delgado (Treasurer), and Juan Mercado (Sergeant at Arms).

As part of the meeting, the social club also presented a Paul Harris Grant to six different nonprofit organizations, with each organization receiving a check for $5,000.

The funds distributed were collected by the club during its Paul Harris Award luncheon.

To receive the grant, organizations had to submit an application to the club detailing a project they would use the funds for. Beneficiary organizations included: the Boys & Girls Club of Laredo, Children’s Advocacy Center, Junior Achievement of Laredo, Pets Alive Laredo, Mercy Ministries and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The club meets weekly at noon. More information about the Laredo Gateway Rotary Club can be found online at laredogatewayrotary.org.