The Geneva Rotary Club awarded a $1000 grant to the Jim Dooley Center for Early Learning to purchase a “saddle spinner” for their proposed new playground. The Center, celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year, has discarded outdated and unsafe playground equipment and has been actively raising funds to install a new, developmentally appropriate playground.
It is important for children to have outdoor physical activity every day. They need age appropriate equipment to strengthen all their muscles and foster imaginative social play. The “saddle spinner”, designed for children who are 18 months to 3 years, will be a key component of the new playground.
Helen Kelley, Director of Development for Finger Lakes Health Foundation points out, “COVID-19 has had a significant impact on our community’s children - limited contact with friends and little opportunity to engage in organized sports programs. Now, more than ever, they need a safe and engaging playground to enjoy.”
Kelley adds, “Similarly, the pandemic has hit the Geneva Rotary Club with a loss of revenue due to the cancellation of many of their fundraising activities and events. We are so grateful for the Rotary’s continued support, especially in light of these economic challenges.” Clearly, their generosity embodies the Rotary International motto, ‘Service Above Self.’
Kathy Ryrko, Director of Child Care at the Dooley Center echoes these sentiments saying, “Thank you, Geneva Rotarians, for your dedicated service to our community! We greatly appreciate your support of our playground project. I will be sure to invite you to come play on our new playground equipment once we get it installed!”
The Rotary grant helps the Jim Dooley Center get closer to making the children’s dream of a new playground a reality. The community is invited to participate in the campaign:
- Mail a check made out to Finger Lakes Health Foundation to: 196 North St., Geneva, NY 14456 (please indicate in the memo “Jim Dooley Center for Early Learning Playground”)
- Donate online at: https://www.flhealth.org/make-a-donation/make-a-donation-form and designate to, “Jim Dooley Center for Early Learning Playground”
About the Jim Dooley Center for Early Learning: The Jim Dooley Center for Early Learning was established in 1989 to provide high-quality, early childhood education services to families throughout the community and to also serve the employees of Finger Lakes Health. We are committed to fostering all aspects of healthy development in young children by maintaining highest standards in early childhood programming. Currently, 160 children are enrolled. Our commitment is to continuously sustain the highest professional standards.