Rotary Foundation of Cincinnati Awards $100,000 to Rebuild 1,000 Hands Playground at Sawyer Point

Additional grants bring total community investment to more than $136,000

On Thursday, August 6, the Rotary Foundation of Cincinnati announced a $100,000 grant to support the rebuilding of the 1,000 Hands Playground at Sawyer Point, along with an additional $36,711 in grants to nonprofit organizations serving children and families throughout Greater Cincinnati.

These investments were made possible in large part through the Rotary Foundation of Cincinnati’s sold-out Play it Forward fundraiser, held at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse.

The event brought together generous donors, sponsors, Rotarians and community supporters to raise funds for the playground and other local organizations serving children and families.

Grant recipients announced included:

• Cincinnati Parks Foundation — $100,000 to support the rebuilding of the 1,000 Hands Playground at Sawyer Point
• Cincinnati Center for Autism — $8,000
• Family Nurturing Center — $8,000
• Redwood School & Rehabilitation Center — $6,379
• Cincinnati Art Museum — $5,000
• Easley Blessed Foundation — $5,000
• The Village Green — $4,332

“Today’s grants demonstrate what is possible when a community comes together around a shared purpose,” said Wes Botto, Immediate Past President of the Rotary Foundation of Cincinnati. “Every gift, sponsorship and volunteer effort helped turn an evening of generosity into lasting impact.”

“For more than 115 years, Rotary has brought together leaders who believe in giving back,” said Sara Pattison, Executive Director of the Rotary Club and Foundation of Cincinnati. “These grants celebrate the power of our community working together to improve lives throughout Greater Cincinnati.”

The Rotary Foundation of Cincinnati supports programs benefiting children facing physical, cultural, emotional, financial, and social obstacles throughout Greater Cincinnati. Founded in 1910, the Rotary Club of Cincinnati was the 17th Rotary club established in the world and continues to unite business and community leaders through Service Above Self.

Lead photo: Representatives from the Rotary Foundation of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Parks Foundation celebrate a $100,000 grant to support the rebuilding of the 1,000 Hands Playground at Sawyer Point. Pictured from left: Lindsay Wilhelm, Development Director, Cincinnati Parks Foundation; Jennifer Spieser, President & CEO, Cincinnati Parks Foundation; Wes Botto, Immediate President of the Rotary Foundation of Cincinnati; Sara Pattison, Executive Director of the Rotary Club and Foundation of Cincinnati; and Ed Mathis, President of the Rotary Club of Cincinnati. Provided.