Sakura Takano, a second-generation Rotarian, is the recently appointed Executive Director of Rotary Charities of Traverse City.
Rotary Charities of Traverse City had its start in 1976 with the discovery of oil and gas on camp property owned by the Traverse City noon Rotary Club. The club was able to negotiate a lease with a 40% revenue cut, leading to the formation of Rotary Charities and the establishment of an endowment fund that will last forever.
Over the years the organization has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. In the early 90's projects included saving the Park Place Hotel, helping establish the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, starting the Rotary Charities Endowment Fund at the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation and renovating the State Theater.
In 2018 Rotary Charities formalized a commitment to a new direction, going from charity to changemaker, addressing root causes and creating community assets for all. Recent projects in Benzie County include $50,000 grants to BACN, Cognition, Grow Benzie and the Garden Theater.
Sakura reminded us of the matching grants available to Clubs and individual members through the Rotary Charities Endowment Fund at the Community Foundation. She also congratulated the Club for our activities in the community. A copy of Sakura's PowerPoint presentation is available here.