Fox Chapel Area Rotary raises $70,000 for local charities at Lower Burrell golf classic

Funding from the Rotary Club of Fox Chapel Area will help a Sharpsburg nonprofit expand its programming for people in need.

Roots of Faith, which offers food, clothes and employment assistance from its Main Street location, was named a beneficiary of this year’s Rotary Charity Golf Classic.

Hosted at Hill Crest Country Club in Lower Burrell, the event brought in more than $70,000.

Money will be doled out to local and international charities, according to event co-chairs Jim Michaels and Harrison Lauer.

Locally, Roots and Aspinwall Meals on Wheels will reap the largest benefit, but dozens of others will also receive Rotary checks.

“Roots of Faith is at an exciting crossroads as we expand our programming to include affordable housing,” executive director Kathleen Stanley said. “The Rotary has been an integral partner in our mission for the past 12 years.”

The Charity Golf Classic is a significant effort, drawing more than 100 players. Cost is $175 each for the round.

“It does take a great deal of work over a six-month period, but raising this amount of money for so many worthy organizations is very gratifying,” said Michaels, who has headed the effort for the past seven years.

The Sept. 15 competition was one of the Rotary’s best-attended tournaments.

“Very important were the dozens of corporate and individual sponsors who contributed directly to the event itself or to the companion raffle that had prizes valued in excess of $7,000,” Michaels said.

Rotarians sold raffle tickets, with member Ginny Merchant besting all others – selling $18,000 worth alone. It nearly doubled the record amount she sold last year, Michaels said.

“We are deeply grateful,” Stanley said. “The funds raised will directly support our community outreach programs and help us continue building hope and opportunity in Sharpsburg.”