Actions speak louder than words...The Meriden Rotary Club
Actions speak louder than words…The Meriden Rotary Club
By Andy Reynolds
Devotion, Generosity, Commitment to the Community…I could go on but it would not begin to describe the Meriden Rotary Club. Recently as seen in the picture above – the members of club made a huge contribution to Noah’s Ark of Hope, Inc. of $50,000.00!!! This is the largest contribution that the Meriden Rotary Club has ever made. It took hard work, long hours and full membership cooperation to make this happen. All I can say is that if there were more folks like them, the world would be a much better place. They deserve so much recognition for this act and we wanted you to know about it.
Sarah Bogdanski – Bourdon & Christian Bourdon from Noah’s Ark of Hope, Inc. said
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity and sentiment that was conveyed by the Meriden Rotary Club though their gift. The foundation looks forward to working with Rotarians on this and future projects that will benefit children. We are so grateful for the support the Meriden community has given us during these last three months. We look forward to the dedication of the playground in Spring/Summer 2007.”
Tom Barton, the immediate past President of The Rotary Club said “The Rotary Club of Meriden saw Noah's Ark of Hope and the Hubbard Park playscape project as an ideal fit for our organization to provide Meriden with an invaluable resource for its youngest citizens. From constructing Hubbard Park's swimming pool to erecting monuments at various locations in the park, the Rotary Club has enjoyed being able to enhance this landmark that is enjoyed by so many year after year.”
Dr. Craig L. Nielsen, current President said, “We saw the commitment of Noah’s Ark of Hope, Inc. and the Playground Committee and in turn felt strongly that it was the right thing to do and we worked hard to make this donation happen.”
What is Noah’s Ark of Hope, Inc.?
If you visit www.noahsarkofhope.com, you will find out more but Sarah and Christian’s words on one section of the website say it with so much passion and strength amidst the loss of their beloved son, Noah.
“The main theme of the song “Seasons of Love” from the play Rent is how is the life of someone measured? With the recent loss of our son Noah we have had to look at this in many ways. What was the purpose of his life? How do we show others who never met him what his one year meant, what he was like and how he loved? What will be the ripple effect of his life? Can one year really make a difference? In Noah’s short life he experienced many things: hikes through Meriden’s beautiful trails, feeding the ducks, flying on a plane, swimming in the Caribbean, and playing on playgrounds at many of Meriden’s parks. He also gave so much to those who he loved. His life was measured in kisses, in giggles, and in milestones. Now we have found ourselves learning a new way of measuring life. With the creation of our family and community foundation called Noah’s Ark of Hope, Inc. we plan on doing just that. Our experience in losing a child and our parenthood is not a unique one – many parents who have lost children have contacted us. We are trying to focus on something positive - something that will give us hope. We look to Meriden’s citizens not just to support this project because of our family and our story but because of its importance to all families. It is a unique opportunity to invest in the present and in the future. This project will come to fruition for Meriden’s children right now. Everyone will have someone in their lives that could benefit: grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, siblings, etc.
For the past two years, a playground committee of dedicated members has been working hard to get a barrier free playground built in Hubbard Park. We are joining in on the efforts to raise awareness and dollars for this project. Who knows? Children who play on it now may even bring their children here someday. Noah’s Ark of Hope, Inc. and our pledge to raise $100,000.00 for this playground is our attempt to pay forward all the support and assistance we continue to receive every day. We will be able to measure Noah’s life and its ripples through this playground and other future projects of the Noah’s Ark of Hope, Inc. Foundation. And for us, this playground will give us something to put all of our positive energy into – a place where we will be able to celebrate the life of our “little man” every time we see a child smiling within its walls. Is that not how we all strive to have our lives measured? In happiness, in love, and above all else, in Hope.”
Dawn Nierenburg-Reynolds, Chairperson of the Hubbard Park Playground Committee said, “The Rotary floord us. Yes, we came to them hoping for their support. We never in our wildest most optimistic dreams thought they would dig so deep and support us so lovingly. To each and every single Rotarian that helped to make this happen for Meriden’s children, thank you, thank you oh, and did I say thank you.
As Chairperson of The Hubbard Park Playground Committee and on behalf of the committee, I want to thank Chris and Sarah for believing in our work together.
You have to step back and take pause, the strength and bravery of this grieving family has compelled the whole of Meriden to give from their hearts for this beautiful, worthwhile cause, a place where we can all play together. And this is only the first of endeavors, the beginning for Noah’s Ark of Hope, Inc.
The Hubbard Park Playground that will hopefully break ground in spring of next year is a barrier-free, multi-faceted playground that in the end will be a shining example of what we can all build together not only for our children but for all the citizens of Meriden and surrounding communities. The donation of The Meriden Rotary Club has significantly brought this project so much closer to its completion, but they need your help to reach their goal.
YOU as an individual or YOUR Company CAN help – look for the donation form in this and every issue and please send whatever you can. The Rotary Club has also set a challenge to see if you can match them. Show them that you can. If your company, organization or foundation would like to meet with a representative of the Committee or Noah’s Ark of Hope, Inc. please call 203.464.3088
By Andy Reynolds
Devotion, Generosity, Commitment to the Community…I could go on but it would not begin to describe the Meriden Rotary Club. Recently as seen in the picture above – the members of club made a huge contribution to Noah’s Ark of Hope, Inc. of $50,000.00!!! This is the largest contribution that the Meriden Rotary Club has ever made. It took hard work, long hours and full membership cooperation to make this happen. All I can say is that if there were more folks like them, the world would be a much better place. They deserve so much recognition for this act and we wanted you to know about it.
Sarah Bogdanski – Bourdon & Christian Bourdon from Noah’s Ark of Hope, Inc. said
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity and sentiment that was conveyed by the Meriden Rotary Club though their gift. The foundation looks forward to working with Rotarians on this and future projects that will benefit children. We are so grateful for the support the Meriden community has given us during these last three months. We look forward to the dedication of the playground in Spring/Summer 2007.”
Tom Barton, the immediate past President of The Rotary Club said “The Rotary Club of Meriden saw Noah's Ark of Hope and the Hubbard Park playscape project as an ideal fit for our organization to provide Meriden with an invaluable resource for its youngest citizens. From constructing Hubbard Park's swimming pool to erecting monuments at various locations in the park, the Rotary Club has enjoyed being able to enhance this landmark that is enjoyed by so many year after year.”
Dr. Craig L. Nielsen, current President said, “We saw the commitment of Noah’s Ark of Hope, Inc. and the Playground Committee and in turn felt strongly that it was the right thing to do and we worked hard to make this donation happen.”
What is Noah’s Ark of Hope, Inc.?
If you visit www.noahsarkofhope.com, you will find out more but Sarah and Christian’s words on one section of the website say it with so much passion and strength amidst the loss of their beloved son, Noah.
“The main theme of the song “Seasons of Love” from the play Rent is how is the life of someone measured? With the recent loss of our son Noah we have had to look at this in many ways. What was the purpose of his life? How do we show others who never met him what his one year meant, what he was like and how he loved? What will be the ripple effect of his life? Can one year really make a difference? In Noah’s short life he experienced many things: hikes through Meriden’s beautiful trails, feeding the ducks, flying on a plane, swimming in the Caribbean, and playing on playgrounds at many of Meriden’s parks. He also gave so much to those who he loved. His life was measured in kisses, in giggles, and in milestones. Now we have found ourselves learning a new way of measuring life. With the creation of our family and community foundation called Noah’s Ark of Hope, Inc. we plan on doing just that. Our experience in losing a child and our parenthood is not a unique one – many parents who have lost children have contacted us. We are trying to focus on something positive - something that will give us hope. We look to Meriden’s citizens not just to support this project because of our family and our story but because of its importance to all families. It is a unique opportunity to invest in the present and in the future. This project will come to fruition for Meriden’s children right now. Everyone will have someone in their lives that could benefit: grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, siblings, etc.
For the past two years, a playground committee of dedicated members has been working hard to get a barrier free playground built in Hubbard Park. We are joining in on the efforts to raise awareness and dollars for this project. Who knows? Children who play on it now may even bring their children here someday. Noah’s Ark of Hope, Inc. and our pledge to raise $100,000.00 for this playground is our attempt to pay forward all the support and assistance we continue to receive every day. We will be able to measure Noah’s life and its ripples through this playground and other future projects of the Noah’s Ark of Hope, Inc. Foundation. And for us, this playground will give us something to put all of our positive energy into – a place where we will be able to celebrate the life of our “little man” every time we see a child smiling within its walls. Is that not how we all strive to have our lives measured? In happiness, in love, and above all else, in Hope.”
Dawn Nierenburg-Reynolds, Chairperson of the Hubbard Park Playground Committee said, “The Rotary floord us. Yes, we came to them hoping for their support. We never in our wildest most optimistic dreams thought they would dig so deep and support us so lovingly. To each and every single Rotarian that helped to make this happen for Meriden’s children, thank you, thank you oh, and did I say thank you.
As Chairperson of The Hubbard Park Playground Committee and on behalf of the committee, I want to thank Chris and Sarah for believing in our work together.
You have to step back and take pause, the strength and bravery of this grieving family has compelled the whole of Meriden to give from their hearts for this beautiful, worthwhile cause, a place where we can all play together. And this is only the first of endeavors, the beginning for Noah’s Ark of Hope, Inc.
The Hubbard Park Playground that will hopefully break ground in spring of next year is a barrier-free, multi-faceted playground that in the end will be a shining example of what we can all build together not only for our children but for all the citizens of Meriden and surrounding communities. The donation of The Meriden Rotary Club has significantly brought this project so much closer to its completion, but they need your help to reach their goal.
YOU as an individual or YOUR Company CAN help – look for the donation form in this and every issue and please send whatever you can. The Rotary Club has also set a challenge to see if you can match them. Show them that you can. If your company, organization or foundation would like to meet with a representative of the Committee or Noah’s Ark of Hope, Inc. please call 203.464.3088
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