THE big-hearted Rotary Club of Griffith has helped make a dream come true for an organisation that aims to enrich the lives of disabled youth.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On Tuesday night the club handed over $105,000 to Post School Options during a special dinner held on site at their new premises, the former Catholic Club Yoogali.
At a time when the future looked uncertain for Post School Options, the Rotarians came to the rescue, which allowed them to secure the premises.
Post School Options service manager Roy Catanzariti, said without the help of the Rotary Club of Griffith it wouldn't have been possible.
"We are ecstatic about it. Without them this wouldn't have happened," he said.
"The future is bright for us now. We will be able to offer a lot of different programs to enrich the lives of our clients.
"The Rotarians are just amazing people and what they do for the community is remarkable."
Mr Catanzariti said a recent Ageing, Disability and Home Care grant for around $130,000 would now go towards modifications to the building.
With a development application almost compete, Mr Catanzariti said, if all goes to plan, stage one of the building looked set to start in July.
Rotary Club of Griffith president Ross Grillo said he couldn't think of a more worthy benefactor than Post School Options.
"$55,000 of these funds came from the sale of property that was left to us by the Murray Elsmore Trust at Carrathool," he said.
"The property was left to us to use for underprivileged kids and we are just continuing the legacy.
"When Post School Options didn't have enough money to buy the premises we held a special meeting and pledged the money to make sure they could secure it."
On Tuesday night a crowd of around 130 made up of Rotarians, their wives and Post School Options clients and their families watched as Mr Grillo presented the cheque.
Young people from Post School Options entertained the appreciative crowd when they stepped on stage to dance.
"We are very, very excited this money has gone to such a worthy cause," Mr Grillo said.
"All of the money we raise in the community we spend in the community.
"It was lovely to see the young people on Tuesday night and to know that we've helped make their futures more secure."