Cd'A's best kept secret

COEUR d'ALENE - The Coeur d'Alene Sunrise Rotary is a great organization, but lousy at publicity.

Who knew it had raised and donated more than $200,000 in the past five years?

Who knew it contributed money to earthquake relief efforts, to concerts, to scholarships, to playgrounds and to violence prevention?

Not many, it seems.

Cari Fraser wants to change that - especially in the coming week.

"We're trying to make a difference in the community, in the world," said the group's president-elect.

You can get involved.

The Sunrise Rotary's annual fundraiser is set for Oct. 8 at The Coeur d'Alene Resort. This year's theme, "Passport to the World," includes international hors d'oeuvres and desserts, and live and silent auctions.

Last year's event attracted 250 and raised about $40,000.

Fraser is hoping they sell lots of tickets, $50 each, this year, too.

The nonprofit group's 60 members meet at 7 a.m. Tuesdays at The Resort. It's part of a worldwide organization of more than a million Rotarians whose goal is to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards and help build goodwill and peace.

Judi Cronin has been a Sunrise Rotary member four years. She believes strongly in what they do.

"From day one, I was hooked," she said.

"We're passionate about making our community better and our world a better place," Cronin said.

Since June 2007, Sunrise Rotary has raised $219,726. Through a grant application process, funds have gone to Special Olympics, Children's Village, North Idaho College building project and medical mission trips.

"We just do a lot of good," Cronin said.

For tickets to the Sunrise Rotary's Passport to the World fundraiser, call Judi Cronin, 659-6653.