Coldwater, MI – Coldwater Noon Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.  As part of the Coldwater Noon Rotary humanitarian services, they once again made a $500 donation to the Girls on the Run of Branch County program

The Coldwater Noon Rotary has supported the Girls on the Run program for several years.  The service and support that comes from the community has allowed the GOTR program to grow significantly over the past few years and has allowed girls from every school district in Branch County to participate.  In 2010 Girls on the Run of Branch County had 72 girls. In 2011 it doubled to 140 and in 2012 increased another 21% to 173 girls with 12 teams.  Donations from service groups such as Coldwater Noon Rotary have helped offset these costs and enabled the program to expand.  The GOTR Board would like to thank Coldwater Noon Rotary for their support to help the girls in our community.

GOTR is a non-profit after school program that encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running.  To reduce costs and lower registration fees, GOTR has reached out to the community for support.  With the support of the Coldwater Noon Rotary’s donation, the local program will be able to give more scholarships.  Local support of this program ensures that the program is available to all girls and will continue to make a difference.

The spring season starts the week of March 11, 2013.  The girls will meet twice a week for ten weeks.  The season is completed with a 5K Fun Run held in conjunction with the Community Health Center of Branch County (CHC).  The 5K Fun Run will be held May 25, 2013 at Heritage Park.  Registration forms are available online at www.GirlsOnTheRunOfBranchCounty.org or www.chcbc.com and can be mailed to Girls on the Run of Branch County, P.O. Box 483, Coldwater MI  49036.  Credit Card payments can be processed at www.chcbc.com. 

The Girls on the Run of Branch County Board of Directors is very grateful for the generous contributions of Coldwater Noon Rotary and other donors.  If you would like to support the program or receive more information, please contact Julie Stratos at 517-279-5395 or julies@chcbc.com.

Rotary's 1.2 million members believe it starts with a commitment to Service Above Self. In more than 34,000 clubs worldwide, you'll find members volunteering in communities at home and abroad to support education and job training, provide clean water, combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, and eradicate polio.

Rotary club membership represents a cross-section of the community's business and professional men and women. The world's Rotary clubs meet weekly and are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds.

Rotary membership provides the opportunity to: Become connected to your community. Work with others in addressing community needs. Interact with other professionals in your community; assist with RI's international humanitarian service efforts. Establish contacts with an international network of professionals. Develop leadership skills. Involve family in promoting service efforts.

A girl on the Run® is a 501(c) 3 positive youth development program which combines an interactive curriculum and running to inspire self-respect and healthy lifestyles in pre-teen girls. Our core curriculum addresses many aspects of girls’ development – their physical, emotional, mental and social well-being. Lessons provide girls with the tools to make positive decisions and to avoid risky adolescent behaviors.