Service above self

537 Votes
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Spreading good will locally and globally

Founded in 1990, the Keene Elm City Rotary Club (KECR) is a member of Rotary International, which works on a variety of humanitarian causes worldwide. These include improving the health and wellbeing of children, a primary focus of this chapter’s work in and around Keene, New Hampshire. The organization’s motto says it all: “Service Above Self.”

Locally, this service includes providing scholarships to students, organizing youth exchange programs, mentoring young people, feeding those in need, especially children, and much more. Part of the chapter’s work involves partnering with other nonprofits to amplify existing efforts. For example, KECR collaborates with local organizations working to deliver food to children and families through the school system. They also run programs to feed kids during summer breaks and other holidays when school is not in session.

 

“I know what it feels like to go to school with an empty belly. That’s why I’m dedicated to doing whatever it takes to make life better for these children.”

– Cheryl Belair, Owner and President, The Insurance Source Inc.

 

A mile in their shoes

Cheryl Belair, the owner and president of The Insurance Source Inc., has been a member of KECR for 28 years, and her agency has supported the nonprofit nearly as long. She’s seen firsthand the good work the organization does for local kids in need. She’s also motivated by personal experience.

“I work with KECR because I know what it feels like to go to school with an empty belly, and to return home feeling that same knot of hunger,” said Belair. “That’s why I’m dedicated to doing whatever it takes to make life better for these children.”

The agency’s support includes working on KECR’s “Move Everyday Sneaker Project,” which provides a new pair of individually fitted sneakers to every second grader in Cheshire County, New Hampshire — about 700 pairs annually! For many of these children, these are the first pair of brand new sneakers they have ever owned, and the first that fit them properly. The program also teaches kids the importance of daily exercise in maintaining physical and mental health.

Belair recalls one particular sneaker delivery event where she met a boy whose toes were popping through the front of his shoes because they were too small for him. She helped him find new sneakers that fit perfectly, and as soon as he got them on his feet, he jumped up, threw his arms around her and declared, “These sneakers are so awesome they make me want to dance!” The moment brought Belair to tears. It’s just one example among many of how meaningful this program is to the kids who need it.

Along with making financial donations, Belair and her staff of five also volunteer about 250 hours a year to KECR programs. In addition to the sneaker project, they work in KECR’s Community Kitchen and make weekly deliveries of food baskets to families experiencing hunger and food insecurity.

 

The power of collaboration

Solving daunting problems such as childhood hunger requires coordination and teamwork. And this type of collaboration is precisely what The Insurance Source Inc. and KECR represent in their community.

“The commitment to service shown by Cheryl Belair and her staff is so inspiring,” said KECR President Ann Looney. “Their leadership and collaboration demonstrate what’s possible when people come together for the common good.”

 

“The commitment to service shown by Cheryl Belair and her entire staff is so inspiring,” said KECR President Ann Looney. “They demonstrate what’s possible when people come together for the common good.”

– Ann Looney, President, Keene Elm City Rotary Club

 

A lasting contribution

Help The Insurance Source Inc. win $10,000 for Keene Elm City Rotary Club by cheering them on with a vote!

537 Votes
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Joe
9 months ago

Wonderful work, GREAT JOB!

Amar
10 months ago

Make it happen

Michael Verrier
10 months ago

I’m voting for Shakespeare! Go Gizelle

Nancy
10 months ago

Great Work Everyone

paul
10 months ago

It could only happen with community -wide support

Paul
10 months ago

Great activity

Nancy
10 months ago

Well-Done

Jay Smeltz
10 months ago

So important that small businesses in our community step up to make a difference in people’s lives. Thanks IS!

Jamie White
10 months ago

It looks like you made it! 519 votes?!

Jamie White
10 months ago

So close!

Dayna G
10 months ago

Keep up the votes!!

Katherine
10 months ago

Such a good cause!

Gayle Mone
10 months ago

You can make it happen!

Rebecca
10 months ago

Congratulations Insurance Source!

Elizabeth Fox
10 months ago

Support the Insurance Source and the work of KERC in our community!

Beth
10 months ago

Comment for the kids!

James Putnam,jr
10 months ago

Great job

Susan Newcomer
10 months ago

Let’s go Insurance Source!

Matthew McGreer
10 months ago

I voted!

Ted McGreer
10 months ago

We got this KECR!

Robin Walden
10 months ago

Awesome!

Suzanne
10 months ago

Great work!!!!

AJoslyn
10 months ago

Super excited to see the votes over 500! Way to go!

Kristen G.
10 months ago

Wahoo!! We did it! Thank you all so much for your support!!

Lori B
10 months ago

We’re almost there – an amazing program

Grace
10 months ago

I’m so happy the goal was met!

Reed
10 months ago

So close, I know we can get there!

Tyra
10 months ago

500!!! Congratulations everyone, we made it!

Jan
10 months ago

Let’s get those sneakers!

Sarah
10 months ago

Sneakers!

Lynne
10 months ago

Just a few more 🙂

Barbara
10 months ago

My vote is in

Taryn
10 months ago

Let’s get those sneakers!

Jamie
10 months ago

So close!

Kendal
10 months ago

Keep up the great work everyone!

Cheryl Belair
10 months ago

WOW…I am overwhelmed with all the support we are receiving and the heartwarming comments! Please continue to share and comment…we are ALMOST there! Thank you Safeco and Liberty Mutual for this opportunity. IT IS ALL ABOUT THE KIDS!

Nancy Thompson
10 months ago

Such a great project

Gayle Mone
10 months ago

Cheryl and Insurance Source are the best!

Gayle Mone
10 months ago

Heartwarming project!

Mike
10 months ago

Great people doing great work.

Anne
10 months ago

It’s a “shoe in!”

Forrest
10 months ago

We’re so close to 500! Keep the votes coming for this phenomenal organization!

Susan Bloom Newcomer
10 months ago

So exciting! Gotham!

Beth
10 months ago

Run, run, run in those new sneakers!

Kristen Leach
10 months ago

Happy feet… happy children!

Susan Bloom Newcomer
10 months ago

Sneakers, sneakers, sneakers!

Martha Barnard
10 months ago

It’s all for the kids!

Gayle Mone
10 months ago

Such a great project!

Marion
10 months ago

It’s all about the Kids!

Daniel W
10 months ago

Great team!

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