Rotary’s Oct. 11 fundraiser focuses on youth, families

The club's foundation funds help many local and international youth and family programs along with a variety of other work aligning with Rotary International’s Areas of Focus. Three major activities include Rotary Youth Exchange, the Najijali Project in Kenya, and work with StoveTeam International in Guatemala.

“Our club works on international projects because it enriches the lives of our local Rotarians who have the opportunity to reach across the world and create international friendships,” said Club President Audrey Stack. “When we get a chance to do an international project, it not only helps the people in the international communities, it improves the lives of everyone involved.”

This year, two match opportunities can double the impact of donations. A $7,500 match has been pledged to help the club reach its goal of raising $20,000 for all activities, with completing a community center in Sikusi, Kenya, as a high priority.

Separately, a special $25,000 match is available for the Najijali Project scholarships for Cohort Four. The goal is to raise enough funds for 25 new students to begin the two-year program in January 2027. The club has supported the program since its original concept and planning began in 2020. Designed to bring teen mothers who have dropped out of school into vocational training, it also provides comprehensive, wraparound services to help them become financially independent.  

“Our club continues to have a very robust portfolio of local and international youth programs,” said Bill Paulsen, chair of the club’s Rotary Youth Exchange program. “This year, we have seven high school-age students involved. Two are inbound from Belgium and Türkiye, three are outbound now living in Colombia, South Korea, and Taiwan, and two are in training, preparing for long-term exchanges that begin in 2027. It is another very busy year for our top-notch youth exchange program, which becomes a life-changing experience for these students."

Koroga is a Kiswahili word meaning “mix it up,” and describes an inspiring community celebration. The club picked up the term while working in Africa. Donations from members, friends of Rotary, and fundraisers like the Koroga keep these and other programs running. Guests can register for the Koroga online at www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/koroga--2026.

This year’s event will feature special guests, including Rotary Youth Exchange students who will attend to share their experiences. Additionally, attendees include Grace Kuto, the co-founder of U.S.-based Harambee Centre, which bridges cultural exchanges and supports scholarships in East Africa, and Paul Kuto, who has helped manage numerous service trips to Africa for nonprofits. The Kutos are also members of the Lake Wylie Rotary Club in Rotary District 7750 in South Carolina.

This year’s event features the music of Jamba Marimba and the beats of master drummer Hakim Rashad Muhammad. Food will be provided by Beneventi’s Pizza and Maria’s Mountain Grub. Paulsen is providing wine, and his private label, Country View Wines, produces 750 bottles a year from his local White Salmon vineyard.

The event is for adults aged 21 and over and can accommodate up to 100 guests. Suggested donation is $100 per person, with the option to choose any comfortable donation level. “Donate at the level you are comfortable and know your donation will be doubled thanks to our generous match donors,” Stack said. “We welcome anyone with a passion for service and want this event to be within reach for all.”

For anyone interested in supporting the programs but is unable to attend, donations are welcome through the event link above or by check in the mail to the White Salmon Bingen Rotary Club Foundation, P.O. Box 251, White Salmon, WA 98672, with Koroga 2026 in the memo line.