Arlington Heights Rotary awards more than $27,000 in grants

The Arlington Heights Noon Rotary gave more than $27,000 in community service grants to local service organizations this summer.

Although the local Rotary Club has long supported community groups, Rex Paisley, the organization's public relations chair, said the $27,494 in donations is the largest amount the group has given out.

Grants ranging from $500 to $1,500 went to 20 groups within the community, including the Arlington Heights Historical Society, Clearbrook, the District 214 Educational Foundation, Lutheran Home, Shelter Inc., and Arlington Heights Crime Stoppers, Paisley said.

The focus of the club's Community Service Grants was helping Arlington Heights-based nonprofit organizations with projects that benefit Arlington Heights residents.

The club's primary fundraiser is the annual Rotary Santa Sun, which is held the first Saturday of December.

"Rotary is all about service above self and how we're all connected as a part of a bigger community," Paisley said. "We are honored just to be a supporter and participant in the Arlington Heights community at large."