Wheelchair Fundraiser

The project was a three-way partnership. The Pleasant Hill Rotary Club (representing Rotary International), Friends of Merzifon (representing Sister Cities International), and the Wheelchair Foundation joined forces to raise money for 280 wheelchairs for the disabled and handicapped people in the city of Merzifon.

A sturdy and practical wheelchair, especially manufactured for the Wheelchair Foundation, costs $150. By raising $21,000 locally, Pleasant Hill Rotary and Friends of Merzifon qualified for matching funds from the Wheelchair Foundation. Scott's Seafood Grill and Bar in Walnut Creek hosted a luncheon for $75 per person, with all proceeds being donated to this project — a huge jump-start for the fundraising effort.

The following people were responsible for the success of the fundraising luncheon at Scott's Seafood Grill and Bar in Walnut Creek (October 8, 2002), which resulted in a 280 wheelchairs being ordered for Pleasant Hill's sister city, Merzifon, Turkey: In the picture to the right, from the left: Chris Lewis, Director of Development, The Wheelchair Foundation; Mark Cornelius, International Chair, Pleasant Hill Rotary; Peggy Blake, Vice President, Friends of Merzifon; Faye Donaghu, Member, Pleasant Hill Rotary; Bob Berggren, President, Pleasant Hill Rotary; and Earl Rupp, President, Friends of Merzifon.

"A sister city program helps the citizens of both sister communities..."