ATHENS, Ohio – The Athens Sunrise Rotary Club is proud to announce a $3,000 donation to the Athens Child Advocacy Center to support children and families in the region. This gift reflects the club’s continued commitment to serving vulnerable populations and strengthening community resources across Athens County.
The Athens Child Advocacy Center provides coordinated services for children and families navigating abuse, neglect, and trauma, offering forensic interviews, advocacy support, and connections to essential resources in a safe, child-focused environment.
Funds were raised through the Athens Sunrise Rotary Winter Wonderland New Year’s Eve event. In addition, the Rotary Club of Marietta contributed $250, bringing the total donation to $3,250 in support of the Athens Child Advocacy Center. The Child Advocacy Center plans to use the funds to restock toys for children served, provide gas and food gift cards for families in need, and support day-to-day operations.
This contribution builds on an ongoing partnership between Athens Sunrise Rotary and the Child Advocacy Center. In April 2025, the club hosted an internal service project and supply drive to collect new toys and craft materials for the center. Donations included educational toys, art supplies, puzzles, games, plush toys, and craft kits, which provide children with opportunities for creative expression and emotional support during difficult experiences.
Athens Sunrise Rotary President Betsy Morley emphasized the impact of local partnerships and community-driven giving.
“The Athens Sunrise Rotary Club is committed to the well-being of our region’s children and the work of the Child Advocacy Center and SAOP. We know that the journey toward healing can be incredibly taxing on a family. By providing practical support like gas cards and meals, and offering children a bit of magic through a new book or toy, we hope to lighten their load and remind families that their community supports them.”
“The support from Sunrise Rotary is deeply appreciated and has a huge impact on the services we can provide to our Athens County families,” said Diane Stock, LSW, Director of the Athens Child Advocacy Center. “This funding allows us to provide transportation assistance and food gift cards to the families who come to us for forensic interviews and parenting education. We are grateful for the continued support Sunrise Rotary has shown us. You have been here for us since we opened our doors in April 2025.”
Athens Sunrise Rotary worked closely with partners at the Child Advocacy Center and the Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program, including Executive Director Madison Trace and Program Coordinator Katie McNeely, to understand the organization’s most immediate needs and ensure the funds would have a meaningful impact.
Athens Sunrise Rotary, part of Rotary International, is a network of local professionals and community leaders committed to service, leadership, and fellowship. In addition to signature fundraising events, the club supports local nonprofits through its ongoing Drafts for a Difference happy hour series, which partners with area businesses to raise funds and awareness for community organizations. Since launching in 2016, the initiative has generated tens of thousands of dollars for local causes.
For more information about the Athens Child Advocacy Center, visit here or find them on Facebook (@Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program) and Instagram (@saopseoh).
To learn more about Athens Sunrise Rotary or get involved, visit here or find them on Facebook (@AthensSunriseRotary) and Instagram (@athenssunrise).
Community members are welcome to attend the club’s weekly meetings, held at 7 a.m. every Thursday at Donkey Coffee in Athens.
