Group’s partnership with Polk rewarding

I am a member of Cedar Rapids Daybreak Rotary. I have observed a special relationship between two unique organizations.

Polk school has been the central theme of Daybreak Rotary since Daybreak's formation approximately 17 years ago. Daybreak has contributed hundreds of volunteer hours and thousands of dollars toward the success of Polk. Examples of volunteering include classroom time, Lunch Buddy time and annual carnival time. The money has gone for things like library books, kids clothes, field trips, gym equipment and audio/visual equipment. Daybreak has established a college scholarship for selected Polk students and this has been financially supported by other key institutions such as Coe College. This is a very condensed description of the relationship between Polk and Daybreak.

The real point: Daybreak has received much more from Polk than it has given to Polk. We experience the power of watching the Polk kids thrive. We feel admiration toward Polk kids and their families as we see them face adversity with courage and grit. We know the club's work is meaningful. We hear most new club members say they joined the club because of what they have seen in Daybreak's relationship with Polk and its kids. Polk is the club's best membership recruiting tool. Daybreak's high standing on a regional and national level within Rotary is primarily because of its partnership with Polk.

Thank you, Polk. You will weather this storm and prosper for another 117 years.

Daryl Spivey

Cedar Rapids