Rotary Clubs Come Together

The Rotary International motto is "service above self" and the Paterson Rotary Club and other neighboring clubs exemplified this, as they held a fund and item drive for Straight and Narrow. 

On August 24th Straight and Narrow's 410 facility was destroyed by a fire.  Thankfully, no service recipients or staff members were harmed, however Straight and Narrow's Halfway House, Women's Counseling Center and the "warehouse" in which donations were stored burned to the ground.  

Lori Mambelli, the Presidet of the Paterson Rotary Club, knew that it was time for the club to jump into action.   

"Straight and Narrow does so much for people in need.  During times of tragedy, people rally together and that is just what the Paterson Rotary Club, our individual members and several other clubs did," Mrs. Mambelli said. 

Catholic Charities Development Director, Chris Brancato was presented with over $3,700 in checks from the Paterson Rotary and neighboring clubs for Fire Recovery efforts. This is in addition to the dozens of bags of toiletries, clothing and other donated items. 

Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh attended this event, and praised both the first responders and Catholic Charities Staff members for their response on the day of the fire.   

In addition to the Paterson Rotary Club, additional participating clubs included the Fairlawn Sunrise Rotary Club, the Secaucus Rotary Club, the Paterson Great Falls Club, the Teaneck Rotary Club, the Wayne Rotary Club and Family Services of Passaic County. 

"We are so grateful to Lori Mambelli, the Rotary and to all of those who enable Catholic Charities to provide help and create hope.  Straight and Narrow is resilliant and inspired by our community which has banded together during this difficult time," said Scott Milliken, CEO of Catholic Charities. 

For information on how you can help the fire recovery efforts, please visit www.ccpaterson.org/snfire. 


Pictured Here: Catholic Charities Development Director, Chris Brancato; Lori Mambelli, President, Paterson Rotary; Al Czeniewski, Fairlawn Sunrise Rotary Club; Rick Salterelli, President, Secaucus Rotary Club; Danielle Richards, President, Teacneck Rotary; Ernestine Dukes, President, Great Falls Rotary; Jose Gonzalez, Paterson AM Rotary.