GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – The Rotary Clubs of Gainesville are searching for the next charitable cause to support.  

Each year the Rotary Clubs of Gainesville Foundation funds a community service project through proceeds from the group’s annual Wild Game Feast.  

This year, the Gainesville Rotarians donated $100,000 to Project YouthBuild. The money was earmarked to build an outdoor pavilion, as well as create additional indoor classrooms and learning spaces.  

 “With the support of the Foundation we will be able to expand our mission of building brighter futures for young people in Alachua County,” said Jonathan Leslie, Project YouthBuild Executive Director during a check presentation ceremony in April. 

Project YouthBuild was selected by the Rotary Board from over 30 grant applications.  

 “We felt Project YouthBuild stood out for its mission to help our youth,” said Rory Causseaux, Rotary’s 2024 Wild Game Feastmaster. “We look forward to their new facilities made possible by this grant and more importantly, the lives that will be changed in that place.” 

What is Project YouthBuild? 

Project YouthBuild is a nine-month educational, occupational, pre-apprenticeship and leadership program for low-income young people in Alachua County who have dropped out of school but have demonstrated a commitment to transforming their lives. The free program provides participants the opportunity to earn their high school diploma along with construction and healthcare certifications. 

The impact of Rotary  

Rotary is one of the largest service organizations worldwide and Rotarians around the globe are united in a common goal to serve others.  

The Rotary Clubs of Gainesville Foundation combines the philanthropy of four clubs: the Rotary Club of Gainesville, Downtown Gainesville, Greater Gainesville and Gainesville Sunrise. 

2025 marks the 40th anniversary of Gainesville Rotarians’ Wild Game Feast which is held in March. To date, the event has raised over $3,275,000 for local charitable organizations. The event was attended by over 1,600 people this year. 

The deadline to apply to be the recipient of the next grant is 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30. For more information, check out the grant requirements on the Rotary Facebook page or the Foundation’s website.    

For more information about this project or other Rotary initiatives email info@rotarygainesville.org or visit the website.