Rotary Sunset Supports Community Organisations Through Fellowship and Service

By Christopher Tobutt

The Rotary Club of the Cayman Islands Sunset recently gathered at Bonfire Restaurant for an evening that blended fellowship, purpose, and the unmistakable warmth of the Rotary Sunset family. Before the night turned to its regular club business, members and guests came together to celebrate three local non-profit organisations whose work reflects Rotary’s enduring commitment to Service Above Self.

The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly — Rotarians greeting one another with hugs, catching up over dinner, and sharing stories of recent service projects. The club’s annual For Our Community Raffle was in full swing, with members moving around the room selling tickets, encouraging support, and reminding everyone that every $10 ticket helps turn community generosity into real community impact.

Against this backdrop of camaraderie, Rotary Sunset formally recognised three organisations making a meaningful difference across the Cayman Islands. Representatives from each group joined Rotary Sunset leaders at the front of the room as they were presented with cheques — funds raised directly from the community and returned straight back into it.

The organisations honoured were:

• Sunrise Adult Training Centre — empowering adults with disabilities through training, employment opportunities, and greater independence. They received a cheque for 5,000 KYD.

• Cayman Islands Crisis Centre — providing vital support to individuals and families affected by domestic abuse. They received a cheque for 3000 KYD.

• one2one Cayman — investing in children and young adults through positive mentoring relationships. They received a cheque for 1000 KYD.

Each organisation was chosen because its mission aligns with Rotary Sunset’s values: dignity, resilience, empowerment, and community uplift. The presentations were warm and heartfelt — Rotarians expressing gratitude, representatives sharing brief reflections, and the room responding with genuine applause.

Past President Patrick Schmid offered a message that resonated deeply with the club’s ethos. “These organisations serve different needs, but each creates opportunity where it matters most. Our goal was to ensure that funds raised from the community went directly back into the community — supporting independence, resilience and human dignity. That is Service Above Self in action.”

Current President S. Marie Martin added her own reflection on the spirit of collaboration that defines Rotary Sunset. “By working together with other clubs, organisations and members of our community, we aim to create meaningful and lasting impact right here at home.”

The For Our Community Raffle remains one of Rotary Sunset’s most important fundraising efforts, and the evening’s cheque presentations demonstrated exactly where those funds go — into programmes that strengthen lives, families, and futures across the Cayman Islands.

As the evening continued with fellowship, laughter, and the easy camaraderie that Rotary Sunset is known for, one message stood out: when a community comes together in service, everyone rises.