Rotary Club of Alexandria Awards $160,000 in Grants to Local Nonprofits
ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Rotary Club of Alexandria proudly awarded $160,000 in grants to local nonprofit organizations during its annual giving event, held at Belle Haven Country Club. This impactful gathering brought together civic leaders, community advocates, and nonprofit representatives to celebrate service and support for those in need.
Virginia Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker served as guest speaker for the occasion. A co-founder of the Alexandria-based nonprofit Together We Bake, Delegate Bennett-Parker shared heartfelt remarks about the critical role nonprofits play in offering second chances to individuals experiencing incarceration, addiction, homelessness, or domestic violence.
“Nonprofits are not a nice-to-have in Alexandria — they are a must-have,” she said. “They are lifelines for our neighbors most in need.”
Checks were presented by Bill Howard of Clarke & Sampson Insurance, Rotary Club President Jim Carmalt of Village Hardware, and Amy Curtis, who specifically assisted with the preschool grant recipients. The Rotary Club was also honored by the presence of Rotary International District 7610 Governor Amelia Stansell.
In his remarks, President Jim Carmalt reflected on the mission of Rotary and the spirit of service that defines the organization:
“The room is filled with incredible organizations, all selected for the outstanding contributions they make. Our motto is Service Above Self, and today is a reflection of that commitment,” he said. “We encourage every Rotarian to connect with the people behind these nonprofits and explore new opportunities to serve our community together.”
He emphasized Rotary’s guiding principles, including ethical leadership, the dignity of service-based work, and fostering global understanding and peace.
Delegate Bennett-Parker also acknowledged Rotary’s role in organizing key community fundraisers like Taste for Giving and Flags for Heroes, calling them “lifelines” for local nonprofits and powerful examples of Rotary’s support for Alexandria’s small businesses and service organizations.
The event served as a meaningful reminder of the strong, ongoing partnership between Alexandria’s civic leaders and its nonprofit sector—a partnership rooted in compassion, service, and a shared commitment to community well-being.
