When life is interrupted because an appliance is not working, the cost and inconvenience of replacement can be overwhelming and paralyzing. Bellevue Sunrise Rotary Club established the Neighborhood Appliance Replacement Program in 2017 to support families in need. This ongoing program serves local families in Bellevue and Renton that cannot afford to replace a broken appliance, such as a stove, dishwasher, refrigerator or other essential appliance.
Working with local civic and non-profit organizations like Jubilee Reach and the City of Renton, Bellevue Sunrise Rotary Community Service Chair Rod Kirkwood identifies and screens candidate families. After a candidate is selected, Bellevue Sunrise Rotary disburses donated funds to its local business partner, King & Bunnys Appliances of Renton, to purchase the appliance. Then, King & Bunnys donates the manpower to remove the non-functioning appliance, followed by the installation of the brand new one.
260 appliances have been replaced to date, at an average cost of about $600 each (representing $156,000 in donated funds from generous donors), all going to families in need across neighborhoods in Renton and Bellevue. These vital appliances have helped families in dire situations, from a widow who lost her husband and was unable to keep up with getting things fixed in her home, to a single mother of three who could not afford to repair the family stove, which effectively confined family cooking to an outdoor barbecue.
Continuous funding of the Bellevue Sunrise Rotary Neighborhood Appliance Replacement Program guarantees that many families are able to maintain hope in seemingly hopeless situations. Currently, the club’s annual Speed Croquet Tournament Raise the Paddle event during the Live Auction provides about $30,000 in funding each year. According to Bellevue Sunrise Rotary Past President Greg Piantanida, “The goal is to make this a perpetual program, one that serves our neighbors next year and beyond. For all of us involved in this very heartening project, it is deeply gratifying to witness the immediate positive impact these appliances have on the lives of those in need in our local neighborhoods.”
“Rod, Thank you and Bellevue Sunrise Rotary so much for our new stove. It’s the city of Renton and Rotary that make it possible for us youngsters to stay in our homes. Thanks again.” Howard and Shirley S.
In addition to having immense gratitude for its enduring partnership with King & Bunnys, Bellevue Sunrise Rotary is very grateful for the generous grants it has received from neighboring Rotary clubs in Renton and Bellevue. The overall need is very large and growing in other areas. Fortunately, the Neighborhood Appliance Program could be replicated by other Rotary Clubs in District 5030, as well as those in other state and national districts. For more information, contact Bellevue Sunrise Rotary Community Service Chair Rod Kirkwood at rodandjoank@outlook.com.
Article submitted on October 27, 2023 by:
Bob Kearns
Public Image Chair
Bellevue Sunrise Rotary
