BLR Rotary makes $10k matching donation to Magic Lantern project

PHOTO: Rotarians with their donation to the Magic Lantern project, from left, Aaron Hagan, George Klauber, Carol Rothenberg, Therese Johnson, Jessica Putnam, Carol Madsen, Julie Forbes, Dave Barker and Rick Whelchel. (Judy McIver photo)

BRIDGTON — The Bridgton-Lake Region Rotary Club handed over its $10,000 match for local donations to the Magic Lantern Innovation Lab project on Oct. 13.

BLR Rotary President Jessica Putnam handed a check for $10,000 to Susan Jennings, executive director of the 4-H Foundation at the University of Maine, the organization behind the Magic Lantern Innovation Lab & Learning Center.
The donation represented a pledged match for the first $10,000 raised from individuals, nonprofits and small businesses in the Lake Region.
Jennings thanked the club for its effort, which she said exemplified community support from the early days of the project.
“Everyone will appreciate your work,” she told Rotarians. “Young people growing up in rural Maine don’t have the same opportunities and resources as those in urban areas. 4-H has been engaged in experiential education pilot school programs for over 12 years and has successfully increased test scores, raised aspirations, increased attendance and engaged students in career-based learning. We look forward to continuing to partner with this community and the region to offer UMaine programming that can make a difference in the lives of children, youth and their families.”
Putnam said, “What an opportunity for our community and so in line with Rotary’s goals of supporting education for young people. Our Magic Lantern project team, in particular Dave Barker, was persistent in raising the money from within towns in the region as a sign of community support. He knew the support would be there. We are proud to be part of such an important project which will enhance the quality of life in the Lake Region.”