When Mullica Hill Rotary Club President Roxine Horner wanted to make a donation from the group, she thought of her friendship with Gina Douglas, a speech therapist at Bankbridge Development Center in Sewell. After contacting Douglas, Horner settled on a donation to Douglas’ employer.
Bankbridge got a donation of $3,500 from the Rotary on June 29.
“We were looking for a place to put this money and I thought of Gina. I thought of the community,” Horner said.
The club’s donation allowed the center to purchase a rock-climbing wall for students. But before it can be installed, the school must go through the district for official approval.
“The money is in and we are hoping to have the climbing wall installed by September,” said Dyanna Dessicino, admissions coordinator and community liaison of the Gloucester County Special Services School District.
Horner presented the check to Douglas, a school speech-language pathologist, and Michael Dicken, superintendent of the district.
Horner reached out to Douglas about the school’s additional needs, including something the school wouldn’t normally spend money on. Together they came up with the rock-climbing wall idea, to help students become more mobile and physically active.
“It turned out well and everyone is pretty happy with everything,” said Dessicino.
Students also will use the wall as a part of their physical education and to strengthen communication skills.
“On behalf of the students and faculty and everyone in the community, I would like to thank Roxine, Gina, and the Rotary Club of Mullica Hill for their generous donation for the new rock wall here at BDC (Bankbridge),” said Dicken.
