Passion for service

Unfortunately, Bodenheimer died before the project’s completion. Because of his push to bring clean water to Uganda residents, a plaque bearing his name is attached to each of the four wells financed by the Midwest City Rotary Club.

“He was passionate for service, and in particular, this project,” said Rotarian Daniel McClure. “He brought the Water4 Foundation to our club to speak about their ongoing projects. After the presentation, Mr. Bodenheimer suggested we partner with the foundation to bring water to those people who don’t have access to clean water that we take for granted here in America.”

With Bodenheimer’s push and influence, the Rotary Club raised $5,000 for the four wells, which are located at the Bweranyangi Girls School and the Kibingo Girls School in Uganda, with a total student population of more than 2,200 girls.

“We picked Uganda during 2012.

“Our club is proud of this project and believes it will continue to serve those communities for years to come. We have planned a similar project for next year and look forward to another successful effort,” McClure said.

Partnership
The Midwest City Rotary Club also partnered with the Bushenyi Rotary Club in connection with the water-well project.

Development of the water wells has made life easier and cleaner for many Uganda residents. Previously, children would walk several miles to gather drinking water for their families. The wells financed by Rotary were constructed by local workers with materials obtained from local stores.

“This helps put individuals to work, as well as providing clean drinking water where, in many cases, they never had before,” McClure said.

Sister Ephrance of the Bushenyi Rotary Club wrote in a thank-you message that the wells provide “a great and significant stride towards promoting health, personal hygiene and girl child education. We are looking forward to the accomplishment of the remaining sites at Kitabi, Isingiro in Sheema district and Kyamhunga Technical School.”

In her letter, Ephrance offered a special thanks to the Midwest City Rotary Club “for nurturing and promoting Rotary fraternity.