ROCHELLE — The first presentation of checks to local not-for-profit groups from the From the Heart committee was held Friday afternoon.

“Each of the groups receiving money this year are getting a check for $7,000,” committeeman Dave Eckhardt said.

The groups receiving checks on Friday included the Rochelle Area Community Foundation – Kim Montgomery, HOPE of Ogle County – Ruth Carter, Foundation for Focus House – Jeni Hardin and Brenda Mason, Hub City Senior Center – Connie Dougherty, and CASA – Trisha Morrow. 

Money for each of the not-for-profit groups is raised annually through the Rochelle Rotary Club From the Heart event which was held at the beginning of February. Due to COVID-19, this year’s event was held virtually, complete with an online auction. Annual Cash Calendar sales also contribute to the funding.

“This year we raised the most money that we have ever raised, allowing for each group to receive $7,000,” Eckhardt emphasized. “We sold the more calendars this year than we ever have thanks in part to the City of Rochelle, economic development and the mayor.”

Previously, the most calendars sold in a year was 2,200. This year, Rotary Club members sold more than 3,000 calendars.