Chartered on June 20, 1987, with 35 members, the Rotary Club of Lancaster South is one of more than 35,000 Rotary Clubs scattered across the globe. The mission of Rotary Clubs is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. In fulfilling this mission, Rotary Clubs hope to see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in their communities, and in them.

On Saturday, Sept. 25, the Rotary Club of Lancaster South will host its inaugural motorcycle ride and pancake breakfast fundraiser. The event will benefit affordable housing programs offered by Tenfold, which is an organization formed by the merger of Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership (LHOP) and Tabor Community Services in 2020. Tenfold offers housing advocacy and financial empowerment to Lancaster County residents. Approximately 100 individuals, including 30 to 40 children, stay at Tenfold's shelter on any given day. Over 2,300 households have avoided eviction through Tenfold's support since 2018 and more than $50 million of debt has been repaid by Tenfold's financial counseling clients since 1986.

"It will be satisfying to raise a sum of money that will directly benefit individuals assisted by Tenfold," said Dan Hess, president-elect of the Rotary Club of Lancaster South. "If we're not paying attention to everyone, it diminishes the quality of life in our community."

Funds raised from the event will also go toward the Rotary Club's philanthropic work in the community, such as providing scholarships to students who graduate from Lampeter-Strasburg, Solanco, and Penn Manor high schools.

Riders may choose from three different routes through Lancaster and York Counties, with distancing ranging from 50 to 100 miles. The routes are self-guided and participants can enjoy a pancake breakfast, which will be held in conjunction with the Willow Street Fire Company. Breakfast will take place at the fire company, 2901 Willow Street Pike North, Willow Street, from 9 a.m. to noon. During breakfast, Mike McKenna, CEO of Tenfold, and Ray D'Agostino, Lancaster County commissioner and former chief executive officer of LHOP, will give remarks.

Although not required, preregistration is strongly encouraged and can be completed at https://bit.ly/motorcyclesignup. After Wednesday, Sept. 15, the cost of tickets will increase. For more information, contact Hess at dvhess@comcast.net or visit https://bit.ly/rotaryclubride. To learn more about Tenfold, visit https://wearetenfold.org.