Monadnock Rotary Club

Each year, the Monadnock Rotary Club donates net proceeds from the Mondadnock Wellness Festival to worthy charitable organizations and programs here in our local community and around the world.

Thanks to community participation and the support of Festival sponsors and exhibitors, the primary beneficiary of this year's event will be Monadnock Healthy Teeth to Toes program. The Monadnock Healthy Teeth to Toes (MHTTT) program exemplifies a holistic approach to wellness for children through an interactive educational program.

The Monadnock Healthy Teeth to Toes (MHTTT) program exemplifies a holistic approach to wellness for children through an interactive educational program. This program focuses on healthy eating, daily physical activity, and good oral hygiene. Monadnock Healthy Teeth to Toes has partnered with 14 schools in the Monadnock Region to educate children about wellness through the expertise of our registered Dental Hygienist and Nutritionist. Our target audience consists of approximately 2,000 children attending school in grades K-3. Many of these children lack access to routine dental care and are often, but not limited to, low-income, uninsured or underinsured families. One third of Monadnock Region children are considered obese as defined by government body mass index measurements. Medical practitioners and nutritionists recommend that obesity of our children and oral care be addressed in a comprehensive community-based way.

The immediate goals of Monadnock Healthy Teeth to Toes are to:

• Create public awareness about the long-term consequences of childhood obesity and poor oral health
• Educate children grades K-3 on the importance of eating a healthy diet, daily physical activity, and taking care of their teeth, by offering in-class education and take home information
• Decrease sedentary behavior of children by sponsoring physical activities, during and after-school, designed to improve the fitness habits of children
• Organize "5210" After School programs in 14 participating MHTTT schools

Previous Years

In previous years, many important programs have received funding from Wellness Festival proceeds. These include the following:

Thanks to your participation and the generous support of our sponsors and exhibitors, we contributed $6,500 to the following organizations from funds generated at the 2007 festival.

Home Healthcare Hospice & Community Services (HCS) Foot Clinic - $1,250.00

This clinic serves the people of the Monadnock Region, particularly diabetics, in need of evaluations and exams for prevention of further complications.

HCS Maternal / Child Care - $1,000.00

This program serves young mothers, infants, and families who otherwise would not get adequate prenatal, post-natal care, and education. Last year, the program served 100 families and 150 children in the area.

Monadnock Healthy Teeth to Toes - $1,500.00

This program has expanded to serve children with other health issues including obesity, parent education, dental assistance, and other services for children who otherwise would not receive services. Last year, the program served 2,000 children in the dental service alone.

Red Cross Monadnock Transportation Program - $1,500.00

This program serves those in the Monadnock area, transporting patients/clients to appointments at doctors' offices and hospitals, including Boston, Lebanon, and Keene. Last year, 75 volunteers drove 7,000 patients to their appointments.

Phoenix Academy - $500.00

These funds are being used for starting up an organic garden at the Phoenix House/Academy in Dublin. Residents will use the garden for growing healthy food and promoting better nutrition.

Pure Water for the World - $750.00

A Rotary organization that provides sustainable clean drinking water to families and communities in developing countries, helping ensure healthier and more productive lives for children and their families.