The Leonardtown Rotary Club has announced the recipients of its 2025 Leonardtown Rotary grants, distributing $15,000 to three St. Mary’s County nonprofits to support innovative community projects. Each organization—The Newtowne Players, HOPE, and St. George’s Episcopal Church—received $5,000 to fund initiatives enhancing accessibility, food security, and historical education in Southern Maryland.
The Newtowne Players will use their Leonardtown Rotary grant to renovate the theater’s bathroom and amenities to better accommodate individuals with mobility challenges, such as those using wheelchairs. The nonprofit aims to foster public appreciation of the arts in Southern Maryland. “We are deeply grateful for this funding, which will allow us to spread the joy of live theater in Southern Maryland, allowing all to attend our productions and benefit from the lively arts,” said Robin Finnacom, Chair of the Theater’s Funds and Grants Committee. This project ensures broader access to cultural experiences for St. Mary’s County residents.
HOPE, a nonprofit supported by 12 St. Mary’s County churches since the late 1980s, received a Leonardtown Rotary grant to enhance its food pantry with a limited kitchen area and additional shelving. The upgrades, completed on July 12, 2025, are located in the undercroft of Ascension Episcopal Church on Great Mills Road. “We offer financial aid to individuals and families who are facing great crisis in their lives,” said Pat Elder, a HOPE Board of Directors member. “We run a food pantry that provides groceries several times a week. We also run the Circles SMC program, designed to help families move out of poverty through long-term mentoring.” The Leonardtown Rotary grant supports HOPE’s mission by improving pantry access and providing space for client gatherings and outreach.
St. George’s Episcopal Church – Resurrection Parish will use its Leonardtown Rotary grant to produce a 30-minute video exploring the history of enslavement and racial segregation in St. Mary’s County. The film, titled “Shall We Gather,” will be shared through the Southern Maryland Folklife Center at St. Mary’s College and offered to schools and community groups. “We are deeply grateful to the Leonardtown Rotary Club for its generous Community Grant in support of our film,” said Eliza Garth, Executive Producer. “The funds will be enormously helpful in the production of the video, which will be an invitation to viewers to consider how the past shapes the present.” The project aims to foster unity and understanding in Southern Maryland through historical reflection.
The Leonardtown Rotary Club, part of Rotary International, supports humanitarian service and community goodwill. The Leonardtown Rotary grants reflect its commitment to St. Mary’s County. The club meets Thursdays from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at its Leonardtown offices, welcoming guests to learn more about its initiatives.
