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Rotary encourages members to help Maturana
The Rotary Club of Saipan is encouraging all its members who either own a business or are working in companies to assist the sisters at the Maturana House of Prayer in the repairs of their facilities.
A lot of structures at Maturana either need repairs or total rebuilding with the cost reaching more than $100,000. The Rotary had previously pledged $5,000 from the money they raised in some of their fundraising activities.
Rotary vice president Brian Clayton said they have thought of several fundraising activities, like a bake sale, but the amount would not be enough to cover the expenses. He said that they could donate through the education tax credit program.
Businesses pay taxes every month but could get some form of exemption under ETC. Businesses are allowed to donate a maximum of $5,000 a year to any institution or school of their choice.
Clayton said members who are business owners could use that tax exemption, while others who are working in various companies could mention it to their bosses.
He added that their next step is to solicit the ETCs from their members and other businesses.
The Northern Marianas Trades Institute will be providing labor, with the help of the carpentry and construction class of instructor Mike Vargas.
Members of the Mercedarian Missionaries of Bérriz are running Maturana, which was among the heavily damaged facilities when Typhoon Soudelor barreled through the island last August. Another reason for the repairs are termites.
Maturana also serves as the retirement home for the nuns and at the same time hosts events and other programs not only for Catholics but also other Christian groups.
The MMB sisters are also baking bread and donuts and making coconut oil and ice cups just to help raise funds for materials and repair of facilities.
