High schools in Bend receive $20,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Greater Bend

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Rotary Club of Greater Bend is making a lasting impact on local student-athletes with a generous $20,000 donation to support high school athletics in Bend.

"Just means a lot. We live in an incredible community that is passionate about their kids, our community, and service," Bend High Athletic Director Ricky Rodriguez said.

The donation is particularly meaningful for schools like Caldera High School, which is still developing its athletic programs.

"You know, at Caldera, we're a new school, and so we're continuing to build our brand," A.D. Ryan Cruz said. "And with their contributions, we are able to continue to do that through equipment, signage and banners that we’ll be able to put up now. So it is very fun to hear about them and their service to our community."

The Rotary Club’s gift extends far beyond just equipment and signage. It helps eliminate financial barriers that can prevent students from participating in sports.

"You do see the programs, but it's everything else that goes into that," Summit High Athletic Director Mike Carpenter said. "Whether it's providing equipment for kids that can't afford it, whether it's paying the pay-to-play fee for their families who can't afford it, it's just such an incredible gift. And we're spoiled as all the athletic directors in the schools to actually be able to use this."

While the athletic directors are grateful for the donation, they’re most inspired by how it will affect the athletes themselves.

"I think obviously giving back is such a big part of being a Lava Bear and the long blue line," Bend senior Taj Erickson said. "And so I think it's really cool that I've got to be here and meet all these people and see their generosity and really relate that to what Bend High does."

Caldera senior Kylee Jerome says in her high school career, sports have shaped her into who she is. "I'm really thankful to people who don't even know who I am, who are wanting to give time and money towards our programs. I am very, very thankful," Jerome added.

Bend High wrestler Eric Larwin knows a donation like this can go a long way: "Yeah, it's cool to be part of a community that cares about its high school students and high school athletes. It is really powerful and impactful and cool that I get to talk to these people about my experiences with wrestling in high school athletics and how much that's impacted me, and talking to these people and just sharing those experiences so that, you know, I can get those donations that really make a difference in our sports," Larwin concluded.

Through this donation, the Rotary Club of Greater Bend is once again demonstrating its commitment to building strong community ties and supporting the next generation — both on and off the field.