The mission of Rotary Club Estoi Palace (RCEPI) has always been to help in the local community and last year the first Charity Party raised over 5000 euros to help a local Estoi university student who was losing her sight due to a congenital eye condition, to complete her university studies and help with her medical treatment.
On the 5th of October the community came together again to help another local Estoi girl Margarida. RCEPI first assisted Margarida when she was 9. She urgently needed callipers to help her walk and the local health authority were dragging their heels with this. RCEPI with the help of another local charity ACCA, purchased these for her. Margarida is now 14 and the rare congenital disease she has means that an operation is necessary now otherwise she will spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair.
A second Charity Party (2.º Arraial Estoi Solidário) was held at the Poeta Emiliano da Costa School in Estoi. The event was jointly organised by the Rotary Club Estoi Palace International and the Agrupamento de Escolas Pinheiro e Rosa.
In a wonderful community effort, more than 450 people attended the party. The ticket price of 5 euros included food and entertainment. The food was prepared and donated by local people and businesses. The entertainment was provided by "100% Inteligente", “(8C Class), “Rancho Folclórico de Santa bárbara de Nexe”, “ACCC (Capoeira)”, “Moving Star”, “Side Wayz”, "Urban Xpression", "Luís Correia Carmelo (Story Teller)” and “DJ Fábio Loureiro”, who all generously also gave their time for free. Starting at 6.00 pm, the party went on until 11.00 pm. Over 6000€ was raised which will support Margarida with her surgery.
Both organisers are immensely grateful to everyone who provided food, entertainment and prizes and to all those who came along to support and enjoy the occasion.
If you would like to help Margarida and for further information on RC Estoi Palace International contact moc@rotaryestoipalace.org, www.rotaryestoipalace.org.
