Rotary giving $200,000 toward riverfront project

By Rosa Salter Rodriguez | The Journal Gazette

The Fort Wayne Rotary Club is dipping a toe into Fort Wayne's riverfront project.

The club will fund a $200,000 water jet fountain on the south plaza of the proposed Compass Pavilion planned to anchor development along the St. Marys River, Rotarians announced Monday.

Candace Schuler, club president, said in a news release that a members' forum and survey found an "overwhelming consensus" for the club "to become involved in the Riverfront development as our next major signature project."

The club plans a Mardi Gras-themed fundraiser on Feb. 28, the day before the start of Lent and often called Fat Tuesday, to kick off the project. It will include lunch and dinner built around New Orleans favorites including muffuletta and po' boy sandwiches, gumbo, beignets and King cake.

In 2015, Rotarians donated a clock and tower on the plaza at the Allen County Public Library in honor of their centennial year. 

"Our most common nickname is the 'Downtown Rotary,' and we feel very committed to making the downtown vibrant and helping downtown to succeed, so this (new project) is just part of who we are," said Barb Wachtman, a club spokeswoman.