Scott Wright, architect with Wright Architecture, became the first new member officially inducted into the Sunrise Rotary in this year’s annual membership drive.

Wright, who had been a member years ago, decided to rejoin because he wanted to become more involved in community service work — something for which the Sunrise Rotary is known.

In addition to inducting the first of many new members the club hopes to welcome in the next few weeks, three charities were the recipients of some of the funds raised at the Sunrise Rotary’s annual gala.

“The impetus to give to certain charities comes from the members,” said Bob Anderson, current Sunrise Rotary president. A total of 11 charities are slated to receive the largess of the Sunrise Rotary group in the weeks to come.

“We want to make a positive impact on the community.”

The first group to receive a donation — $5,000 — was Anchor Point charity to be used to help fund the Angel Flight program that has been instrumental to Anchor Point to fulfill its mission of helping area residents suffering from addiction issues to find lifelong solutions.

“Anchor Point wants to thank Angel Flight’s helping some destitute people who wouldn’t get any help otherwise,” said Russ Coffey, executive director of the Anchor Point Foundation.

The foundation, a faith-based intervention program, has a 90 percent rate of success. Part of the reason for the high success rate is its removal of people from their normal surroundings. This is where Angel Flight plays a major role in their recovery. That’s why 100 percent of the donated money will go to cover fuel costs. It usually costs roughly $500 in fuel costs for one round-trip flight.

“Angel Flight is a real blessing to us. We really, really thank you.”

Anchor Point meets every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Cleveland High School cafeteria.

The second organization to receive a donation from the Sunrise Rotary this week is the American Cancer Society, which received $7,500.

Just about everyone has been affected by cancer or knows someone who has cancer, said Shelli Cody, American Cancer Society Hero of Hope recipient. Heroes of Hope honors are given to both cancer survivors and/or caregivers.

The money will be used to provide free housing for patients and/or their families when they go for treatments, according to American Cancer Society representative Angela Mathis, who was at the meeting to accept the donation. This is the first year Sunrise Rotary is partnered with the American Cancer Society.

Habitat for Humanity received $10,000 to continue its building projects in the city of Cleveland and Bradley County areas.

“One-hundred percent (of the money) goes to the construction,” said Matt Carlson, Habitat for Humanity representative. “We couldn’t do it without (Sunrise Rotary’s) help.”

In the future, in addition to eight more charities receiving donations, an international project is in the offing that would create a better transportation system in India, according Anderson. Sunrise Rotary feels one of the main reasons to join is the community service programs of the organization.

Future members of the business community are strongly invited to attend the next Sunrise Rotary meeting, 7 a.m. Thursday at SkyRidge Hospital, and find out about becoming a member.

“We want you,” Anderson said.

For more information, attend the meetings on Thursday and/or call Anderson at randerson@swiftcompanies.com, or call 432-0347.