Bensalem Rotary Club Names New President, Person Of Year

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —The Bensalem Rotary Club has changed its leadership for the upcoming year and also honored some important members of the community at its annual event recently.

Rotary club member Mark Cohen told Patch that Dr. Victoria Velazquez will be the club's president for next year. Her appointment was announced at the club's annual changeover event.

Bill Lewis received the club’s Person of the Year award for his work with the Bensalem Education Foundation.

Lewis is co-president of the non-profit organization.

Over the last decade, the foundation has raised more than $500,000 for the district.

Bensalem Township Councilwoman Michelle Benitez was honored as the club's Bensalem Rotarian of the Year, Cohen said.

She has been a board member of the club for many years.

"I have had the honor to serve Bensalem Rotary Club for about eight years," Benitez told Patch Thursday. "This award is humbling, as I am so inspired by my fellow members every day. Our club and the people involved are committed to service above self. Together, we accomplish great things. I’d like to thank my fellow members who have been mentors and friends to me for their commitment and contributions, and this honorable recognition."

Last year, Benitez helped organize fundraising for the bowling event the club holds every year with the Philadelphia Phillies ball girls, Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders, and team mascot Swoop.

The event, with the help of retired Philadelphia area NFL players, raised $10,000 for college scholarships.

"As for Bill Lewis, he never stops helping our district. Every building has benefited from his work with the foundation," Cohen said. "Michelle has organized all of our rotary events. She has coordinated with our club and 'Building a Better Bensalem' to provide food during the pandemic."

Harvest Ministries received $1,000 from the club and the Gundaker Foundation. The grant was arranged by Steve Moran.

The food bank provides hundreds of meals every week to residents and those in need in the Bensalem area.