Atlanta Rotary member among 10 Rotary 'Women of Action' recognized at The White House

ATLANTA, Oct. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Marion Bunch of the Rotary Club of Dunwoody was honored by Rotary on Oct. 7 as one of Rotary's 'Women of Action' for her exemplary dedication to improving the lives of others.

Bunch was one of 10 Rotary 'Women of Action' who were recognized for donating their time, talents and expertise to help thousands of people in need. The White House invited the humanitarian service organization to visit, as part of the annual Rotary Day in Washington D.C. (Oct. 6-7), which included high-level administration speakers and a look at the lasting improvements the honorees have made in the lives and communities they serve.   

"Marion embodies Rotary's deep commitment to humanitarian service, having dedicated her life to helping thousands of Africans with their health needs,'' said Robert Hall, director for Rotary International and member of the Rotary Club of Dunwoody. "We are happy to see Marion recognized as a Rotary 'Woman in Action' and are honored to have her as part of our local club."

Bunch is the founder of Rotarians for Family Health and AIDS Prevention, which since 2011, has organized health camps across Africa, providing a wide variety of much-needed health services and screenings. In 2014, more than 8,100 Rotarians and partners organized more than 400 health camps in four African countries and served about 350,000 people.  Bunch's organization has received support from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the Coca-Cola Africa Foundation.

Bunch decided to start this organization after losing her son to AIDS in 1994. She began by educating Atlanta-area youth about the danger of HIV/AIDS, but after a 2002 trip to Africa, decided her focus should be on families and children in Africa due to the devastating impact of AIDS in the region.

Since its founding more than 100 years ago, Rotary has harnessed the strength of professional and community leaders to tackle humanitarian challenges at home and abroad. Today, Rotary provides a platform for successful men and women of all ethnicities, faiths and cultures to make the world a better place through volunteer service. "Rotary's 'Women of Action' exemplify our motto, 'Service Above Self'," said Rotary International President Gary C.K. Huang. "With the help of the White House, we are shining the spotlight on their inspirational service to humanity."

About Rotary: Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world.   For more information, visit www.rotary.org.

SOURCE Rotary