Paul and Jeff O’Reilly, co-owners of O’Reilly Equipment received recognition from County Commissioner Jim Dvorak on behalf of Burton Middlefield Rotary (BMR) this past Tuesday, Nov. 28, “Giving Tuesday!”
In 2012, after witnessing a hunting event for special needs kids, Dvorak was inspired to do the something similiar in Geauga County. Dvorak, a Rotary member, brought the concept to the BMR group and “Special Needs Fishing” was born.
“Every year since 2012, at 7 a.m.,” said Dvorak, “Paul and Jeff O’Reilly send trucks, at no cost, to pick up seven golf carts, deliver them to the Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve and then return at 1 p.m. to deliver them back to Pleasant Hill Golf Course.”
He continued, “It’s behind the scenes but very important, because the carts, which are donated as well, move the kids from the school buses to the fishing docks. So, it is essential that we have them.”
This past spring, more than 60 kids and 120-plus volunteers enjoyed a day of fishing together.
