By Emily Williams
For the eighth year in a row, the annual Boiling N’ Bragging fundraiser benefitting Children’s Critical Care Transport program will serve as a culmination of local efforts by Rotary International’s District 6860.
A Rotarian since 1985, Bo Porter of Hoover has been closely connected to the event through his leadership position on the district level. Porter formerly served as district governor of 6860, overseeing all of its 52 clubs.
In that role, he had the opportunity to visit clubs across the district, speaking and working alongside them.
“They each have distinct and unique personalities, yet all are united by a common bond of service to others,” he said. “I will never cease to be amazed at the commitment and generosity of Rotarians, no matter their nationality, religious beliefs or ‘status’ in life.”
Though each club has its own way of serving its local community, it also supports service efforts regionally, nationally and internationally.
On the district level, 6860 chose Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham, specifically the Children’s Critical Care Transport program, which is a team of healthcare professionals, first responders, helicopters and ground vehicles that annually transport more than 1,000 critical patients to the hospital for treatment.
“It has been my experience that most Alabamians have or will be impacted by the wonderful services of Children’s,” Porter said. “Every county in the state has children treated at Children’s, and the hospital is now one of the largest such facilities in America.”
During the Boiling N’ Bragging event, on Aug. 20 from 6-9 p.m., Porter expects to see a crowd of fundraising fans sporting gear in support of their favorite football teams at Otey’s Tavern in Crestline Village. He finds that the crowd is usually dominated by an even combination of Alabama and Auburn fans.
Though he is a Samford grad, Porter admits that he strongly roots for Alabama, dividing the fandom of his household. His wife, Barbara, is an Auburn fan.
Otey’s will serve up $1 drink specials as Lancy Taylor and Rockstar of WJOX’s Roundtable provide live entertainment. Admission is $25 in advance and $30 at the door, with proceeds going directly to Children’s.
“This is Alabama’s future that we are talking about,” Porter said. “That all takes money and Rotary is pleased to be providing some help”
For more information, visit boilingnbragging.org.