It may have been Madelynn Weathers’ birthday, but she was the one doling out the presents.

In lieu of gifts for the Woodin Elementary fifth-grader, the 11-year-old asked her friends to donate money to the Haitian earthquake relief efforts through her dad’s Northshore Rotary Club.

Northshore Fire Department Chief Tom Weathers gave his daughter a nod of approval for her $100 donation at last Thursday’s Rotary meeting at the Inglewood Country Club.

“It’s extremely gratifying. You always hope that your kids can have these qualities — humanistic, benevolence. It gives you faith in the world,” said Tom.

Added Madelynn: “I feel good donating the money and giving up my presents. I don’t really need them, I’ve already got a bunch of stuff. I’d rather give to Haiti instead.”

“I think that’s really cool — really mature,” Jonas Friederich, an Inglemoor High German exchange student, told Madelynn.

The giving doesn’t end with Madelynn, as Larry Nguyen of Summit Imaging in Lynnwood handed off a $5,000 check and Rotary pitched in $1,000 to aid the Haitians. Rotary President Stephanie McCarthy and member Leigh Readdy said the money will go to a Dominican Republic Rotary club’s efforts, and help the Red Cross transport doctors to and from Haiti and purchase medical supplies and equipment.

“There are a lot of people in need. I feel like it’s the right thing to do,” said Nguyen.

Former Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic, who was a guest speaker at the meeting, was impressed with Rotary’s giving spirit.

“At Rotary, people come to a good group. They know their money is going to a good cause,” he said.

To donate to Haiti through the Rotary Club, contact McCarthy at stephanie@mccarthygmac.com.

Contact Bothell Reporter Reporter Andy Nystrom at editor@bothell-reporter.com or 1-425-483-3732 (ext 5050).

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