Last Saturday, the Rotary Club of Palm Valley showed once again what “Service Above Self” truly means. Club members spent the morning outside the Publix on Mickler Road, hosting a community event called “Fill the Van for S.A.F.E. Pet Rescue.”
For four hours, Rotarians greeted shoppers with smiles and gratitude as donations steadily filled the van. The generosity of the Palm Valley community was remarkable. Shoppers contributed dog and cat food, paper towels, cat litter, Clorox wipes, garbage bags and disinfectants — supplies that are vital to helping S.A.F.E. Pet Rescue care for hundreds of animals each year. In addition to the goods collected, several hundred dollars in cash donations poured in from both Rotary members and Publix customers, all going directly to support the rescue’s mission of saving animals from euthanasia.
S.A.F.E. Pet Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, operates shelters in St. Augustine, Treasure Beach and Hollister. The group relies entirely on public donations and volunteer efforts. Since its founding, S.A.F.E. has rescued more than 30,000 dogs and cats, finding each one a loving forever home. Their work represents a true win-win for pets and the families who adopt them.
In addition to its shelters, S.A.F.E. operates a mobile adoption van, giving the public an easy and heartwarming way to meet rescue pets ready for adoption. Anyone wishing to support S.A.F.E. Pet Rescue can visit safe-pet-rescue-fl.com or reach out to the Rotary Club of Palm Valley for more information on how to help.
Rotary Club of Palm Valley Board Director Dave Gleason said, “We were overwhelmed by the kindness of our community. Every bag of food, every dollar donated makes a real difference for these animals.”
The Rotary Club of Palm Valley also celebrated the induction of a new member, Dr. Lisa Salloum, who brings both professional excellence and community spirit to the club.
Salloum has practiced dentistry in the greater Jacksonville area for more than 24 years and is a certified specialist in periodontics and dental implants. She completed her residency in periodontics and dental implants at the University of Florida in 1994, earned her dental degree from Baylor Dental School in 1991, and graduated with a B.S. in microbiology from the University of Florida in 1987.
Beyond her professional achievements, Salloum has a rich background in classical piano, ballet and dance — disciplines that have shaped her attention to detail and pursuit of perfection in her work.
In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. She likes to explore other cultures like visiting cathedrals and monuments around the world.
With dedicated members like Salloum and community support like last weekend’s event, the Rotary Club of Palm Valley continues to make a meaningful difference — one project, and one rescued pet, at a time.
The club meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month in the Ponte Vedra Beach area, where members enjoy a four-course sit-down dinner, share fellowship and ideas to make the world a better place.
For more information, email admin@palmvalleyrotaryclub.org.
