Alto Cayma Mission

Dr. Bob Gehringer, Dan Nisler, Cody Mares, Jeanne Beckley and Father Alex Busutti

In February 2008, 3 couples from the Rotary Club of Appleton West went to Peru to visit an eye clinic which they raised funds for a piece of surgical equipment. This was the first time anyone from their club visited a place where they funded an international project. During this visit, the couples met Dr. Bob and Natalie Gehringer who gave them the background surrounding the Alto Cayma Mission in Arequipa, Peru. Cody Mares asked if there was something the Club could do to help this mission. A grant request was then received for a mobile medical unit. On December 12, 2008, Dr. Bob was asked to make a presentation on his work which increased the Club’s interest. Father Alex Busutti’s first visit to Appleton West was on May 8, 2009. Since the mobile medical unit was above the means of Appleton West, Cody invited the other area Rotary Clubs to attend this presentation. During a meeting afterwards, a partnership was formed between the Rotary Club of Appleton West and the Rotary Club of Appleton. Over the past two years, the two Club’s raised $33,533.99. A “big” check was presented to Father Alex.