Rotarians to learn about Project CURE and the Guerrero Surgery Center

Posted by Roycelyn Bastian-Spencer 
 
Sandra Curphey and Walter Branson will speak to the Humble Intercontinental Rotary on their respective projects on Feb. 6. The meeting will take placein the big square room at the Humble Civic Center. Not our normal meeting room.
 

Sandra Curphey, executive director for Project CURE 

Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, and with warehouses in Phoenix, Nashville and Houston, Project CURE was founded in 1987 to help meet the need for medical supplies, equipment and services around the world.  Project CURE builds sustainable healthcare infrastructure by providing the medical supplies and equipment that medical personnel need to deliver healthcare to their communities.  Since its inception, Project CURE has delivered medical relief to needy people in more than 120 countries.

Sandra is originally from the Texas Panhandle.  She studied public relations at Texas Tech and has spent most of her career in the nonprofit sector, raising money for organizations, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and now Project CURE in Houston.

Walter Branson, director for the Guerrero Surgery and Education Center

A Rotarian since March, 1982, Walter served as President of the Brazosport Rotary Club 1989-90. He has achieved perfect attendance since joining Rotary, he continues to serve on several committees in his club.

Walter has held several positions in District 5890.  In the mid 80’s he served on a District Committee to improve Mexican/American relations and District Conference Committee.  He chaired the District Ambassador Committee, “Evening with the Astros”, World Community Service Director, and presently the Chair of “International Health Projects”.  Currently, he is the Director of the Guerrero Surgery and Education Center located in Guerrero, Chihuahua, Mexico, which benefits the less fortunate of that region. Walter taught fundraising seminars for past Director, Ralph McLaughlin. He worked with past President Carlos Conseco distributing Polio vaccine in Mexico.  He has worked several years at Lone Star PETS, teaching and facilitating fundraising for incoming Presidents.  He also served as an evaluator and Chief Lieutenant of the Rotary Rangers at Lone Star PETS.  This year 2009-10, Walter served as Assistant Governor for Governor Ed Charlesworth.

Walter was selected “Rotarian of the Year” in 1984 and 1985 by his club.  He was also selected “Rotarian of the Year” by District 5890 in 1989. Walter was awarded the “Service above Service” award by Andy Smallwood and Rick King in 1996.  He is a Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation, a Paul Harris Fellow, benefactor, and holds the Rotary Foundation to be the greatest Foundation in the world.

He has received multiple club and district awards including Rotarian of the Year from the Brazosport Club and District 5890, however the award he is most proud of is the Rotary International “Service Above Self Award” presented by Past President Rick King.

For over 35 years Walter has been in business in Lake Jackson, Texas. He is the founder and President of Branson Construction, Branson Real Estate, and Branson’s Extremely Clean.