The Rotary Club of Chula Vista invites you to step into a night of enchantment and philanthropy at Carnaval en Venezia, a masquerade ball that promises not just to dazzle but to make a profound difference in the lives of many. Scheduled for Saturday, May 4, this event is a celebration of culture, community, and charity.
Event Details:
When: 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4
Where: 2017 Chardonnay Terrace, Chula Vista, CA 91914
Dress Code: Masquerade attire. Don your most captivating masks and carnival costumes, and make a grand entrance on the red carpet.
Experience the Magic of Venice: Carnival, Carnaval, Carnevale!
Immerse yourself in an Italian-themed soirée filled with mesmerizing music, exquisite food (Cena Veneziana), and lively dancing. It's an evening designed not just to enchant but to celebrate our collective efforts towards making a difference.
Highlights of the Night:
Prizes for Top Masks/Outfits: Showcase your creativity and stand a chance to win exciting prizes. (Great, inexpensive ideas online!)
Italian Splendor: Delight in an authentic Venetian dinner and dance the night away to Italian tunes.
Make a Difference with Every Ticket:
Your participation goes beyond just an evening of fun; it's a pledge towards change and progress. Proceeds from Carnaval en Venezia help bolster our service projects, including:
Facilities and maintenance repairs at Casa Hogar Infantil Uriel orphanage in Tijuana, Mex.
Socks and Sleeping Bags Drive in support of Dreams for Change, aiding the housing insecure.
Support for a home for abandoned seniors in La Rumorosa, Mex.
Local/Community Service Projects like beach and bay cleanups, school garden restorations, food collection drives, and many more.
Tickets & Contributions:
For ticket purchases and contributions, you can pay online through our club's secure Ticket Reservation Link, the QR code included below, or by check payable to the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake.
The Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake, in collaboration with Rotarians from Tijuana, brought a splash of color and creativity to Casa Hogar Infantil Uriel on Saturday, April 6. The collaboration included art instructor Denise Romero (Art Houz Studio of Eastlake) and muralist Juan Bosco.
The mural project was a vivid celebration of the children's imagination, transforming a large wall at the children's home into a vibrant beacon of pride and community. The event also featured an educational art session, where the children expressed their creativity on individual canvasses, culminating in a joyful gathering with food and fun. A day of art, education, and community—painting brighter futures together in advance of Dia de los Niños (Day of the Child) and Rotarians at Work Day.
Members of the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake, wearing white protective suits, masks, and wielding sledgehammers, embarked on a significant service project within a multifamily housing complex in Southcrest. The community is closely connected with Balboa Elementary and Chavez Elementary schools. Positioned with St. Jude’s on a nearby hill as a backdrop, the volunteers tackled the work head-on with youth volunteers from the Urban League.
The extensive damage encountered was a sobering reminder of the need for community involvement and support. The spirit of solidarity among the volunteers and local groups was inspiring.
Together, the volunteers participated in demolition and debris removal, part of ongoing cleanup efforts in the area, which is within close view of downtown San Diego's highrises. While the city facilitated the effort by providing dumpsters, it was the united effort of volunteers from the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake and other organizations that truly made a substantial impact. Special thank you to our coordinator and Rotarian Koko Fajardo. View brief video of our work, courtesy of Fordham University student Sofia Hernandez.
The Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake has tackled a series of hands-on projects that showcase our capacity to mobilize for the greater good. "Rotary in Action" exemplifies more than just a motto; it's a testament to the remarkable outcomes achievable when communities come together in a united effort for positive change.
Rotarians Provide Holiday Cheer to Homeless Individuals
The Chula Vista-Eastlake Rotary Club, in collaboration with Dreams for Change, distributed more than 160 sleeping bags, blankets, hygiene kits, and pairs of socks to homeless families and individuals. This event took place on Sunday, December 17, at secure parking locations near downtown San Diego that are operated by the nonprofit organization Dreams for Change
The Rotary initiative marked a significant effort to provide warmth and comfort to those in need during the winter season. Highlights of the day were shared on an Instagram reel created by member Koko Fajardo, and in a video below produced by Fordham University student Sofia Hernandez.
“Rotary was generous enough to bring not only blankets for our clients, but hygiene packs, pizza and some cake,” said Teresa Smith, chief executive officer of Dreams for Change. “These opportunities really mean a lot for our clients in many different ways. The blankets help them keep warm, the hygiene packs help with basic needs, but it also brings in that sense of community and understanding that others really do care about their well-being and what’s going on with their lives.”
Dreams for Change has been instrumental in fostering financial and housing stability among the homeless population in San Diego for over 14 years. The organization facilitates stability through three pathways: barrier removal support, employment and education, and income stabilization. In addition to the Safe Parking Program, Dreams for Change provides vital educational resources, such as resume-building workshops, interview practice sessions, and budgeting skills classes. These initiatives empower participants to adopt healthy financial habits, set achievable goals, and acquire marketable skills.
The Rotary Club’s Collection Drive
The socks and sleeping bags collection drive by the Chula Vista-Eastlake Rotary Club directly supported homeless individuals and families at the tent encampments operated by Dreams for Change.
“These items are more than just donations; they represent warmth, comfort, and security for those facing the harsh reality of sleeping on the streets,” said Miriam Gonzalez, Rotary’s co-chair for the project. “I’m very grateful to everyone who came and supported us. Everybody was hands-on. Support was overwhelming. …I’m very proud of everybody who donated or participated. It meant a lot to each individual who took a blanket or a slice a pizza. Will they eat tomorrow? We don’t know. But we were able to help a lot of people today.”
“French,” a 68-year-old homeless individual, said the tent encampment helps keep them sheltered. “At least we have something over our heads at night and we have safety,” he said. “I’m really thankful for this particular project and Rotary people are great. I’m very familiar with them. They are very giving and supportive of people who are less fortunate. It’s a God-send.”
About the Chula Vista-Eastlake Rotary Club
Rotary is a service organization. Membership is not only a privilege but a commitment to the service of others locally and internationally. Rotary’s motto is “Service above self.” The Chula Vista-Eastlake Rotary Club is committed to positively impacting the community through service projects and partnerships with local organizations like Dreams for Change.
Holiday Warmth: Socks and Sleeping Bags Distribution for the Homeless
The Chula Vista-Eastlake Rotary Club is collecting socks, sleeping bags, and blankets on behalf of Dreams for Change, a non-profit organization committed to supporting homeless families and individuals in need. Help us meet our goal of 160 blankets/sleeping bags!
Under the leadership and resilience of Dr. Teresa Smith, Dreams for Change has been creating a path of financial stability and housing stability for homeless San Diegans for the past 14 years. The non-profit helps individuals reach stability through the completion of their three pathways. These pathways are defined as the following: support to remove barriers, employment and education, and income stabilization.
Dreams for Change supports participants through their safe parking program, Dream cuisine food trucks, and one-on-one case management. They also provide educational classes on resume building, interview practice, and budgeting skills. These classes and programs give participants the opportunity to learn healthy financial practices and set financial goals while also learning new skills that can set them apart in the job market.
The socks and sleeping bags charity drive specifically supports individuals who are a part of the Safe Parking Program. The safe parking program eliminates the worry and stress that comes with having to sleep in a car in an unsafe area. The program gives individuals and families living in their cars a safe place to spend the night. Donating socks and sleeping bags will provide warmth, comfort, and a sense of security as they confront the challenge of sleeping in their car.
This holiday season, choose to make a difference in the San Diego community by joining the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake in donating socks and sleeping bags to the Dreams for Change organization. Together, we can make the dream where everyone finds a safe place to rest a reality.
Details of the Collection Drive are listed below:
Items needed: Socks and Sleeping Bags
Collection Dates: October 14 to December 9, 2023
Beneficiary: Dreams for Change/Safe Parking Program
Please note that we are also creating care packages for the housing insecure. The items we need are:
1. Travel-size toothbrush
2. Travel size hair comb
3. Chapsticks
4. Travel-size Men deodorant
5. Travel size deodorant Women
6. Waterbottles
7. Breakfast bars, Granola any kind
8. Travel-size hand wipes
9. Chocolate 🍫
10. Chips
If you're interested in donating or have questions, please reach out to our wonderful team:
Miriam Gonzalez: 619-259-9810
Stephanie Ramos: 619-851-2984
Anthony Millican: anthonymillican84ej@gmail.com
Rotary Partners with Dreams for Change on Donation Drive
Brianna Millican, Special to Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake
What an incredible night it was! The echoes of laughter, the sound of clinking glasses, and the shared joy of a community united for a common cause – "Sunset Sips and Sail" was an event to remember, and we thank all those involved for making it a resounding success!
The spirit of camaraderie, the shared moments of joy, and the shared commitment to making a difference in the Chula Vista community did not go unnoticed.
Club President Miguel Hernandez expresses his deepest gratitude to each person in attendance. The large turnout not only made the night more special but also brought a significant impact on the organizations the Rotary sponsors.
A big thank you to our sponsors listed below. None of this would have been possible without their generous support. A special thank you to:
Delfino Aguilar
Elena’s Restaurant (Valle de Guadalupe)
Manuel Gandara
TJ Oyster Bar
Maribel Durazo
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Lourdes Valdez and Cal Private Bank
DJ Juan Nation (Juan Robles)
Their belief in our cause and their contribution to the event's success are immeasurable. Their support doesn't just make events like this happen – it propels us toward achieving our community service goals.
A resounding thank you to the remarkable crew of the tall ship "Bill of Rights" and Susan and Don Johnson for hosting us with such warmth and professionalism. Their dedication to creating a memorable experience for all participants was truly felt in every wave and every breeze.
Kudos to our exceptional organizing committee members, Koko Fajardo and Miriam Gonzalez. Your tireless efforts in curating delicious appetizers, and ensuring every detail was flawlessly executed did not go unnoticed. You turned this event into an evening of magic!
We're not just a club; we're a family, and this event was a testament to the strength of our community.
Stay tuned for more updates, as the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake continues to work tirelessly to support our community. Make sure to click Read More and view our event video!
The Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake invites you to their annual fundraising event, Sunset Sip ‘n Sail. Step aboard the majestic tall ship “The Bill of Rights” on August 26th to enjoy an evening of live music, dancing, delectable food, and stunning ocean views all while supporting the Rotary’s upcoming projects and volunteer programs.
Enjoy your evening at the Sunset Sip ‘n Sail as you immerse yourself in the rich maritime history of Chula Vista’s beautiful schooner “The Bill of Rights”. Since 1998, this iconic vessel has served as a unique learning environment for many young students and program participants. As you embark on this one-of-a-kind journey, take a moment to admire the beauty and historical importance of the ship.
Prepare to be charmed by the electrifying music of our DJ that will make you hit the dance floor and bust out your best moves. Celebrate the power of philanthropy as you feast on a spread of delicious food and vie for exciting prizes. This evening is sure to be an unforgettable experience as you sail across San Diego Bay in celebration of the positive impact the Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake has made in the San Diego community and beyond.
By attending the Sunset Sip ‘n Sail, you not only indulge in an evening of elegance and beauty but you also contribute to the Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake’s volunteer projects like building homes for the poor in Mexico and supporting a home for abandoned seniors in La Rumorosa, east of Tecate, Mex.. Your generous support also directly impacts the San Diego community through our local partnerships and enables the Rotary to continue its valuable work and make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 26, and join the Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake for a night of magic and purpose. Step aboard the beautiful ship “The Bill of Rights” and soak in the ocean views while supporting a wonderful organization.
Tickets are $80. To reserve your spot or for any further inquiries, please RSVP by August 10, 2023, by contacting Miriam G. at 619-259-9810 / minigonzalez2068@gmail.com or Miguel Hernandez at at 619-813-4404 / miguelhrndz@yahoo.com . Payment accepted via Venmo or by check to the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake.
Sunset Sip ‘n Sail promises to be a memorable event that combines philanthropy, entertainment, and bay views. Come together with fellow supporters to make a lasting difference in the community we call home.
Join Our Sip 'N Sail Annual Fundraiser
Brianna Millican, Special to the Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake
Posted by Brianna Millican, Special to Chula Vista-Eastlake Rotary Club
“I knew that I would spend the rest of my life trying to make sure that that look of fear, terror, and indignity leaves somebody’s eyes.” This is the promise District Attorney Summer Stephan made to herself when she started her career as a prosecutor.
Since 2018 Stephan has been using her experience and influence as San Diego County’s District Attorney (DA) to combat the rise in fentanyl deaths, human trafficking, and homelessness in California’s second-largest city.
Over the past few months, Stephan has been visiting Rotary clubs across San Diego discussing her plans to provide San Diegans with equal and fair justice. Recently, she visited the Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake to talk about her accomplishments and future initiatives. Her dedication to keeping the San Diego community safe stems from reading about the abuse of little girls in Sumatra at the age of 12. Stephan has been pursuing her promise to erase the feelings of fear and indignity from the community through her criminal justice programs.
Her latest project, a family justice center called One Safe Place, gives victims of violence a safe place to receive acute crisis care, counseling and therapy, connections to a safe shelter and housing, and other essential services–all under one roof. It is a passion project for Stephan, who dreamed of creating a center just like this since becoming district attorney. One Safe Place opened in July 2022 in San Marcos with the goal of breaking the cycle of abuse and homelessness for female and child survivors. Since its opening, the center has helped 2,239 victims and over 200 children.
Stephan is committed to providing additional centers for abuse victims elsewhere in the county. With support from District 1 County Supervisor Nora Vargas, the two trailblazing politicians plan to open a second One Safe Place in Chula Vista. Designs for the center are underway, and a building contract for the project is nearly complete.
Stephan’s game-changing criminal prevention programs don’t stop at family justice centers. Stephan and her team have been hard at work fighting to curb the rise in fentanyl deaths, human trafficking, and homelessness in San Diego. Fentanyl has become the number one cause of death for people aged 18 to 45 years old. Since 2019, the number of fentanyl-related deaths has steadily doubled from 152 deaths to 462 deaths to 814 deaths. The DA plans to tackle this epidemic head-on by collaborating with parents of fentanyl overdose victims to write letters and send them to large drug companies. Stephan hopes that the companies will be persuaded to create a commercial that raises awareness about the devastating effects of fentanyl.
The DA has also joined forces with the United States Attorney and the Drug Enforcement Agency to form team FAST and homicide team 10 to apprehend drug suppliers. She has also advocated for drug awareness campaigns and brought back drug education in San Diego public schools.
The DA and her team have also been combating the rise in human trafficking. Stephan recently spearheaded a human trafficking operation with law enforcement that captured 57 bad actors and saved eight young girls. In response to the rise in homelessness, Stephan intends to make mental healthcare treatment accessible for homeless people in need.
Rotary District 5340 has a dedicated Anti-Human Trafficking task force that launched a series of initiatives designed to increase the awareness of San Diego County's human sex trafficking scourge and generate measures to help prevent individuals–primarily young people–from becoming victims. Efforts include an educational workshop series to understand the elements of human sex trafficking in San Diego County and what residents can do to keep their eyes and ears open to combat it.
The district attorney sets an example of servant leadership, Rotary leaders say. Stephan’s programs and initiatives demonstrate her values of ethical prosecution, prevention of harm, protection of victims, and partnerships with the community.
“We are setting a standard in modern-day prosecution, innovation in how we treat our community, and how we partner with our community,” Stephan said.
DA Stephan Announces Opening of Second Family Justice Center
Brianna Millican, Special to Chula Vista-Eastlake Rotary Club
'A Night in Buenos Aires!': A Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake Fundraiser
Are you ready for a night of exquisite dining, mesmerizing dance performances, and live music that will take your breath away? Then mark your calendars for "A Night in Buenos Aires!" on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the Westmont San Miguel Ranch in Chula Vista, CA.
This highly anticipated event is brought to you by the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake, an organization dedicated to making a positive impact on our local community and beyond. With your help, we can continue to support our service projects and make a difference in the lives of those in need.
The highlight of the evening will be a mouth-watering Argentinian dinner, featuring some of the country's most beloved dishes. Savor the rich and flavorful tastes of empanadas, and chimichurri steak, and flan, among others. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Argentinian cuisine or trying it for the first time, this dinner is sure to delight your taste buds.
As you enjoy your meal, be prepared to be swept away by the sultry moves of Tango dancers. This dance, originating in Buenos Aires, has captured the hearts of people worldwide with its passionate embrace and intricate footwork. You'll be mesmerized by the skill and grace of our performers, who will transport you to the streets of Buenos Aires for a night. We will have you tapping your feet and swaying to the rhythm.
Tickets for "A Night in Buenos Aires!" are $110 per person, with seating limited to just 80 people. So, act fast to secure your spot and join us for a fun, fabulous evening. Not only will you enjoy an unforgettable experience, but you'll also be supporting the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake's service projects. Your contributions will help us build a home for an indigenous family in Ensenada, conduct facility repairs at a seniors home in La Rumorosa, Mex., and support the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program in local schools here in San Diego, among other worthy causes.
If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable night out while also making a difference in the community, look no further than "A Night in Buenos Aires!" on Saturday, April 29, 2023. With delicious food, captivating dance performances, and live music that will have you on your feet, this event promises to be one of the highlights of the year. So, mark your calendars, order your tickets, and get ready to experience the magic of Buenos Aires right here in Chula Vista.
Experience the Magic of Buenos Aires…in Chula Vista!
Can you imagine living without running water, electricity, or a sewer system? The working poor, often indigenous farm workers, who live in the hills south of Ensenada survive without such basic infrastructure every day. Help us break the culture of poverty that has impacted generations of working poor. Participate for the day or the weekend on a project where we build a real home. Act now by making your contribution here: https://bajabound.org/rotary-club-build-fundraiser. Make a donation, sign up to volunteer, and/or invite friends and family to participate. View our brief video from last year’s house build!
Lodging:Click here to view where we will be staying overnight. The two nights-lodging costs of $154 is covered by the club for members and their families. We can cover up to 20 volunteers, including our members. For guests above 20, a donation is expected toward the project. The lodging includes all meals. It is an absolutely beautiful location.
The build is from Friday, March 24 to Sunday, March 26, 2023. Ideally, we are expected to arrive there on Friday morning and leave Sunday late afternoon. However, whatever your schedule allows is greatly appreciated, even if just Saturday! For those who don't have a SENTRI CARD, staying until Monday morning may be the best option. The typical house build schedule is as follows:
Friday: Group meets at CALIMAX in Maneadero, Ensenada, between 10-11 AM. A Baja Bound representative(s) will greet us there, and we will caravan to the construction site. The construction work will at around 5 PM. We then head to the BAJA BOUND hospitality camp/lodging site for dinner and fellowship.
Saturday: For those who are driving down during the morning, please meet at Calimax in Maneadero at 8 a.m. For those at the lodging, breakfast is served from 7-8 a.m. Work at the site continues from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Then, Taco Night Celebration at local taco shop for all volunteers.
Sunday: Breakfast 7-8 a.m., work at the site from 8:30 to about 12 noon or so. Then, the House dedication takes place with the presentation of keys to the family.
Note: For people arriving on Saturday morning, a reminder that the meeting point will be at CALIMAX in MANEADERO. A project leader will guide the group to the worksite. If you arrive after 8 a.m., a map will be sent via text so you can still participate. The cell phone for our Rotary Club project leader is Jorge Garcia (619) 454-2182. Please do not hesitate to contact Jorge via phone or email at jlgarcia70x7@gmail.com in advance with any questions.
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Join us in Building a Home for a Working Poor Family
Are you looking for a fun event with friends, wine, and some of the best views of the city? Join our Wine Tasting Party from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15. The Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake is hosting the event at the University Club, 750 B Street, San Diego, on the 34th Floor. Tickets are $40 per person for four (4) tastings and appetizers.
Your support assists the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake's service projects right here in our community--and internationally. Help us make a difference for others who are in need. For example, we are building a home for an indigenous family in Ensenada, conducting facility repairs at a seniors home in La Rumorosa, Mex., and supporting the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program in local schools here in San Diego, among other projects.
Located above the celebrated Jacobs Music Center, the University Club offers a one-of-a-kind experience for San Diego's diverse and influential members of the community. The location on the 34th floor offers breathtaking views. Vino, views and a good cause--what more can you ask for?
RSVP to Mara Gabino at mara.gabino@gmail.com or Miriam Gonzalez at minigonzalez2068@gmail.com. See flyer at right for more info, and/or pay via our club's Venmo account today to reserve your ticket!
A group of our Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake members helped make sure that a seniors home in Baja California Norte had hot water during the chilly holiday season. Member Miguel Hernandez has served as project leader in ensuring basic facilities needs are addressed for these most vulnerable of seniors. Our club funded improvements to the facilities at La Casa Para Pobres Desamparados in La Rumorosa, BC, Mexico. our club paid for the installation of a water pump and a new electric water heater. The installation work was carried out by "Handyman Nacho" and his two sons. Thanks to the work of many, the seniors in La Rumorosa will now have hot water to bathe, wash dishes, and other basic needs. Special thanks to the Chula Vista Rotary Club, which generously donated to this effort, as well as the fundraising of new member Miriam Gonzalez.
Hi! Hola! Happy holidays to all our friends & family. Our Rotary Club is having a Wine fundraiser in the spirit of giving. Drink Wine for a cause!🍷
We are building a home for a family of seven in Ensenada and doing kitchen repairs at a convalescent home that houses more than 35 senior citizens in La Rumorosa, which is east of Tecate, Mex. (We have multiple service projects this year, but these are a couple of biggies.) So we partnered with a local winery from Jamul and are excited to showcase their boutique wines. We are selling a delicious White Riesling & two Red Blends. Thank you Granite Lion Cellars!
All profits are going directly to these projects! Wine is a perfect hostess, serving as a 'Thank you' or holiday gift to family, friends, and clients. We would love & appreciate your support in this. Let us know if you can help by purchasing a bottle or two (or case-wine not?!) Thank You to those who have already contributed to this fundraiser. 🙏🙏🤎 How do you order? Simply email mtorressan81@gmail.com; samuelhdezmeza@hotmail.com; or omorduna@gmail.com for an order form. Easy peasy!
What is Rotary?
Rotary is a leadership organization. We're made up of local businesses, professional, and civic leaders. We meet regularly, get to know each other, and form friendships; through that, we're able to get things done in our community.
Several of our members made a pit stop at the Outreach for Nazareth Orphanage in Tecate, Mex., on Saturday, November 5. We dropped off school supplies and helped a bit in the computer lab. We were pleased to meet volunteers from the San Diego County foundation which supports the orphanage's work. Our Rotary club is exploring ways to support its next event in January. We were all really moved by the experience. The children were so grateful for the school supplies, the donated computers from church groups in San Diego, and the interaction with the volunteers.
The same day we visited the orphanage, we continued on to the home for abandoned seniors in La Rumorosa, Mex. There, we dropped off food, blankets, and clothing for the coming cold weather. We are planning a return to La Rumorosa on Saturday, December 3, to make facility improvements. For example, the seniors' home is without hot water again. Our club is exploring ways to purchase and install a new water heater, as well as a water pump to ensure the water heater has sufficient flow to continue operating without interruption.
La Rumorosa is in a high desert region of northern Baja California. It is bitterly cold in the winter and brutally hot in the summer. In many ways, it seems the center could not have been located in a more desolate region. La Rumorosa has one main traffic artery. From there, a dusty, deeply rutted side road leads to the Casa Para Pobres Desamparados.
Special thank you to the Chula Vista Rotary Club (the Noon Club) for its partnership and donation to support our work. In addition, Rotary District 5340 grant funding is assisting our efforts in support of the center. The day was a long one, but members Julio Armenta, Miriam Gonzalez, Miguel Hernandez, and Anthony Millican had a great discussion on ways to make a more lasting impact for the residents of the seniors' home.
We invite others to help us with the seniors' project, the orphanage, or other service and fellowship opportunities in the weeks ahead. The "season of giving" begins with you.
Members Visit Orphanage, and Seniors Home in Baja California
Did you know the Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake is a supporter of the Food4Kids Backpack Program? The program provides weekend food packages to chronically hungry elementary school students from low-income households who are at risk of hunger over the weekend when free school meals are unavailable. To assist the program, our club made a generous donation of $1,000 to the San Diego Food Bank, which will provide 2,000 meals for local families in need! In addition, San Diego Food Bank CEO Casey Castillo was a guest speaker at a recent meeting.
Every Friday afternoon students in the program are called out of class, often to the school nurse’s office, and discretely given a bag of food that is tucked into their backpacks. Each bag contains enough food to see the students through the weekend, and the discreet distributions remove the stigma that might be attached to the program.
School staff members identify students who display signs of chronic hunger. Warning signs include stomach aches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, hoarding food from the cafeteria, and absenteeism. Once a child has been identified as “chronically hungry,” a referral form is sent to the Food Bank and the student’s parents are sent a permission slip to enroll the student in the program. Learn more about the Backpack Program here.
Thank you to all who support our events so that we can in turn make a difference for the organizations who do such important work in our community!
Club Donation Supports Food4Kids Backpack Program In Local Schools
Congratulations to our newest members Mara Gabino Alejo and Miriam Gonzalez. Both were officially pinned and welcomed by Rotary District 5340 Governor Chuck Pretto (photo one) at his recent visit to our club. In addition, Sabrina Monaco and her father were honored with Rotary's Paul Harris awards, recognizing generous contributions to The Rotary Foundation. A special thanks go out to our meeting host Lourdes Valdez (bottom photo), whose beautiful home made for a fantastic venue. It was a beautiful evening and our club is so pleased to welcome Mara and Miriam to the family of Rotary and our local club. They will help us make a difference in our community--and the world!
Becoming a Rotary member connects you with a diverse group of professionals who share your drive to give back. Through regular meetings and events, you’ll:
Discuss your community’s needs and develop creative ways to meet them
Connect with other leaders who are changing the world
Expand your leadership and professional skills
Catch up with good friends and meet new ones
Other benefits of membership include:
The Rotary International Convention is our biggest event of the year. Rotary members from more than 130 countries meet at the convention each year to celebrate our successes and make plans for the future. Rotary Fellowships give members the chance to join a group of people who share similar interests, hobbies, or vocations. Some groups use their fellowship to make a positive difference. Rotarian Action Groups unite Rotary members, family members, program participants and alumni who share their expertise in particular fields by collaborating with clubs and districts on projects.
Our crystal ball reveals that you are certain to come aboard our Boos Cruise! We're scaring up some fun for a great cause on Saturday, October 22, 2022.
The Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake's Haunted Harbor Cruise will be a Thriller. You'll receive a light meal, beverages, and scary delights aboard the schooner "Bill Of Frights." You'll depart this realm from the Chula Vista Marina and have a frightfully good time enjoying the breezy outdoors on San Diego Bay. Costumes are highly encouraged or you'll be walking the plank. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes!
Your support assists the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake's service projects right here in our community--and internationally. Help us make a difference for others who are in need. Tell all your mates, and share with your respective Rotary members, friend networks, and coworkers.
Boarding: 5 p.m., Saturday, October 22
Departure: 5:30 p.m.
Location: 604 Marina Parkway, Chula Vista
Cost: $90 per person or purchase two tickets for $80 each, including a light meal and beverages.
We are back on the trails! Join the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake for our upcoming hikes for fun times, fellowship, and great memories! We can't say enough what a hidden treat McGinty Mountain Trail in Jamul turned out to be, which was our most recent hike on October 1. We highly encourage you to explore this 4.5-mile out-and-back trail. This one’s steep! But the views are well worth the climb. Contact us for more information at RotaryClubEastlake@gmail.com .
Our August membership social was tea-rific! We held a Mad Hatter Tea-quila Party at the Queen’s Court. This way, that way, “Off with his head!” It was a colorful cast of characters comprising members, prospective members, and guests of the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake. For our neighboring Rotary clubs, we recommend Mad Hatter Theme parties as a fun way to recruit new members and engage with current members.
Just a friendly reminder. Join us for a spectacular sunset on Mar y Vino cruise. We are all set to welcome you on Saturday, July 16, 2022. Please join us and feel free to make it more of a party by bringing friends. Click here to purchase. Act now. Boarding on the schooner Bill of Rights starts at 5 p.m., and departs at 5:30 p.m. from the Chula Vista Marina. We sail beneath the Coronado Bridge--an incredible sight--before returning.
Please support Rotary! Our fundraisers enable us to support local projects, and projects in other countries. With the assistance of our Chula Vista Sunset Rotary Foundation, our projects range from school community gardens to home builds in Ensenada to food banks and much, much more. We do good in our community--and the world.
But we need your help. Support our FUNdraiser. See the flyer below or contact us for more information.
Your support of our events helps us make an even greater impact. We invite you to "come aboard" this fun, festive event.
Join us on Saturday, July 16, 2022!
5 p.m. – Boarding*
5:30 p.m. – The Bill of Rights departs from CV Marina, 604 Marina Parkway. Sail San Diego Bay!
*Music, Wine, Beer and Meal Kit included. Cost is $95 for one ticket, $175 for two tickets.
Pay via Check or Venmo to @RotaryClub-ChulaVistaEastlake. Make sure to include Mar y Vino in the notes field. Or even easier, visit our Eventbrite page here to purchase online.
Raise Your Glass! Sat., July 16, 2022 Mar y Vino Sunset Cruise
The club's installation of officers for the 2021-22 Rotary Year took place at the new Pizzo's location in the Millenia development. President Anthony Millican, President-Elect Mark Gillette, Secretary Sabrina Monaco, and Publicity Chair Tara Simpson were sworn in as part of the new board. The club also celebrated the "outstallation"of club presidents Mauricio Torres, Sam Hernandez Meza and Anthony Millican. Each had assumed a leadership role during the previous year, impacted by the pandemic and related restrictions. The club continued meeting throughout the pandemic both in virtual and, later, hybrid formats. Members went on hikes, conducted service projects, and held fundraisers to the best of our ability given the circumstances. More than one member commented that we became closer as a club, and stronger. COVID-19 changed and impacted all of us in large ways and small.
Who doesn’t love a barbecue? Join us as the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake hosts a Red, White and Blue BBQ on Saturday, July 3. The inaugural event helps connect our community—and foster youth and their families. As you may know, foster families provide safe, stable and healing home environments for abused and neglected children. Chula Vista Elementary School District Social Workers have been able to outreach to more than 30 participants for the first in-person event for foster families in well over a year.
A bumpy, dusty rock-laden dirt road winds its way to a ranch-style building that is in a perpetual state of need. It serves as home to about 35 mostly senior men who are in desperate need of some attention themselves. Members of the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake (Ca.) arose early on Saturday morning last December. They donned their face coverings, and made the trek by car to Casa Para Pobres Desamparados. This ramshackle home for abandoned seniors in La Rumorosa, Mex., is located about 40 minutes east of Tecate, Mex.--about two hours from San Diego County. On this day, the Rotarians took donations of food, blankets, adult diapers and clothing to the center.
When the Chula Vista Eastlake Rotarians arrived, Hernandez was struck by the conditions. There were seniors who needed urgent medical care, attended to by an overwhelmed “staff” of four volunteers. The center had no hot water, and badly needed facility maintenance. Hernandez wasn’t sure where to start. He asked “Hermano Pablo,” the caring soul who runs the center with the help of his wife and some relatives, what they really needed. It was clear to Hernandez that the donated clothing and food were temporary fixes. The seniors home needed more than a figurative 'band-aid.'
The 2019-20 Rotary Year may bring mixed emotions, what with the outbreak of a global pandemic and related heartaches and disruptions. Yet, it is helpful to look back and appreciate the positives. Last September, our Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake received word that we received a Rotary Gold Citation.
The Rotary Citation is a significant award that honors clubs whose leaders and members show commitment to success. Clubs that achieve the goals required to earn the Rotary Citation are strengthening Rotary and shaping our future.
Our club's efforts led to overflow of a collection bin with food and toys to support the partnership of the Chula Vista Elementary School District, the Chula Vista Welfare Council, and Chula Vista Police Activities League (CVPAL) to collect donations of food and toys. CVESD employee Mayela Couturier helped decorate the beautiful bin our club used to collect items. The response from the community and our members was tremendous. First Bank allowed our club to place the bin in its lobby to collect donations from customers and club members. First Bank also donated $400 towards the purchase of food and/or toys to support this cause. A special thanks goes out to First Bank Vice President and Senior Branch Manager Lourdes Valdez. We are so happy to have Lourdes, a charter member, back with our club. She has been so enthusiastic—we all feed off her energy and tireless efforts on behalf of Rotary.
Our club members participated in the 36th Annual Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 26, 2020 in San Diego County. The global cleanup effort encouraged participants to make a local difference by removing litter and debris throughout the day. Our club chose to help clean up the shores along Imperial Beach. Members know that the impact on the health of our waterways and oceans – protecting the coast—starts at your front door!
Our club has had an incredible run of guest speakers who have helped inform, educate and even entertain us. From Alex Montoya of A-MOtivational Communications, to James A. Floros, the San Diego Food Bank's President/Chief Executive Officer, to Edith Sanchez Cruz of Big Brothers Big Sisters, each of our guest presenters has left a powerful impression upon our members and guests. Club member Susan Kaplan also stepped into the speaker’s role as she shared an update on the Watoto Wema Centre, a foster home in Kenya that our club has supported with District matching grants. In recent years, our club has funded the purchase of an oven for the home’s bakery program. The teenagers who age out of the school lack job training skills. The oven bakery program provides skills training. We've also supported other orphanage needs, and look to grow our partnership. Susan brought this partnership opportunity to our club after having spent time at the foster home herself. With a "can-do" nature, youthful spirit (she reminds us she is our youngest member) and ability to keep members well fed at meetings, Susan Kaplan is October's Rotarian of the Month.
Part of expanding our outreach includes sharing Rotary activities and causes with the local community. Chula Vista Elementary School District employees supported Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake and the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Sunrise. We raised nearly $700 from an employee BBQ and potluck lunch in advance of World Polio Day. Polio seems a distant memory in the United States. Younger generations may know little if anything about the disease. Yet, for much of the developing world, polio was a very real threat until recently. Today, two countries continue to report cases of wild poliovirus: Afghanistan and Pakistan. We were proud to collaborate with our sister club, and help bring awareness to the local community about the fight to end polio once and for all.
Armed with pincers and biodegradable trash bags, a dedicated group of club members, family, and Friends of Rotary helped clean the Bayfront at the Chula Vista Marina. The event was part of Team Up to Clean Up with the Living Coast Discovery Center and took place on the National Clean Up Day Saturday, September 14. Participants were shocked at the amount of trash pulled from the shoreline, and the kinds of items collected. The items picked up from the shore and park area included plastic bottle caps, styrofoam and styrofoam packaging material, a child’s diaper, cigarette butts, paper waste, plastic waste, and more. One of Kingston Stark’s children even found a rusted 10-pound metal weight. The event organizers noted the toxicity of cigarette butts in particular to marine life. We are proud to have been part of this service activity to help preserve our beautiful Chula Vista Marina.
A special thanks goes out to Antwon Lincoln, one of our guest speakers, who is the organizer of TEDxKids and TEDxChulaVista. The locally organized events are connected under the umbrella TED talks, which took public speaking to viral status with its recorded speaker presentations on YouTube. Antwon was both inspiring and motivating as our speaker in August. He shared how the Chula Vista Elementary School District’s annual Speech Contest grew into the TEDx events. Now, with TEDxKids, student speakers have the opportunity to reach a world audience. Our club is a sponsor of TEDxKids, thanks to a club grant and District 5340 matching contribution. The funding, while small compared to larger corporate sponsorships, is like a seed. Our partnership will grow, much like a seedling that takes off once rooted, Lincoln told the club. The TEDxKids and TEDxChulaVista events are scheduled for next Spring.
Perhaps there is no greater symbol of our nation than our nation’s flag. The red, white and blue is instantly recognizable, and an enduring reminder of our country’s core values of freedom, liberty and justice. As Rotarians, we start each meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Yet, in our club’s hotel meeting room, where we gather each Tuesday, there was no flag in the room. So our club decided to donate a U.S. flag and flagpole to the Residence Inn by Marriott for the meeting room. At our first meeting with the new flag, members Sandy Aldana and Kingston Stark (photo left), who are each military veterans, led our club in the Pledge of Allegiance. It was a great way to start the meeting, and gave our members a tremendous sense of pride. Rotary has its fair share of symbols as well. Our club recently purchased a Rotary stand-up banner. It includes our club name, the iconic Rotary wheel logo, and basic information about our meeting day. The new banner, too, is a symbol of pride for our club. Recently, our executive board took a photo (right) with the new banner. There is both power and pride in the symbols on display at our meetings. We encourage you to reflect on the feelings and values that each of these symbols evoke.
Solving real problems takes effort, commitment, and vision. Rotarians work to protect communities from preventable disease, keep women and children healthy, improve education and economic outcomes, create safe water and sanitation infrastructure, and make our community and the world a more peaceful place. The Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake’s grant support in 2019-20 will make a difference for a range of familiar programs and others that are new to our club in terms of grant support. Our club’s grant support was matched 100% by Rotary District 5340 for a combined total of $8,000.
It has been a whirlwind and an exciting several weeks for our club. Our two newest members Sandy Aldana and Kingston Stark were ‘Pinned’ at the club visit by District Governor Marta Knight. Congratulations to Sandy and Kingston! We are proud to have them in our Club. We also hosted a booth/table at the recent Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce mixer. Thank you to those who were able to stop by and assist, with a special thanks to Richard Arroyo. It was a great success, as we met and interacted with many community members. We allocated $8,000 to local and international programs, thanks to our club grants and district matching grants. We look forward in the weeks ahead to our Mar y Vino Sunset Cruise fundraiser, and hearing from guest speakers consisting of our grant recipient programs. Antwon Lincoln, the organizer of TEDxChulaVista and TEDxKidsChulaVista is our speaker at the Tuesday, August 20 meeting. He is an amazing speaker in his own right. I look forward to hearing his presentation and seeing each of you there.
Susan Johnson of the South Bayfront Sailing Association was the guest speaker at our club’s July 23, 2019 meeting. The South Bayfront Sailing Association is a non-profit sailing association located in the Chula Vista Harbor organized to offer programs centered around maritime history, culture, science and industry, linking experiential education, science and art in innovative learning platforms for all. The Bill of Rights is our ship of choice for our club's Mar y Vino Sunset Cruise, which is scheduled for Saturday, August 24. Click here to purchase tickets!
Bayfront Guest Speaker Shares Tall Ship Bill of Rights Tale
This Saturday, Members of the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Sunset visited a senior center in La Rumorosa, Baja California
to give 50 Care Packages, groceries, and other essential items. We were joined by two leaders from the Rotary Mexicali Empresarial Club. Each Care Package contained a t-shirt, a hat, and essential toiletries. We also brought board games, puzzles, cards, and dominos. We were greeted with smiles and gratitude. It was certainly a day well spent.
Thank you to all club members, volunteers, family, friends, and donors of this beautiful project.
What an Amazing last meeting for 2015-2016 for all of us with Lourdes Valdez as our Club President we had an amazing surprised guest of Honor, Alex Montoya who inspired all of us and reminded us thatwe are all Born for Greatness!
Our last meeting with Lourdes Valdez as our Club president
Our Rotary Club of Chula Vista Sunset was recognized as the 2015-2016 "Best Small Club Award" of District 5340. Congratulations to all members, leaders, and President Lourdes Valdez
Fellow Rotarian Mr. Mike Meany spoke to us on February 2, about his amazing book project. He collects books and distributes them free to anyone who needs or wants a book. His focus is to provide books to those in need such as veterans, homeless, incarcerated, and the children of the world.
The Rotary World Peace Conference 2016 was held in Ontario California on January 14, 15 and 16. I attended the conference because Peace and conflict resolution are one of my strongest interest within Rotary. This conference was one of the Presidential Conference series being held throughout the world. The World Peace conference is the only one being held in the USA. I was truly happy that I participated. I met up with friends from various districts around the World! There were friends from joint projects I had participated in the past. It was full of great speakers, all uplifting and many very famous!
Our Guest speaker on January 12 was Cindy Goodman. She is the District Fellowship Chair, from the RC of La Jolla. Rotary International sponsors the Rotary Fellowship program. It is a program separate from Rotary International (RI) but within RI.
There are many interests within each club and many club members travel or live abroad for extended periods. How great it is to find same minded and same interest people throughout the world.
The fellowship program was established to help unite those with similar interest. such as birding, horseback riding, cycling, doctors, lawyers, stamp collecting, quilt makers, chess, canoeing, music, motorcycles and so much more.
Go to the /rotary website for a complete list of sponsored fellowships. Each has its own website, their own meeting structure, and some have dues, bylaws. The important thing to remember is that there are requirements that have to be met to be sanctioned by Rotary.
It’s my great honor to serve this Rotary year 2015-2016 as the President for The Rotary Club of Chula Vista Sunset. I am excited to serve you all and I look forward to work hard to continue to make our Club prosper & growth.
During my year as President my hope is to inspire others to make a positive difference in someone’s life, to share the gift of Rotary within our world and to focus on serving others above self. There is a powerful gift in each of us! Be a Gift to the World!
My goals….our goals for this Rotary year 2015-2016 are as follow:
*To grow our Rotary Club to 25 members BY THE END OF June 2016 & retain 100% of our current members
*To insure our Club continues to support our The Rotary Foundation by committing to “EVERY ROTARIAN… EVERY YEAR”.
*To have a successful fundraising to get money for our Community Projects
*To increase the fellowship among other Clubs in our Area
*To promote Rotary within our Business Community by leveraging events & opportunities with The Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce and others.
*To promote Rotary within our young families and establish “Rotary KIDS” within our Club.
*To keep our club members engage & make our Club a more VIBRANT CLUB …WE WANT TO HAVE FUN during our meetings and during the time we roll our sleeves at our community projects.
Today we had an amazing start of our new Rotary year. With 2 new member induction, Dora and Lydia and our guest speaker, Pedro Cruz Camarena from Fundacion Castro Limon a hospital in Mexico that caters to kids with cancer..
A fun filled evening on the Schooner, Bill of Rights, sailing the beautiful San Diego Bay, celebrating the installation of our new President , Lourdes Valdez and our outgoing President, Penny Bollinger. Awards and certificates of gratitude were handed out with a toast of champagne while French songs were played in the background by musician, Mark Danisovsky. If your passion is to give back to the world while having fun and fellowship, please consider Rotary. We meet Tuesday evenings at First Bank in Eastlake, 6:30-8:00 pm.
Supporting the Montgomery HS Robotic Team at the Valley View Sports Arena on Saturday.. GO PHARAOHS! It is a great event if you missed it. Great family event especially to teach your little ones (boys and girls) about opportunities in the engineering field.
This picture of our Chula Vista Sunset Rotary Club family, was taken during our last Social gathering on March 31st at our incoming presidents Lourdes Valdez home... she was very kind to open the doors to her house, We all had a great time! Thank you so much for your hospitality.
Sporting black socks, straw hats and maybe even Tommy Bahama shirts, attendees at the 2014 Tacky Tourist Trivia Trip will square off in a costume contest and trivia challenge. It is all part of the fun planned by the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Sunset. The fundraiser takes place on Saturday, September 20 at three mystery locations. Get your "Passport" today for $40, which entitles the bearer to delicious food, fun and 'freshments! Proceeds benefit the Montgomery High Robotics team and Rotarian projects locally and abroad.
Here's what one of last year's attendees said about the event:
"Wow! What an incredible Tacky Tourist event! From the moment we drove into the parking lot and saw the signs indicating the location of the event to the three stop off tourist places, and from the costumes worn by those in attendance to the raffle held at the conclusion of the event, we were awed, mesmerzied, and wowwed!
"The decorations totally set the mood for each of the locations: the Islands, Japan, and Italy! What talent! What artistry! What hours of work that truly added elegance, charm, and mood to the event! The food was delectable and culturally enriching, the costumes were hilarious and creative, and the conversation was delightful!"
We could not have said it better ourselves! Click here for more info.
CV Sunset Embarks on 2014 Tacky Tourist Trivia Trip
Congratulations are in store for the Pharoah's Robotics team. They have finally finished designing, building and programing their robot. All San Diego teams were given a standard parts kit in January and had six weeks to complete the build. This years task is to pick up a two feet in diameter, exercise ball and throw it into several boxes, shotes and holes to score points. Three teams will be in the ring together and if they help and assist to make a point they all receive higher points. This will be a two day tournament at the Valley View Casino Arena on Sports Arena Blvd. San diego. March 7-8, 9:00-5:00pm. Rotary of Chula Vista Sunset is very proud to sponsor this team. Most of the students (juniors) will receive scholarships towards math and engineering degrees.
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Saturday, April 6. The collaboration included art instructor Denise Romero (Art Houz Studio of Eastlake) and muralist Juan Bosco.
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Prepare to be charmed by the electrifying music of our DJ that will make you hit the dance floor and bust out your best moves. Celebrate the power of philanthropy as you feast on a spread of delicious food and vie for exciting prizes. This evening is sure to be an unforgettable experience as you sail across San Diego Bay in celebration of the positive impact the Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake has made in the San Diego community and beyond.
fair justice. Recently, she visited the Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake to talk about her accomplishments and future initiatives. Her dedication to keeping the San Diego community safe stems from reading about the abuse of little girls in Sumatra at the age of 12. Stephan has been pursuing her promise to erase the feelings of fear and indignity from the community through her criminal justice programs. 
Located above the celebrated Jacobs Music Center, the University Club offers a one-of-a-kind experience for San Diego's diverse and influential members of the community. The location on the 34th floor offers breathtaking views. Vino, views and a good cause--what more can you ask for? 
Several of our members made a pit stop at the Outreach for Nazareth Orphanage in Tecate, Mex., on Saturday, November 5. We dropped off school supplies and helped a bit in the computer lab. We were pleased to meet volunteers from the San Diego County foundation which supports the orphanage's work. Our Rotary club is exploring ways to support its next event in January. We were all really moved by the experience. The children were so grateful for the school supplies, the donated computers from church groups in San Diego, and the interaction with the volunteers.
Did you know the 
School staff members identify students who display signs of chronic hunger. Warning signs include stomach aches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, hoarding food from the cafeteria, and absenteeism. Once a child has been identified as “chronically hungry,” a referral form is sent to the Food Bank and the student’s parents are sent a permission slip to enroll the student in the program. 
arris awards, recognizing generous contributions to The Rotary Foundation. A special thanks go out to our meeting host Lourdes Valdez (bottom photo), whose beautiful home made for a fantastic venue. It was a beautiful evening and our club is so pleased to welcome Mara and Miriam to the family of Rotary and our local club. They will help us make a difference in our community--and the world!
Haunted Harbor Cruise will be a Thriller. You'll receive a light meal, beverages, and scary delights aboard the schooner "Bill Of Frights." You'll depart this realm from the Chula Vista Marina and have a frightfully good time enjoying the breezy outdoors on San Diego Bay. Costumes are highly encouraged or you'll be walking the plank. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes!
Raise Your Glass!
The club's installation of officers for the 2021-22 Rotary Year took place at the new Pizzo's location in the Millenia development. President Anthony Millican, President-Elect Mark Gillette, Secretary Sabrina Monaco, and Publicity Chair Tara Simpson were sworn in as part of the new board. The club also celebrated the "outstallation"of club presidents Mauricio Torres, Sam Hernandez Meza and Anthony Millican. Each had assumed a leadership role during the previous year, impacted by the pandemic and related restrictions. The club continued meeting throughout the pandemic both in virtual and, later, hybrid formats. Members went on hikes, conducted service projects, and held fundraisers to the best of our ability given the circumstances. More than one member commented that we became closer as a club, and stronger. COVID-19 changed and impacted all of us in large ways and small.
Who doesn’t love a barbecue? Join us as the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake hosts a Red, White and Blue BBQ on Saturday, July 3. The inaugural event helps connect our community—and foster youth and their families. As you may know, foster families provide safe, stable and healing home environments for abused and neglected children. Chula Vista Elementary School District Social Workers have been able to outreach to more than 30 participants for the first in-person event for foster families in well over a year.
When the Chula Vista Eastlake Rotarians arrived, Hernandez was struck by the conditions. There were seniors who needed urgent medical care, attended to by an overwhelmed “staff” of four volunteers. The center had no hot water, and badly needed facility maintenance. Hernandez wasn’t sure where to start. He asked “Hermano Pablo,” the caring soul who runs the center with the help of his wife and some relatives, what they really needed. It was clear to Hernandez that the donated clothing and food were temporary fixes. The seniors home needed more than a figurative 'band-aid.'
The 2019-20 Rotary Year may bring mixed emotions, what with the outbreak of a global pandemic and related heartaches and disruptions. Yet, it is helpful to look back and appreciate the positives. Last September, our Rotary Club of Chula Vista Eastlake received word that we received a Rotary Gold Citation.
Our club's efforts led to overflow of a collection bin with food and toys to support the partnership of the Chula Vista Elementary School District, the Chula Vista Welfare Council, and Chula Vista Police Activities League (CVPAL) to collect donations of food and toys. CVESD employee Mayela Couturier helped decorate the beautiful bin our club used to collect items. The response from the community and our members was tremendous. First Bank allowed our club to place the bin in its lobby to collect donations from customers and club members. First Bank also donated $400 towards the purchase of food and/or toys to support this cause. A special thanks goes out to First Bank Vice President and Senior Branch Manager Lourdes Valdez. We are so happy to have Lourdes, a charter member, back with our club. She has been so enthusiastic—we all feed off her energy and tireless efforts on behalf of Rotary.
Our club members participated in the 36th Annual Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 26, 2020 in San Diego County. The global cleanup effort encouraged participants to make a local difference by removing litter and debris throughout the day. Our club chose to help clean up the shores along Imperial Beach. Members know that the impact on the health of our waterways and oceans – protecting the coast—starts at your front door!
Centre, a foster home in Kenya that our club has supported with District matching grants. In recent years, our club has funded the purchase of an oven for the home’s bakery program. The teenagers who age out of the school lack job training skills. The oven bakery program provides skills training. We've also supported other orphanage needs, and look to grow our partnership. Susan brought this partnership opportunity to our club after having spent time at the foster home herself. With a "can-do" nature, youthful spirit (she reminds us she is our youngest member) and ability to keep members well fed at meetings, Susan Kaplan is October's Rotarian of the Month.
well. Our club recently purchased a Rotary stand-up banner. It includes our club name, the iconic Rotary wheel logo, and basic information about our meeting day. The new banner, too, is a symbol of pride for our club. Recently, our executive board took a photo (right) with the new banner. There is both power and pride in the symbols on display at our meetings. We encourage you to reflect on the feelings and values that each of these symbols evoke.
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