Club Information
Welcome to our Club!
Santa Ynez Valley

Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m.
Santa Ynez Valley Community Outreach Dining Room
140 W HWY 246
Buellton, CA 93463
United States of America
We meet on the Second and Fourth Wednesdays of every month!
Home Page Stories
Who are We? and What is Our Mission?
Our Mission is simple. We enjoy helping others and try to foster peace, prosperity, goodwill and understanding throughout our community and the world.
Working together as a group, we accomplish much more than we could individually. We expect nothing in return for our efforts.
Seeing the positive changes we help make possible locally and throughout the world is its own greatest reward.
We believe in living up to Rotary’s motto: “Service Above Self “.
Our Projects:
• 4th of July Fundraiser
• Architectural Design Competition
• Dictionary Project
• Sunny Fields Park
• Oaxaca, Mexico Construction
• PACE Girl's School, India
• IDC Foundation, Philippines
• Danish Days
• Dental Service Project, Ensanada, Mexico
• Donating our time to other Clubs and Organizations so their mission can be realized

The Santa Ynez Valley Rotary Club was officially chartered on March 10, 1959, with 25 founding members. Robert T. "Pea Soup" Andersen was elected the first president, while Willard B. "Bill" Bellack, a seasoned Rotarian and past district governor from Wisconsin, played a crucial role in recruiting members and served as the club's first secretary. District Governor Reuben J. "Rube" Irwin presented the charter on April 29, 1959.

Dr. Frank "Doc" Pedersen, the last surviving charter member, played an essential role in shaping the club and the local community. He served as president from 1965-66 and was instrumental in establishing the Santa Ynez Valley Hospital in 1964. A dedicated physician, he practiced for 36 years, delivering over 800 babies and frequently making house calls. His love for fishing led him on adventures from Alaska to Baja, and he was known for generously sharing his catches with friends.

In 1962-63, the valley was struck by a polio epidemic. Thanks to Dr. Pedersen’s initiative, the club organized one of the first polio immunization clinics in the county, vaccinating hundreds of children. Rotary’s leadership in this effort set a precedent, prompting county officials to continue similar clinics.

Dr. Pedersen’s legacy embodies community spirit, service, and dedication, making a lasting impact on the Santa Ynez Valley. His contributions, along with those of the club’s founders, have cemented Rotary’s role in supporting and improving the local community.

Rotary International
Rotarian brings home mental health support

Rotarian brings home mental health

Upcoming Events
4th of July Festival & Fireworks
Speakers
Bill MacFayden
May 28, 2025
Noozhawk Publication
Club Executives & Directors
President
President-Elect
Co-President