Ventura High School Interact Club pancake breakfast January 13, 2023, for those who won the Food Share Can Collection competition.
The Ventura Breeze, Dec. 28, 2022 through Jan 10, 2023, recognized our Holiday Event for West End Kids. https://venturabreeze.com/2022/12/28/the-california-highway-patrol-provided-each-child-with-a-toy/
On Saturday, December 17, 2022, the Rotary Club of Ventura co-hosted a holiday event. We distributed coats and toys to 347 kids, sponsored by a generous donation from SoCalGas.
On December 14, 2022, club member Mike Schwartz gave a presentation on the historical roots of Hanukkah. Latkes were served, followed by an exciting game of Dreidel.
The Holiday Social was held December 10, 2022, at the home of Betsy Chess. Great food, fun, and fellowship!
The Rotary Club of Ventura and individual members donated $2,100 to build three can trees in Figueroa Plaza 12/3/22 to benefit Food Share Ventura County.
November 2022 will mark the nineteenth year of the Rotary Club of Ventura’s Coats for Kids Project. Again this year the Rotary Club of Ventura South joins in the effort. The clubs initiate the collection of coats at numerous locations. They will be cleaned or laundered by local businesses. Rotary organizes their distribution. In spite of the limitations of the Pandemic last year over 2500 coats were given to needy children and adults in Ventura County. This year Rotary hopes to collect 4000 coats and jackets. Recipients of the coats include the Boys and Girls Clubs, The Salvation Army, Casa Pacifica, Project Understanding, Westminster Free Clinic, Ventura County Rescue Mission, churches and other service organizations.
Representatives from SEEAG (Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture) presented at our meeting October 26, 2022. SEEAG is sponsoring Farm Day November 5, 2022, where you can visit 21 different farms and agricultural businesses. For information: https://venturacountyfarmday.com/
The deadline for the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) essay applications is fast approaching. The due date is November 4, 2022. Feel free to share the application with your Interact club, your school counselors, and with your own family and friends who have students in high school. Rotarians are also invited to attend the RYLA closing ceremonies April 23, 2023 in Ojai.
The Grace Center is an initiative that provides high school educations for girls in Kazungula, Zambia. It is supported by a Rotary Global Grant for which Rotary Club of Ventura is an international host. The schools help young women at risk for sexual exploitation and early marriage by training them in vocations where they can find employment. Individual donations and sponsorships are needed to pay school fees, textbooks, school uniforms and some meals.
See link for more information:
Contact: George Poulakos
Guatemala Tomorrow Fund (501-C) website for more information: thegtfund.org
KING CHARLES IS WEARING HIS!
King Charles III is an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Banchory-Ternan, Scotland. (Photo August 5, 2017)
Twelve nonprofit organizations that received grants from Ventura Rotary's Julius Gius Memorial Rotary Foundation were guests at our meeting September 7, 2002 to discuss the projects funded by the grants. The grants totalled $43,500.
Barbeque Dinner at Portside, Ventura Harbor, on August 31. Ranchera Steak, BBQ chicken, potluck side dishes, and good opportunity to visit with club members and their families.
Mara Rodriguez from America's Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College gave a presentation to the club on August 24. She was accompanied by six "animal ambassadors" who are sadly ineligible for membership.
Our annual Backpack Project was held August 20, 2022. The Rotary Clubs of Ventura, Ventura East, and Ventura South, along with the Ventura Downtown Lions Club, filled 600 backpacks with supplies to donate to Ventura elementary, middle school, and high school students. 
On July 3, 2022, Rotary Club of Ventura put on the city's largest fireworks event ever! Over 7,500 were in attendance, with food trucks, a children's zone, live music and dancing, and, of course, a great fireworks show!
Thanks to our the community members who attended, the volunteers, and the sponsors, including major sponsorsTrade Desk, Wheelhouse, Ventura Auto Center, Hofer Properties, and Community Memorial Health system. Our book club meets each month for a glass of wine and to discuss that month's book selection.
