We collected cans and cash that were much appreciated by Food Share, initiating a new tradition.
Our first program speaker of the year was Melissa Hannah from United Parents. She spoke about the services and resources this Ventura County non-profit provides to families raising children and youth with emotional, behavioral, mental health, and special education needs. We also had two Rotary Youth Leadership Assembly attendees visit our meeting to debrief the Club on their camp experience and newfound leadership skills.
This month, we are welcoming our first Youth Study Exchange student since 2020! Javier arrives from Spain in time to enjoy summer on the Ventura coast, and gloat about his country winning the World Cup!
Our socials this year will be on the 4th Thursdays!! Please note that for your calendars. Nancy will be coordinating and taking the RSVPs and location recommendations (408) 655-3718. We start with this Thursday the 23rd at Finny’s Crafthouse on Main Street.
On months that have a 5th Thursday: July, October, April, we will be organizing a community service project sometime during that week instead of having a regular meeting. So we will NOT have a regular meeting on July 30th.
The Foundation Gala will be on September 12th from 11-3 in Camarillo, with fun foods from around the world! Email myself for registration!
It is my honor and privilesge to serve this club and our community. Please let me know if you have any ideas for club speakers, community service projects, or other ways Rotary can get active! Thank you.
Yours in Rotary,
Derek Eidson
President | Rotary Club Ventura East
Event Coordinator | Poinsettia Pavilion
Wade Nomura presented Bill Spellman with a Certificate of Honor for his 61 years of Rotary service; signed by the new Rotary International President “Yinka” Babalola.
Outgoing club co-presidents Kathy McGee and Carin Kally recounted the highpoints of their year and then happily presented incoming president Derek Eidson with his gavel, under the watchful eye of Roary.
At our last meeting of 2025-26 we had the honor of presenting $1000 checks to the 24 Ventura College Nursing Program recipients of the Bob Pazen Nursing Scholarships. It was a privilege to hear their inspiring stories of dedication and perserverance. Bob Pazen was a revered member of the community and a devoted Rotarian.
On May 14, 2026, The Rotary Club of Ventura East held their annual scholarship luncheo21 graduating high school students from the Ventura Unified School District received a total of $71,500 in grants. The highest award of $7,500 was given to Madeleine Wicks of Foothill Technology High School.
An additional $80,000 in grants was given to current college students who reapplied for scholarships that were awarded in prior years.
In total The Rotary Club of Ventura East has awarded over 1.3 million dollars in scholarships to over 400 students.
We want to say thank you for your continued support of three children at Chayah Children's Home in Uganda.
Pius is in 6th grade and doing well. His health is good and he has become a very responsible young man as he's become more comfortable in the boy's home with Chayah's staff
Daisy is thriving. She's put on weight since coming and her health is excellent. She's not quite old enough for school, but enjoys playing with the other toddlers. She is well cared for by the Mothers and Aunties at Chayah and is doted on by the older kids.
Otim is just turning 3 and also doing well. He is a busy toddler and delights in making others laugh. He is full of joy, healthy and loves to take the lead with his age-mates. He's also been known to take their toys run for the hills!
Your sponsorship provides meals, clothing, housing, medical care, a nurturing staff and lots of space to play. We couldn't do it without you and appreciate your continued care and support of these three miracles.
We are a nonpolitical, nonsectarian social organization comprising local business, civic and professional leaders. We meet regularly to get to know each other, form friendships and through that we are able to solve community and global problems with service projects. Like:
Scholarships at 5 local high schools,
Interact Clubs at 3 local schools.
Support the YMCA, City Center, Ventura Botanical Gardens
Promote literacy and career guidance in schools
Internationally we support an orphanage & school in Uganda and contribute to eliminating Polio worldwide.
The Rotary Club of Ventura-East meets Thursday noon to 1:30 at the Poinsettia Pavilion in Ventura. Come and learn more about Rotary's humanitarian service, high ethical standards in all vocations and help build good will in this community. Use your professional skills and talents to make a difference.
