OUR FOUNDATION
WITH YOUR HELP…
Lake Area Rotary Club Association Fire Relief Fund: Clearlake Rotary Leads With Hands-On Support
By Pamela Harpster
Since its inception in 2015, following the Valley Fire, the Lake Area Rotary Club Association (LARCA) Fire Relief Fund has distributed over $1.6 million to support fire victims across our region. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to our community, LARCA has ensured that 100% of the funds collected go directly to those affected. Through the generosity of our donors and the dedication of Rotary members, we continue to provide meaningful aid to help rebuild lives and strengthen our community in times of crisis.
In response to the numerous fires affecting Lake County, including the recent Boyles Fire, all three Rotary clubs—Lakeport, Clearlake, and Kelseyville—joined forces to provide essential support to impacted residents. Together, through the compassion and dedication of our Rotary members, we stand united with our community, bringing relief and hope to those affected. We remain committed to helping Lake County rebuild and recover, ensuring that support is always available to those in need.
CLICK HERE to view a video of Rotarians at work!
Main Street Transforms for Rotary Club of Lakeport’s “Trick or Treat on Main Street” Event
Lakeport, CA – October 31, 2024
This Halloween, Main Street in Lakeport turned into a bustling, family-friendly celebration as the Rotary Club of Lakeport sponsored the “Trick or Treat on Main Street” event. On October 31, hundreds of children and parents arrived in festive costumes to enjoy an evening of community fun, safe trick-or-treating, and creative festivities.
For the first time, Main Street was blocked off, providing a secure and lively space for participants to explore. Local stores set up tables outside, delighting young trick-or-treaters with an array of sweets and goodies, while many community organizations joined in, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Rotary Club members handed out water to keep everyone refreshed, ensuring that both kids and parents could enjoy the night comfortably.
Adding to the excitement, the Kiwanis Club of Lakeport hosted a spirited costume contest in front of the Museum, where children of all ages showed off their creativity. The crowd enjoyed a fantastic showcase of costumes, ranging from classic monsters to popular characters, with winners awarded prizes.
The event was a major success, drawing families from around the community and providing a joyful, safe Halloween experience for all. The Rotary Club of Lakeport’s sponsorship and the support of local businesses and organizations made this Main Street Halloween unforgettable, setting a new tradition for Lakeport families to look forward to each year.
CLICK HERE to see a video of the event!
CLICK HERE to see the article about the event in the Record Bee!
Historic Curfew Bell Ribbon Cutting Held at Xabatin Community Park
Lakeport, CA – October 23, 2024
The Rotary Club of Lakeport proudly celebrated the installation of the historic Curfew Bell in Xabatin Community Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on October 23, 2024. This project, spearheaded by Past President Mark Lipps, saw the return of a treasured piece of Lakeport’s history to public view.
The Curfew Bell, dating back to the 1800s, now stands proudly in the park as a symbol of the city’s heritage, thanks to the efforts of the Rotary Club of Lakeport, who raised funds and coordinated the project. The installation of the bell was a true community effort, made possible by the generosity of many individuals and businesses who donated money, time, and materials. Their contributions helped transform the vision of preserving and showcasing the bell into reality.
Members of the Lakeport City Council and City Staff were present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, where they joined the Rotary Club, residents, and project supporters in celebrating the bell’s new home. Mark Lipps, who coordinated the event and oversaw the project from start to finish, acknowledged the hard work and support from everyone involved, noting the project as a lasting contribution to Lakeport’s community and cultural landscape.
Xabatin Community Park now offers visitors a meaningful historical feature, reminding all who see it of Lakeport’s enduring spirit and dedication to preserving its history for future generations.
OUR CAUSES
Rotary is dedicated to causes that build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support our peace efforts and end polio forever..
PROMOTING PEACE
Fighting disease
We educate and equip communities to stop the spread of life-threatening diseases like polio, HIV/AIDS, and malaria. We improve and expand access to low-cost and free health care in developing areas.
Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
We support local solutions to bring clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to more people every day. We don’t just build wells and walk away. We share our expertise with community leaders and educators to make sure our projects succeed long-term.
Saving mothers and children
Nearly 6 million children under the age of five die each year because of malnutrition, poor health care, and inadequate sanitation. We expand access to quality care, so mothers and their children can live and grow stronger.
Supporting education
More than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy.
Growing local economies
We carry out service projects that enhance economic and community development and create opportunities for decent and productive work for young and old. We also strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities.
Protecting the environment
Rotary members are tackling environmental issues the way they always do: coming up with projects, using their connections to change policy and planning for the future.
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION IN DISTRICT 5330
Doing good in the world, both locally and abroad, is the most well-recognized aspect of The Rotary Foundation (TRF). Through the cultural bridges and understandings built, TRF can deliver both efficiently and effectively.
The unique position of Rotarians in numerous countries and communities, coupled with unparalleled integrity embodied in The Four Way Test, makes TRF able to solve big problems while demonstrating sincere care and a vision of sustainability.
District 5330 has always been a top donor worldwide and continues to lead. Funding for programs above is largely tied to District 5330 contributions over time, making generosity a priority.
The Rotary Foundation is comprised of three Funds working together in providing for programs: Annual Fund, Endowment Fund and PolioPlus.
WE CAN DO THIS
Lake Area Rotary Club Association Fire Relief Fund: Clearlake Rotary Leads With Hands-On Support
By Pamela Harpster
Since its inception in 2015, following the Valley Fire, the Lake Area Rotary Club Association (LARCA) Fire Relief Fund has distributed over $1.6 million to support fire victims across our region. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to our community, LARCA has ensured that 100% of the funds collected go directly to those affected. Through the generosity of our donors and the dedication of Rotary members, we continue to provide meaningful aid to help rebuild lives and strengthen our community in times of crisis.
In response to the numerous fires affecting Lake County, including the recent Boyles Fire, all three Rotary clubs—Lakeport, Clearlake, and Kelseyville—joined forces to provide essential support to impacted residents. Together, through the compassion and dedication of our Rotary members, we stand united with our community, bringing relief and hope to those affected. We remain committed to helping Lake County rebuild and recover, ensuring that support is always available to those in need.
CLICK HERE to view a video of Rotarians at work!
Main Street Transforms for Rotary Club of Lakeport’s “Trick or Treat on Main Street” Event
Lakeport, CA – October 31, 2024
This Halloween, Main Street in Lakeport turned into a bustling, family-friendly celebration as the Rotary Club of Lakeport sponsored the “Trick or Treat on Main Street” event. On October 31, hundreds of children and parents arrived in festive costumes to enjoy an evening of community fun, safe trick-or-treating, and creative festivities.
For the first time, Main Street was blocked off, providing a secure and lively space for participants to explore. Local stores set up tables outside, delighting young trick-or-treaters with an array of sweets and goodies, while many community organizations joined in, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Rotary Club members handed out water to keep everyone refreshed, ensuring that both kids and parents could enjoy the night comfortably.
Adding to the excitement, the Kiwanis Club of Lakeport hosted a spirited costume contest in front of the Museum, where children of all ages showed off their creativity. The crowd enjoyed a fantastic showcase of costumes, ranging from classic monsters to popular characters, with winners awarded prizes.
The event was a major success, drawing families from around the community and providing a joyful, safe Halloween experience for all. The Rotary Club of Lakeport’s sponsorship and the support of local businesses and organizations made this Main Street Halloween unforgettable, setting a new tradition for Lakeport families to look forward to each year.
CLICK HERE to see a video of the event!
CLICK HERE to see the article about the event in the Record Bee!
Historic Curfew Bell Ribbon Cutting Held at Xabatin Community Park
Lakeport, CA – October 23, 2024
The Rotary Club of Lakeport proudly celebrated the installation of the historic Curfew Bell in Xabatin Community Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on October 23, 2024. This project, spearheaded by Past President Mark Lipps, saw the return of a treasured piece of Lakeport’s history to public view.
The Curfew Bell, dating back to the 1800s, now stands proudly in the park as a symbol of the city’s heritage, thanks to the efforts of the Rotary Club of Lakeport, who raised funds and coordinated the project. The installation of the bell was a true community effort, made possible by the generosity of many individuals and businesses who donated money, time, and materials. Their contributions helped transform the vision of preserving and showcasing the bell into reality.
Members of the Lakeport City Council and City Staff were present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, where they joined the Rotary Club, residents, and project supporters in celebrating the bell’s new home. Mark Lipps, who coordinated the event and oversaw the project from start to finish, acknowledged the hard work and support from everyone involved, noting the project as a lasting contribution to Lakeport’s community and cultural landscape.
Xabatin Community Park now offers visitors a meaningful historical feature, reminding all who see it of Lakeport’s enduring spirit and dedication to preserving its history for future generations.
OUR FOUNDATION GRANTS
The district provides both community and global grants.
Using Rotary Foundation grants, our 34,000 clubs worldwide develop and carry out sustainable humanitarian projects, and provide scholarships and professional training to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, sustain mothers and children, improve education, and strengthen local economies.
District community grants fund small-scale, short-term activities that address needs in your community and communities abroad.
Global grants support large international activities with sustainable, measurable outcomes in Rotary’s areas of focus.
Grant sponsors form international partnerships that respond to real community needs. Find out more:
OUR FOUNDATION PROGRAMS
As well as awarding grants around the world, district and global grants totaling in the hundreds of millions each year, the Rotary Foundation runs three targeted programs:
POLIO PLUS
Rotary, along with our partners, has reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent worldwide since our first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979. We are close to eradicating polio, but we need your help. Whether you have a few minutes or a few hours, here are some ways to make a global impact and protect children against polio forever.
PEACE SCHOLARSHIPS
Each year, Rotary selects individuals from around the world to receive fully funded academic fellowships at one of our peace centers. In just over a decade, the Rotary Peace Centers have trained more than 900 fellows for careers in peace building. Many of them go on to serve as leaders in national governments, NGOs and international organizations.
VOCATIONAL TRAINING TEAMS
Vocational training teams are groups of professionals who travel abroad either to teach local professionals about a particular field or to learn more about their own. The can be funded through district and global grants, continues to greatly help host communities solve problems and improve the quality of life.
SCHOLARSHIP
Scholarship funding is provided through the Rotary Foundation Global Grant. It funds graduate-level coursework or research covering anywhere from one to four academic years. Clubs and districts can create their own scholarships funded by district grants for any form of studies or with global grants for graduate studies in an area of focus.
FOUNDATION RESOURCES
Lake Area Rotary Club Association Fire Relief Fund: Clearlake Rotary Leads With Hands-On Support
By Pamela Harpster
Since its inception in 2015, following the Valley Fire, the Lake Area Rotary Club Association (LARCA) Fire Relief Fund has distributed over $1.6 million to support fire victims across our region. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to our community, LARCA has ensured that 100% of the funds collected go directly to those affected. Through the generosity of our donors and the dedication of Rotary members, we continue to provide meaningful aid to help rebuild lives and strengthen our community in times of crisis.
In response to the numerous fires affecting Lake County, including the recent Boyles Fire, all three Rotary clubs—Lakeport, Clearlake, and Kelseyville—joined forces to provide essential support to impacted residents. Together, through the compassion and dedication of our Rotary members, we stand united with our community, bringing relief and hope to those affected. We remain committed to helping Lake County rebuild and recover, ensuring that support is always available to those in need.
CLICK HERE to view a video of Rotarians at work!
Main Street Transforms for Rotary Club of Lakeport’s “Trick or Treat on Main Street” Event
Lakeport, CA – October 31, 2024
This Halloween, Main Street in Lakeport turned into a bustling, family-friendly celebration as the Rotary Club of Lakeport sponsored the “Trick or Treat on Main Street” event. On October 31, hundreds of children and parents arrived in festive costumes to enjoy an evening of community fun, safe trick-or-treating, and creative festivities.
For the first time, Main Street was blocked off, providing a secure and lively space for participants to explore. Local stores set up tables outside, delighting young trick-or-treaters with an array of sweets and goodies, while many community organizations joined in, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Rotary Club members handed out water to keep everyone refreshed, ensuring that both kids and parents could enjoy the night comfortably.
Adding to the excitement, the Kiwanis Club of Lakeport hosted a spirited costume contest in front of the Museum, where children of all ages showed off their creativity. The crowd enjoyed a fantastic showcase of costumes, ranging from classic monsters to popular characters, with winners awarded prizes.
The event was a major success, drawing families from around the community and providing a joyful, safe Halloween experience for all. The Rotary Club of Lakeport’s sponsorship and the support of local businesses and organizations made this Main Street Halloween unforgettable, setting a new tradition for Lakeport families to look forward to each year.
CLICK HERE to see a video of the event!
CLICK HERE to see the article about the event in the Record Bee!
Historic Curfew Bell Ribbon Cutting Held at Xabatin Community Park
Lakeport, CA – October 23, 2024
The Rotary Club of Lakeport proudly celebrated the installation of the historic Curfew Bell in Xabatin Community Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on October 23, 2024. This project, spearheaded by Past President Mark Lipps, saw the return of a treasured piece of Lakeport’s history to public view.
The Curfew Bell, dating back to the 1800s, now stands proudly in the park as a symbol of the city’s heritage, thanks to the efforts of the Rotary Club of Lakeport, who raised funds and coordinated the project. The installation of the bell was a true community effort, made possible by the generosity of many individuals and businesses who donated money, time, and materials. Their contributions helped transform the vision of preserving and showcasing the bell into reality.
Members of the Lakeport City Council and City Staff were present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, where they joined the Rotary Club, residents, and project supporters in celebrating the bell’s new home. Mark Lipps, who coordinated the event and oversaw the project from start to finish, acknowledged the hard work and support from everyone involved, noting the project as a lasting contribution to Lakeport’s community and cultural landscape.
Xabatin Community Park now offers visitors a meaningful historical feature, reminding all who see it of Lakeport’s enduring spirit and dedication to preserving its history for future generations.
D5330 FOUNDATION COMMITTEE CHAIR
 | Douglas W. Baker La Quinta of the Desert District 5330 District Foundation Chair Contact |
FOUNDATION SUB-COMMITTEE CHAIRS
 | Rudy G. Westervelt E-Club of World Peace, D5330 District 5330 District Grants Chair Contact |
 | Rod Hendry Indian Wells District 5330 District Global Scholarship Chair Contact |
 | Robert LeRoy Traister Riverside East District 5330 Member Contact |
 | Evelyn L. Massey San Bernardino Crossroads District 5330 Endowment & Major Gifts Chair Contact |
 | Helene A. Kalfuss Ph.D. Cathedral City District 5330 Global Grants Chair Contact |
 | Bill Orr San Bernardino District 5330 Annual Fund Chair Contact |