About us, A message from President Dave Johnson:
“A Society is measured not by how high it raises its citizens, but how low it allows them to fall.” Unknown
Rotary offers a unique opportunity to give back to the community…all communities. By combining our efforts with the 1.2 million other Rotarians world wide, or with the dozens in Petaluma, we can make a difference in peoples lives. We can provide help for those in need and create opportunities for those who strive to better themselves and their communities. Together we can chip away at intolerance, ignorance and fear.
Our vision for our Club, is to continue to grow Rotary and keep its “Service Above Self” creed by collaborating with as many like minded citizens as possible. Whether you join us as a member of Rotary, or as a friend to the world community…we will welcome your assistance and dedication."
Our Rotarians are volunteers, and our community service projects require the collaborative efforts of many people within our community. Some examples of our club’s tireless effort to improve our community are:
Back to School Clothes for COTS Homeless Shelter Children. The Club purchased back to school socks and gift certificate for shoes for the homeless children at the COTS (Committee on the Shelterless) Family Shelter. In the fall, we will give them a gift certificate for jackets for the winter.
Waves to Wine. The “Rotary Chain Gang” returned with great enthusiasm and spirit, and successful fundraising efforts to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Oktoberfest Fund Raiser. The Club’s Oktoberfest event continues to be a community-wide event and hugely successful. In the event’s sixth year, people from throughout the region came to join in traditional Oktoberfest activities, dance the polka, enjoy the traditional Oktoberfest music, feast on traditional German fare, sample a beer or two participate in silent auctions. Lagunitas, a well known local brewery, continued to support the Club’s efforts by donating beer.
Junior Achievement. Club members volunteered to participate in the Junior Achievement Elementary School Program. This involves one hour per week over a 5-week period, serving as a role model and facilitator for in-class programs. This classroom program teaches young children in grades 1 -6 the fundamentals of family, community, business, and economic issues that are relevant to their age groups.
RYLA. Petaluma Valley Rotary will continue their support by sponsoring students to attend this annual Rotary Youth Leadership Award. Joining with the other two Petaluma clubs, we will provide a Bar-B-Que dinner for the camp.
Harold Alexander Scholarship Fund. Harold Alexander was our charter (first) President. In his honor, our club grants scholarships to deserving seniors in all five of the Petaluma High Schools, including the two alternative schools.
Dictionary Program. Our club continues to be involved with donation of funds and time during the distribution of dictionaries to the 3rd grade students.
Books for COTS kids. We continue to donate our speaker gifts of autographed children’s books to COTS kids.
Rotary Summer Camp in honor or John G. Strong and Tom Farrell (formerly Cool Kids Camp). Our club enjoys responsibility for implementing this incredible experience for children who have been the victims of abuse. We sponsor at least three children to the camp annually.
Interact Leadership Retreat. Petaluma Valley Rotary supports this endeavor each year by sponsoring and accompanying Casa Grande High School Interact Club members who attend this weekend leadership camp.” see our Interact website: HERE
Sharing Tree. Once again the Club organized the Sharing Tree Program, inviting the community to participate in purchasing gifts for residents of convalescent homes in Petaluma during the holiday period. Gifts that are not purchased by the community are donated by our Club and members. Club members join in the gift distribution experience.
Rotaract. Petaluma Valley Rotary continues to be active with the Southern Sonoma County Rotaract Club. Several members are active advisors and other members join the Rotaract members as often as possible. The Rotaract members always volunteer to work at the PVR’s events and have generously supported the Africa/Uganda Student Scholarship Program by adopting a student and funding their educational costs.
Rebuilding Together. Our club will join other groups and community citizens to help individuals and families with home maintenance and cleanup activities. Youth Exchange Student. The three Petaluma Clubs host all of the Youth Exchange Students throughout the District for a weekend in October. This year our exchange student, “Mint”, is from Thailand. She will spend a year in Petaluma hosted by three families, experiencing a broad perspective of American life.
Petaluma Service Alliance. A passion of one Club member, Maureen Francis, has spread to include seven Clubs: Kiwanis, Elks, two Lions Clubs, and three Rotary Clubs. This year we improved the work environment at OADS, and will continue to explore other community opportunities.
It is rewarding and gratifying to be a Rotarian in the Rotary Club of Petaluma Valley.