We held our annual State of the Club and the Club Foundation Assembly today.
Club Foundation Meeting was called to order.
We celebrated our final library payment with cupcakes, thanks to Liz. Liz summarized our involvement with supporting the building of the new library. We committed to supporting the plaza in the front of the library for $175,000 and worked with The Friends of the Library and the City. Liz was instrumental in leading this effort. Also, the city will repair our sign at the front of the building. Dianne summarized how the Club Foundation funds are managed, the role of the investment committee and how funds are distributed. She also spoke about the Robin Jeffs Fund. We purchased a bench at the Senior Center with a portion of those funds. We will begin work on completing the process of utilizing the funds he donated.
Mary provided financial reports and walked us through the information. This year we had our most successful fundraiser yet. Lobster Fest netted $45,000 to the Club, after the $30,000 to the non-profits and our club foundation. The non-profits Big Wave, (for their Fall Festival) and Maiden Voyage (to fund an app for kids) were awarded, $10,000 each. $10,000 also went to the Club Foundation. As Chair of the Club Foundation, Dianne explained briefly the history and structure of our Foundation, the ByLaws and the Chart of Accounts that guide our financial commitments in several areas. For example, one of these is our annual distribution of $3,000 for scholarships; another is $1,000 for disaster relief. Since 2014-15 part of that money is spent each year on Shelter Box as part of a collaboration with the Pacifica and Milbrae Clubs that started in 2024-25. And now 2 other District 5150 Clubs have joined this collaboration. International projects are targeted for 10-30% and our Investment Account is also to be funded each year on a sliding scale. There is an Investment sub committee that guides our Investments and other sub committee can be formed for special projects such as the separate fund established as the Robin Jeffs Fund. Any questions or ideas—ask Dianne or committee members/club board.
The Club Foundation meeting was adjourned and the Club Meeting was called to order.
Mary walked us through the budget vs actual report. We haven’t raised dues and continue “pay as you go” for events. Pumpkin Fest was successful. Those funds are available for club expenses and $2,000 is earmarked for our small donations fund. Note—Ginger needs a couple of people for the Small Donations Committee.
Then the other Officers and Board Directors gave an update on each area of responsibility as follows.
Club Service—Liz advised this includes administration, the banners, paying taxes, the website, the newsletter, information reported to the District and RI as well as making sure our meetings are welcoming and inclusive. Creating a visioning plan for going forward.
Community Service—Susan reported that we have monthly ongoing projects including Coastside Hope packaging, Mary; Free Breakfast, Joe; Little Libraries, Joe. Annual projects are Beach Cleanup in September, Susan; Life Skills at HMB, Pilarcitos and Pescadero High Schools, Charise; Dictionaries, Warren. One Offs include the Creek Clean Up at San Pedro Creek in August and helping the El Granada PTO with their Dogs in the Park event in April. Future Opportunities include El Granada PTO events, monthly creek clean ups (possibly with Pacifica and San Mateo clubs) and Home Rehab with Senior Coastsiders. I’m looking for ideas of what members would like to do, one offs, monthly…etc. I’m also looking for my replacement. I’d be happy to share contacts, work in tandem. Etc. Kristine encouraged us to reach out and work on projects with other clubs.
International Service—Joe reported that our club has a proud history of international service. He has developed a relationship with a group in La Plaz and is planning another trip there probably in March. The trip will be a combination of volunteering and whale watching. The van they worked on last trip has been completely remodeled by volunteers. Joe is also looking for a replacement.
Vocational Service—Bella reviewed the role and how it intersects with the 4 way test. In business and personal life. A lot of the role is keeping track of what we are doing. A key part is honoring non-Rotarians, like the Teacher’s Lunch, honoring our librarians, and providing vocational scholarships. We also sponsor Rotary Means Business events where Rotarians and community members meet. The two events this year covered AI and tariffs. Our goal is to have at least 50% participation in a service event—we’re 100% on Pumpkin Fest and Lobster Fest. We provide mentorships for students and adults. We provide scholarships for people (adults) going back to school for additional training or education.
Youth Service—new member Karen S. recently met with Amy Traner at HMBHS and is working on it. Charise reported on Life Skills this year. HMBHS will be next in the spring.
Membership—Ginger encouraged us to share what we do with friends and associates. We plan to add 5 new members this year. Wear your pin, talk about what we do, invite someone to a meeting or event. Find out what someone’s passion is and how it may intersect with Rotary. Clubs are encouraged to update websites and do a weekly or monthly membership moment. Mark your calendar: January 23 is an event dedicated to membership. Please plan ahead and think of 5 potential members.
Public Image—Dianne shared that a key part of this is our website. The site, Club Runner, consists of a public and a private space for members. Dianne asks that we look at the home page often, send pictures and comments from events. She updates often, currently she has info from Charity Navigator on front page as well as our current activities. This a good tool for introducing potential members. Four Foghorn writers write up meeting notes, you can use this to catch up. Private membership login provides a lot of information and tools. We also have a Facebook page. Liz adds a lot of content, we have 30 followers. Kristine complimented our website and recommended that we log onto Facebook and share our posts to get the algorithms going. The Rotary International Foundation m- Warren. The three letters we need to emember are TRF. The three numbers are 88, 50 and 73, 88% of TRF funds collected go to programs, awards and operations. Charity Navigator has given TRF a four star rating, their highest rating. TRF transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. Fifty percent of all donations that our club gives come back to our club in three years to use for projects. Seventy-three percent is probably the most important. It relates to how much we contribute as a club. Seventy-three percent of us have donated. To get the Best Club Award, Rotary annual share giving must be at least every $150 per member, we’re at $193 per per capita. See Warren for how to contribute
Then Bella was confirmed as next year’s President-Elect.
CLUB MEETING December 11, 2025
Pledge of Allegiance - Irwin led us in the Pledge.
Ginger suggested listening to music at Barterra Winery and checking out the lighted boats at the harbor.
Next week is our Holiday party at the Odd Fellows Hall, $30. Come at 11 if you’d like to help set up.
John announced Andrea, our 2008-2009 exchange student, got married and is pregnant. She’s been living in Dubai and plans to visit sometime.
Beach Break Film Festival—Barb recommends going.