Paso Robles Rotary Club works to build goodwill and better relationships
The annual Paso Robles Rotary “Tee It Up For OUR Kids” golf tournament has been raising money for the community for around 20 years. With three years of growth under event chairperson Rick Goree, the Paso Robles Rotary Club annual golf tournament has become a proud source of charitable donations into the community, and in 2017 it raised $40,000 for distribution to local causes.
Alongside Goree, fellow Rotarian Lars Jorgenson was instrumental to quadruple the tournament fundraising and Rotarians Jennifer Idler and Jennifer Wescom led the silent auction.
All together, Paso Robles Rotary Club raised and donated money for Boy Scouts Troop 60, Boys and Girls Club, the Children’s Museum, Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation, Youth Works, Morning Star Youth Ranch, CASA, Skills USA, and Rancho El Chorro.
Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation
“Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation is honored to receive a $5,000 donation from Paso Robles Rotary Club for the 2017 Dining with the Arts Fundraiser Gala,” the organization wrote in a message. “All funds raised directly support PRYAF students’ artistic journeys through classes, materials, costumes and supplies.”
Since the founding of PRYAF, 17 years ago, the program has grown to serve over 400 students each quarter, offering a changing array of exciting visual and performing arts classes. When the California Arts Budget was cut by 90%, PRYAF stepped up to the plate.
“At PRYAF, we believe the arts are vital to the cognitive growth and development of our children.” By the numbers, the donation from Rotary pays the full cost of delivering PRYAF services to 200 local children for an entire year. “Paso Robles Rotary Club’s contribution is so important and allows us to continue our mission to enrich the lives of area youth with free after school classes in the visual and performing arts, in a safe and nurturing environment,” Emily Jagger, PRYAF Director of Development reported. “Through this contribution, Rotary and community members are helping to share the wondrous possibilities that an arts education brings to the well-being of our youth.”
Call 805-238-5825 for information, or visit pryaf.org.
Boy Scouts of America
The Rotary Club of Paso Robles continues more than 70 years of history supporting the young men of the Boy Scouts of America. Rotary president Patrick Sayne presented this year’s financial backing to Kermit Komm, Chairman of BSA Troop 60 Parents Committee.
The Scouts earn additional funds to support their activities like backpacking, summer camps, weekend campouts and Troop’s operational expenses such as the new 3,000-square-foot Esteemed Eagle Lodge built earlier this year to replace the aging facilities located at 23rd and Oak Street in Paso Robles. There is one more 75-year-old WWII surplus building still on the property which will be the next project.
“Without the Paso Robles Rotary Club’s financial support of Scouting and the many other youth organizations in our town,” John Hamon, president of the Paso Robles Scout House Foundation said, “Paso Robles would have far less kids involved in organizations that teach our youth the important personal lifelong skills of citizenship and moral character that the next generation truly needs to have. Thank You Rotarians!”
Call 805-239-3494, or visit scouting.org.
Paso Robles Children’s Museum
The Paso Robles Children’s Museum opened its doors in November of 2007 inside the restored and repurposed volunteer firehouse. Now, 10 years later, the museum has welcomed over 195,000 visitors, including 15,500 elementary school students who participated in educational programs provided by the Museum and its generous sponsors.
As a part of the golf tournament distribution, Paso Robles Rotary Club presented the Paso Robles Children’s Museum with an oversized check in the amount of $5,000.
“The Rotary Club of Paso Robles has had a huge impact on the success of the Museum with $38,000 in donations over the past 10 years,” said Jennifer Smith, Executive Director of the Children’s Museum. “This $5,000 donation provides essential funds for the Museum and allows us to continue providing a safe and educational place for children and families to gather on the Central Coast.”
The museum’s mission is to engage children in a joyful learn-through-play environment and inspire educational curiosity while honoring the heritage of our volunteer firefighters.
“We appreciate the Rotary Club’s support of our mission and thank all Rotarians for their ongoing efforts to support our youth in Paso Robles,” said Smith.
Call 805-238-7432 for information, or visit pasokids.org.
Boys & Girls Club of North SLO County
Rotary continues to provide needed support for the B&G Club as it grows to serve those in need in Paso Robles.
Paso Robles Rotary Club gave the B&G Club of North SLO County a check for $5,000.
B&G Clubs provide high quality after-school and summer programs that are accessible to families of all income levels. The Club is a safe and positive environment that gives all youth the chance for a bright future, nurturing them to achieve academic success, healthy lifestyles and strong character.
“Our community has a severe shortage of affordable programs and we are dedicated to expanding our program to better meet the needs of working families. The Club is working with the School District and the City to identify additional facilities, and is raising funds to support additional operating costs, which are primarily for Youth Development Staff,” B&G Club of North SLO County executive director Kate Morgans explained.
Call 805-239-3659 for more information, or visit bgcslocounty.org.
