
A Year in Rotary | Annual Event Highlights
Below are the key ongoing events listed in the typical month of occurrence. View our Event Calendar below to stay up to date with current happenings!
January / February
Girl Scout Cookie Sale
Mission Bay HS Preservationists Jazz Band
District 5340 High School Music Contest - Since 2023
March
4 - Way Speech Contest - Since 2005
April
San Pasqual Workday
Rotary Youth Leadership Camp
Concours d’Elegance: Luxury & Classic Car Show
Coast Walk Trail Weed Pulling Party - Since 2020
May
San Pasqual Academy Rotary Scholarships
Memorial Day Flag Placement
June
La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Demotion Party
Governor’s Dinner
Rotary International Convention
July
Gift of Life Global Grant - Since 2007
October / November
Feeding San Diego Military/Veteran Food Drive
Homeless Veterans Necessities Food Drive - Since 2021
Toys for Tots
August
Litchfield Swim for San Pasqual Academy Scholarships
September
Walk for the Trail
December
La Jolla Christmas Tree Lights - Since 2023
Holiday Parade Firetruck - Since 1999
Holiday Party
Community & Global Service Project Highlights
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Estelle’s Gift of Life Global Grant
Supports life-saving cardiac treatment to children in need from developing countries regardless of gender, creed or national origin. Provides over 1,000 pediatric heart surgeries for children in need and has contributed $250,000 over 18 years.
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San Pasqual Academy
Teams with Paula and Oliver Jones Family Foundation to provide $1,000.00 to over 130 graduating foster youth ($130,000 total) throughout San Diego County, resulting in a 95% high school graduation rate.
Reconditioning of the campus during annual Rotarians at work day each spring. -
The Annual Litchfield Swim
Our signature fundraising event that raised over $130,000 for San Pasqual foster youth scholarships. La Jolla Cove to La Jolla Shores open ocean swim followed by breakfast at La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club.
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Onsite Workdays
Hands-on volunteer efforts where club members contribute to various local projects, including community cleanups, maintenance, and improvement initiatives.
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Could You: Support for Africa
A humanitarian initiative supporting underprivileged communities through education, medical assistance, and social programs.
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Coast Walk Trail Renovation and Beautification
A project dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the iconic Coast Walk Trail in La Jolla, ensuring its natural beauty is preserved for the community and visitors.
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Brett Beal's Vida Joven Orphanage
Provides essential support, including supplies, education, and mentorship, to children living in this orphanage.
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Tournament of Roses Parade / Pasadena
This rare opportunity serves as a bucket list for many by providing participation in decorating the Rotary International’s float for the world-famous Rose Parade. This parade spreads awareness of Rotary’s mission and global service initiatives.
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Tree Planting in La Jolla Shores
An environmental sustainability effort to increase green spaces and contribute to the ecological health of La Jolla.
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“Welcome to La Jolla” sign in La Jolla Shores
Located at the corner of Torrey Pines Rd. & La Shores Dr., this signage ensures that Rotary’s contributions to the community are recognized.
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Walter Munk Children’s Play Area in La Jolla Shores
Helped create and maintain a play area dedicated to Walter Munk’s legacy, providing a fun and safe space for local children.
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Rebuilt the Nautilus Fire Station
Contributed funding and volunteer support to the renovation and modernization of this essential emergency services station.
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Rebuilding the Via Casa Alta Fire Station
Assisted in the restoration and improvement of this local fire station to better serve the community.
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Rebuilt the Genesee Fire Station
Another community-focused effort to upgrade fire service infrastructure in the La Jolla area.
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4-Way Test Speech Contest
A Rotary-sponsored speech competition for local students, encouraging youth to develop their public speaking skills while promoting Rotary’s values of truth, fairness, goodwill, and benefit to all.
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Mission Bay Jazz Concert
A cultural and community event featuring live jazz performances, bringing people together in celebration of music and Rotary service.
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Memorial Day Flag Placement at Miramar National Cemetery
Brings Rotarians, families and communities together to honor fallen soldiers by placing 2,000 American flags on the headstones at Miramar National Cemetery. A meaningful tribute to those who served.
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Tour D’ Elegance Car Show at The Cove
A showcase of classic and luxury automobiles, attracting enthusiasts and raising funds for local charitable causes.
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Girl Scout Cookie Sales
A partnership with local Girl Scout troops to support leadership development by supporting 1 troop annually. Sold over 300 boxes of cookies.
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Local Homeless Vets Project – Funds and Toiletries
Provides essential supplies and financial assistance to support homeless veterans in the San Diego area.
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Ramon’s Orphanage Christmas Presents and Other Necessities
Brings holiday joy to children at Ramon’s Orphanage by delivering Christmas presents, clothing, and daily essentials.
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25th Year - Rotary Fire Truck in The La Jolla Holiday Parade
Rotary’s fire truck makes a festive appearance in La Jolla’s annual holiday parade, celebrating community spirit.
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Honor Flight San Diego
A long overdue “Welcome Home” to WW2 Korean and Vietnam veterans at the San Diego Airport.




Youth & Educational Programs Highlights
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Rotary International Scholarships
Supports students in their pursuit of higher education, offering scholarships to outstanding individuals with a passion for service.
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Dr. Shunya Kaneshita, Hosted by Randy Large
Part of Rotary’s international scholar hosting program, where professionals from around the world gain valuable experiences.
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Dr. Tomohiko Ishikawa, Hosted by Loretta Smith
Another international scholar program participant, reinforcing Rotary’s commitment to global education and exchange.
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Rotary Exchange Student Program
Facilitates cultural exchange opportunities for students, allowing them to study abroad and experience new cultures.
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Annika Adamski, Hosted by Jan Steiner
A featured Rotary exchange student hosted by a La Jolla Sunrise Rotary member.
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Calgary Convention Attendance
Encourages members to attend Rotary’s international conventions, fostering global networking and collaboration.
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RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) – John Gartner
A leadership development program for young individuals, providing them with training and mentorship opportunities.
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Rotary High School Music Competition
Showcases and rewards local high school musicians by sponsoring 1 student annually; $2,000 to the first prize winner.
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Toys for Tots
Benefits underserved and overlooked children in the San Diego area by collecting Christmas toys for YMCA’s Toys for Tots program.






Social Event Highlights
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Documentary Showing
A documentary viewing and discussion hosted by La Jolla Sunrise & Friends of Coast Walk Trail.
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Fall Social (Luau)
A tropical-themed celebration bringing members together for an evening of food, music, and camaraderie.
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Annual Christmas Holiday Party
A festive event to celebrate the holiday season with fellow Rotarians and their families.
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President’s Demotion Party
A lighthearted tradition marking the end of the Club President’s term, recognizing their contributions with a fun send-off.


