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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Onsite Workdays

    Hands-on volunteer efforts where club members contribute to various local projects, including community cleanups, maintenance, and improvement initiatives.

  • Could You: Support for Africa

    A humanitarian initiative supporting underprivileged communities through education, medical assistance, and social programs.

  • 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.

  • Brett Beal's Vida Joven Orphanage

    Provides essential support, including supplies, education, and mentorship, to children living in this orphanage.

  • 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.

  • Tree Planting in La Jolla Shores

    An environmental sustainability effort to increase green spaces and contribute to the ecological health of La Jolla.

  • “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.

  • 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.

  • Rebuilt the Nautilus Fire Station

    Contributed funding and volunteer support to the renovation and modernization of this essential emergency services station.

  • Rebuilding the Via Casa Alta Fire Station

    Assisted in the restoration and improvement of this local fire station to better serve the community.

  • Rebuilt the Genesee Fire Station

    Another community-focused effort to upgrade fire service infrastructure in the La Jolla area.

  • 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.

  • Mission Bay Jazz Concert

    A cultural and community event featuring live jazz performances, bringing people together in celebration of music and Rotary service.

  • 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.

  • Tour D’ Elegance Car Show at The Cove

    A showcase of classic and luxury automobiles, attracting enthusiasts and raising funds for local charitable causes.

  • 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.

  • Local Homeless Vets Project – Funds and Toiletries

    Provides essential supplies and financial assistance to support homeless veterans in the San Diego area.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Honor Flight San Diego

    A long overdue “Welcome Home” to WW2 Korean and Vietnam veterans at the San Diego Airport.

Youth & Educational Programs Highlights

  • Rotary International Scholarships

    Supports students in their pursuit of higher education, offering scholarships to outstanding individuals with a passion for service.

  • Dr. Shunya Kaneshita, Hosted by Randy Large

    Part of Rotary’s international scholar hosting program, where professionals from around the world gain valuable experiences.

  • Dr. Tomohiko Ishikawa, Hosted by Loretta Smith

    Another international scholar program participant, reinforcing Rotary’s commitment to global education and exchange.

  • Rotary Exchange Student Program

    Facilitates cultural exchange opportunities for students, allowing them to study abroad and experience new cultures.

  • Annika Adamski, Hosted by Jan Steiner

    A featured Rotary exchange student hosted by a La Jolla Sunrise Rotary member.

  • Calgary Convention Attendance

    Encourages members to attend Rotary’s international conventions, fostering global networking and collaboration.

  • RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) – John Gartner

    A leadership development program for young individuals, providing them with training and mentorship opportunities.

  • Rotary High School Music Competition

    Showcases and rewards local high school musicians by sponsoring 1 student annually; $2,000 to the first prize winner.

  • 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

  • Documentary Showing

    A documentary viewing and discussion hosted by La Jolla Sunrise & Friends of Coast Walk Trail.

  • Fall Social (Luau)

    A tropical-themed celebration bringing members together for an evening of food, music, and camaraderie.

  • Annual Christmas Holiday Party

    A festive event to celebrate the holiday season with fellow Rotarians and their families.

  • President’s Demotion Party

    A lighthearted tradition marking the end of the Club President’s term, recognizing their contributions with a fun send-off.