Surrounded by nature in the Water Conservation Garden in Rancho San Diego, Rotarians, community members, and friends gathered in celebration of a century of service, impact, and community connection by the Rotary Club of El Cajon.
Garden ambience set the stage for a wonderful experience for attendees, setting the mood for a very relaxed evening of fellowship and celebration. Attendees could peruse the entire Garden grounds enjoying succulents, native plants, butterfly garden, etc. Throughout the evening, participants enjoyed the sounds of light jazz being played in the background.
As the program began, brief welcoming remarks were made by emcee Max Wright brought everyone together acknowledging local dignitaries, many of whom had resolutions, or certificates of acknowledgment. District Governor Luis Carranza was in attendance and presented the club with Certificate of Recognition for 100 years of service. Rotarians Stu Scott and Dave Johnston received Service Above Self awards, the highest honor given through Rotary, and Rotarian Vince Bacino was given an award acknowledging his longevity in the club.
The Rotary Club of El Cajon has united business professionals and community leaders in a shared mission of service, friendship and impact. For a century, members have worked side-by-side planting trees, delivering care packages, mentoring students through Interact and RYLA programs. They have helped roof orphanages in Mexico, provided landscaping for the Home of Guiding Hands, painted schools and non-profit facilities and built picnic tables for student and community spaces as well as for the Thousand Smiles Clinic in Ensenada, where they also on an annual basis served lunches for volunteers and family members during clinic operations.
The El Cajon Rotary Foundation in concert with club fundraising efforts has allowed the club to support a wide range of nonprofits making a difference in the community, including, Crisis House, Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, Salvation Army, East Country Transitional Living Center, St. Madeliene Sophie's Center, the American Legion, East County Youth Symphony, Noah Homes, Boys and Girls Club, Meals on Wheels and many more.
Here’s to 100 years of heart, hope, and hands-on service—and to the many more ahead.