The Capitola-Aptos Rotary Club is celebrating 60 years of community service this month, marking decades of support for local students, nonprofits and international humanitarian projects.
Founded in 1965, the club has counted more than 250 members over the years, all committed to Rotary International’s mission of “Service Above Self.” Through fundraisers like its annual Kentucky Derby Party and operating the beer and wine booth at Aptos’ Fourth of July celebration, the club has raised more than $1 million to support its work locally and abroad.
Locally, the club has awarded scholarships and fellowships to more than 250 students at Cabrillo College and UC Santa Cruz. It has also sponsored 150 high school students for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, an intensive leadership development program. Its support for inclusive playgrounds includes contributions to Leo’s Haven in Santa Cruz, Willowbrook Park in Aptos and the new Treasure Cove at Jade Street Park in Capitola, which opened this fall.
The club also provides grants to nonprofits focused on hunger relief, senior support and housing services. Internationally, members have helped fund schools and health centers in Africa and South America, with many traveling to participate in construction and community development work.
Members meet weekly, participating in service projects with organizations such as Second Harvest Food Bank and Fishes and Loaves.
The club will celebrate its anniversary Nov. 13 with a luncheon at Seascape Golf Club in Aptos. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. and will feature remarks from Santa Cruz County Supervisor Kim DeSerpa and stories from past and present members. Tickets are $60 and include lunch, door prize entries and a glass of sparkling wine. Registration is available at capitolaaptosrotary.org.
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Rotary International includes more than 45,000 clubs worldwide with 1.2 million members working to support communities and global health initiatives, including efforts to eradicate polio. Learn more at rotary.org.