“Help Pasadena Rotary Help Others” Rooftop Fundraiser Pulls in $20,000

The Pasadena Rotary Club threw its “Help Pasadena Rotary Help Others” fundraiser at Bob and Arlene Oltman’s rooftop Penthouse and patio at the Pasadena Museum of California Art last Thursday, raising $20,00 in funds for the club’s activities and community services.

The gathering saw 155 Rotarians and guests enjoying friendly conversation, live jazz by the David Minasian Trio and great new dishes and wines from local eateries as the bright sun slid down over the horizon behind the dome of City Hall.

In addition to the auction the event also featured a Wine Pull, where attendees were able to purchase an opportunity to blindly choose a bottle of wine from a selection donated by Rotarians.

The live auction featured the talented Rotarian Robert Lyons as auctioneer, and an art sale was ongoing inside the gallery.

Event Co-Chairs Colleen Carey and Wendy Anderson reaped praises for producing “a fabulous fundraiser” that will benefit such projects as Happy Feet, where Rotary provides shoes for Pasadena Unified School District elementary students at the start of the school year, and Adopt-a-School, Done in a Day, RYLA Teen Leadership Project, to name a few.

“The members of Pasadena Rotary are dedicated to providing service to the Pasadena community and the world,” says Shel Capeloto, Pasadena Rotary President for 2016 to 2017. “From grants to local non-profits, an annual tribute to the City’s teachers of excellence, youth programs, hands on projects such as assembling and giving away shiny new bikes to area children for the holidays, the Club has the right service project for everyone.”

“Taste of Rotary” also featured delicious food from sponsors including Cabrera’s Mexican Restaurant, California Pizza Kitchen, Cameron’s Seafood, CaterArt, Del Frisco’s Grille, Green Street Restaurant, Ranchero’s Mexican Restaurant, Robin’s Wood Fire BBQ, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and Serendipity Cupcakes.

Capeloto says the wine tastings, cocktail parties and special venue gatherings are just one aspect of Rotary life. More often, Rotarians are busy helping people and communities.

“Each year our Club travels to Mexico to build a new home for a needy family,” Capeloto says. “People also join Pasadena Rotary for fellowship and to connect with some of the friendliest, most dynamic and successful people in our community. Where else can you have lunch each week with over 100 business people, professionals, community leaders, community activists/volunteers and retirees dedicated to serving our community? If you want to expand your business relationships, this Club is the place.”

If interested in becoming a member of the Pasadena Rotary Club, simply email office@pasadenarotary.com to arrange for a complimentary lunch, and join the members for a meeting or in one of the Club’s special programs held weekly.

For more information about the Pasadena Rotary Club, visit www.pasadenarotary.com.