Each of the three Rim Rotary Clubs has projects they are especially proud of. This week each club showcases one of them.
Crestline-Lake Gregory
EarlyAct – in essence junior Rotary for elementary school students – was started at Valley of Enchantment Elementary School in 2012. It started with just the fifth grade, then grew to include the third and fourth grades.
At the ice cream party that celebrated the 2023-2024 year last May, the Rotarians were approached by a first-grade teacher, who said she would like her students to be included. A second-grade teacher echoed that sentiment. And so, in the 2024-2025 school year, there are thriving EarlyAct Clubs in five grades at VOE.
The clubs are run by the students, who elect officers and conduct their meetings just like Rotary Club meetings. The third-graders vote on a community service project on their campus; in the past they have purchased new basketball nets and backboards and painted the play area.
The fourth-graders choose an international project. They have donated funds to Project Peanut Butter and Shelter Box. They have also donated to help sea turtles and to a cleft palate project.
The fifth-graders brainstorm on a project in the greater Crestline community and then vote on the one they would like to pursue. They designed, made and erected collection boxes around Lake Gregory for used fishing line. They planted flowering trees by Lake Gregory and made blankets for therapy dogs.
The EarlyActers raise money by selling candy cane grams and Valentine grams. They work at PTA events, like movie nights and glow dances, selling snacks. And they have duck food available for donations at Rotary events like Steaks at the Lake and Lobsters at the Lake.
Rotarian John Moore checking a winning card at Bingo last July.
Lake Arrowhead
The Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead has once again proven that community spirit knows no bounds with the success of its 16th annual PolarRotary Bear Plunge. This year’s event attracted an impressive turnout, featuring 37 teams and 139 brave jumpers, all coming together to support a remarkable 34 charities, 25 of which were local. The event brought in a total of $65,544 in donations and sponsorships of which $50,482 was donated to the charities. The remainder of the donations and sponsorships went to the Lake Arrowhead Rotary Foundation, which will use the funds to support local mountain charities.
Dr. Patrick Rains – who founded the PolaRotary Bear Plunge – emerges from Lake Arrowhead on Feb. 1.
As the winter chill enveloped Lake Arrowhead, participants gathered with enthusiasm and a shared commitment to making a difference. The PolarRotary Bear Plunge, known for its exhilarating and always freezing splash into the icy waters, has become a beloved tradition that unites residents and visitors alike. It serves as a testament to the courage and camaraderie of those willing to take the plunge for a good cause. The highest performing charities were #1: Ronald McDonald House Inland Empire, which earned $5,550; and #2: Rim of the World Educational Foundation, which earned $4,714 (their donations are still trickling in).
One of the guiding principles of the Rotary Four-Way Test is the moral code that emphasizes, “Will it be beneficial to all concerned?” This principle was undoubtedly upheld during the PolaRotary Bear Plunge. The collaboration between the Rotary Club, participants and the charities illustrated a powerful synergy aimed at uplifting those in need. The success of the event reflects not just the enthusiasm of the jumpers but also the collective heart of the community eager to support causes that matter.
As the Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead looks ahead to next year, the success of the 2025 PolaRotary Bear Plunge set a high bar. With the community’s unwavering support and the commitment of the Rotarians, we can expect even more exhilarating moments, more teams, and even greater contributions to local charities.
With hearts full of courage and a shared purpose, the Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead and its supporters have once again shown that, together, we can make a difference. Here’s to more successful plunges and continued support for those in need in our community!
Mountain Sunrise
If you have not been to a Mountain Sunrise Rotary Bingo Night, you are missing out! Plans are underway to set the dates for the spring and summer series.
At $25 per person, it’s the best deal on the mountain. Admission includes a Bingo card, dinner and one beer or wine. Prizes are shipped in from the Hollywood movie studios and include movie-themed T-shirts, hats and other fun swag.
The Mountain Sunrise Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead created Bingo nights in 2023 as a way to put the “FUN” in FUNdraising. Since their inception, Bingo nights have raised almost $17,000. All proceeds go to support organizations here on the mountain that provide critical services for our residents. Mountain Sunrise Rotary also has a very robust scholarship program, providing local youth much-needed funding to pursue their education and career goals.
The dates and location for Bingo nights will be announced soon, so check the Mountain Sunrise Rotary Facebook page for announcements: @MountainSunriseRotaryClubofLakeArrowhead.
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