Aiding individuals and groups year-round, the Culver City Rotary Club recently assisted wildfire victims, funded food initiatives, supported local education and health programs, built shelters, and developed vocational grants.
As a Screenland 5K sponsor, the Rotary Club will partner in a fun health and fitness event on Mar. 1-2 that attracts thousands of guests across the Southland.
“We’re thrilled to be part of the race. It’s an event that people truly enjoy, and you can feel a great sense of community about it,” said Culver City Rotary Foundation President Keith Jones.
Rotary members will participate in race weekend activities to celebrate the city’s cinematic history of glitz, glamour, glory, and gold.
Past President Heather Witt will reprise her role as Lucy. Vice President Carmela Raack will dress as the wicked witch and coordinate Rotary Club booths, one staffed by Scout Troop 113. Last year, she served homemade chocolate chip cookies to event guests.
Jones will defend his crown in the Celebrity Charity Trike Race by competing against local dignitaries, including the club’s co-president Lori Siegel, on little Brompton bikes around motion picture props at Ivy Station on Saturday, Mar. 1, at 3:30 pm. Rotary Club member Jim Shanman and his organization, Walk ‘n Rollers, will host other cycling activities on Saturday, 1:00-5:00 pm.
Siegel, Culver Palm YMCA Executive Director, will also assist with the Munchkin Dash on Oscar Sunday, Mar. 2. Rotary members Dannie Cavanaugh, Lyn Caron, Michele Walman, Co-President Brent Weeth, and Linda and Joel Forman will be among many Rotarians working at the club’s Health and Fitness Expo booths and walking, jogging and running in the race.
Jones says the Culver City Rotary belies the perception of a group of elitist philanthropic businessmen.
“We invite people who want to serve the community to join. For the small business owner, it’s a great way to reach out, develop relationships, and connect. They gain experience doing philanthropic projects. It’s win-win,” said Jones.
The Culver City Rotary Foundation and Culver City Rotary Club provide funds for the Culver City Education Foundation, Meals on Wheels, YMCA, Walk ‘n Rollers, Culver City High School scholarships, and teacher grants.
“We give out over $20,000 to teachers annually,” said Jones.
Many of the club’s sustaining members continue to lead and provide opportunities for new members.
“Dannie Cavanaugh’s availability, good judgment, and institutional knowledge really helps us out,” said Jones.
“Our Executive Secretary, Lyn Caron, picks up the pieces for us, as she’s always thinking ahead, and rarely gets the recognition she deserves. She is our voice of reason,” said Jones.
The Culver City Rotary Club will produce “Empty Bowls” on Feb. 23, addressing food insecurity.
Screenland 5K partners include the Culver City Rotary Foundation, Ivy Station, Sony Pictures Entertainment, City of Culver City, Culver City Arts Foundation, The Shay, Midwest Roofing, Culver City Toyota, West Basin Water District, Design Etcetera, Cavanaugh Realtors, Renewal by Anderson, Wende Museum, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Mercury Events.
For race info: http://www.Screenland5K.com
CARMELAHEATHERLG jpg: Vice President Carmela Raack and Past President Heather Witt pose near the Culver City Rotary Club booth at the Screenland 5K.
JANE-HEATHER-DAN jpg Culver City Mayor Dan O’Brien is flanked by Culver City Rotary Club members Heather Witt as Lucy and Jane Leonard as Almira Gulch for the Screenland 5K.
KEITHCLARKEGUERRERO jpg Culver City Rotary Foundation President Keith Jones leads Culver City Arts Foundation President Jim Clarke and Culver City Board of Education member Brian Guerrero in the Celebrity Charity Cycle Chase.