Some of OUr Programs

Rotary has a passion for reducing food scarcity for our island kids. Many children go without food over the weekend as nearly 40% of our island kids attending public schools are enrolled in the free and reduced lunch programs. “36 Weekends” offers a solution to weekend student nutritional needs. We are currently serving a substantial percentage of Island children in the program on a year-round basis. 

The International Project Alliance (IPA) is a large collaborative group of Rotary clubs in northwest Washington State and British Columbia, who have made a long-term commitment to helping the people of the Copán Ruinas region of western Honduras. Founded in 2014, our projects cover most areas of international aid, including education, health, food and agriculture, water and sanitation, construction, and economic development. Our in country partner is the Club Rotario de Copán Ruinas. Learn more at IPAFoundation.org

Beyond being a major community draw for car enthusiasts on the island, the annual Rotary Car Show benefits three local non-profits  and the international effort to eradicate Polio.

Many local companies sponsor this event in order to assist local entities focused on families and individuals in need. The following are some of the non-profits we have assisted over the years:

• Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center
• Family Umbrella Group
• Hospice San Juan
• Island Rides
• Mobile Dental Van
• SJI Scholarship Program

The Rotary Pickle Ball Tournament, held on Orcas Island, creates a fun environment for a bit of cross island rivalry and community enjoyment.

The tournament benefits two local Orcas non-profits each year.

Many local companies sponsor the event in order to assist local non-profits focused on providing baseline services to children and those in need within the Orcas community. 

Rotary has been sponsoring the annual Spelling Bee for over 17 years. Currently, San Juan Island and Orcas Island schools participate. We hope to expand our reach to additional schools in the coming years.

The size of the Bee has grown to approximately 40 participants. Winners their class and school receive cash prizes. 

Rotarian Barbara Fagan started the dictionary project in 2007. Each year, since then dictionaries have been gifted to every 3rd to 5th grade student in San Juan County. Over the life of the program Rotary has gifted over 4,500 dictionaries locally.

Dictionaries and other assistive periodicals are provided to public, private, and home schooled children.