Thirty-two local nonprofit organizations were recently invited to and attended a luncheon meeting of the Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks. “The purpose was two-fold; the members of Rotary recognized the financial pinch these organizations are in, due to a halt in fundraising, and wanted to provide a bit of financial support, as well as letting these organizations know how important they are to people in need in our community,” said David Stowell, last year’s club president.
The Rotary Club too, has felt the pinch. With weekly lunch meetings canceled they met on zoom. With their three major fund-raising events, Chili Cook-Off, Street Fair and Wine and Beer event canceled, there were no funds available for annual distribution, but not to be undone, they rallied around and raised the funds among the members all-year long.
According to grant coordinators Michelle Nash and Chris Steele, the following nonprofits received grants from the Rotary Club: 5 - Star Theatricals, Adelante Comunidad Conejo, Arts Council of the Conejo Valley, Cancer Support Community, Casa Pacifica, CLU Global, Community Conscience, Conejo Free Clinic, Stagecoach Inn, Southeast Ventura YMCA, Conejo Youth Orchestra, Harbor House, Interface, James Storehouse, Manna Food Bank, Mary Health of the Sick, Momentum, New West Symphony, Safe Passage, Senior Concerns, United Way, Villa Esperanza, Westminster Free Clinic, Many Mansions, Casa Ventura, Future Foundation, Youth Patriotism, Lutheran Social Services, K9 for Warriors, Hospice of The Conejo, TOArts and Gold Coast Veterans Foundation.