Rotary luncheon spreads the love on Valentine’s Day

Courtesy photo The ladies from The Youth Center Team are all smiles after a very successful Love Auction.

Valentine’s Day has always been a time to celebrate love. What better way is there to do that than to honor local organizations whose missions are to care for the needs of others? On Tuesday, February 13th, the Rotary Club of Los Alamitos, Cypress & Seal Beach gathered 80 Rotarians, community members, and representatives of a variety of local non-profits to celebrate at a holiday luncheon On the Greens at the Navy Golf Course in Cypress.

Officially welcomed by Rotary Club President Dave Barnes, guests were ushered into a Valentine-themed banquet room with its fabulous view of the golf course. After guests were served a delicious lunch with an Italian theme, Dr. Andrew Pulver, Los Alamitos USD Superintendent, stepped to the podium. As Auctioneer Extraordinaire, he began a lively auction of mystery items colorfully wrapped to entice the bidders.

Encouraging, kidding, prodding, Dr. Pulver energized the room with animated competition for every item. Ultimately, our generous community once again came together to raise $11,000 to be distributed amongst the non-profits in attendance: CASA, Heart of the City, LAEF, MOM’s of Orange County, Pathways to Independence, Summer Harvest, We Care and The Youth Center.

Rotary would like to express its gratitude to the generous sponsors of this Valentine’s event. A special thank you is extended to its major sponsors: Southland Credit Union, Ganahl Lumber, and Sir Speedy. Green Street Interiors generously supplied several discounted purchases of beautiful auction items. These businesses and our local charitable organizations continue to shine brightly as reminders of all the good in our communities.

Rotary is the largest service organization in the world, inspired by its motto of “Service Above Self”. The growing Los Alamitos, Cypress & Seal Beach Rotary Club’s commitment to making a positive difference knows no bounds. In recent years alone, the Club has distributed more than $60,000 to local non-profit organizations, to student recognition, and to community projects, as well as international projects including the eradication of polio worldwide.

Rotary’s work continues to create a brighter and more compassionate world as it faces the challenges of tomorrow with the same spirit of service and commitment that has defined us for six decades.

For more information about the Los Alamitos, Cypress & Seal Beach rotary Club, please visit LACSBRotary.org