What We Do
Youth Projects
Mentor Meals: El Modena High School juniors dine quarterly with professionals from Orange Plaza Rotary and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. They gain mentorship, explore careers, and develop skills through goal-setting activities and speakers. Each junior completes 10 hours of community service and can receive scholarships upon graduation.
RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards): RYLA offers students a chance to boost leadership skills through workshops and networking. It builds communication, problem-solving, and community engagement, with students forming lasting connections while learning to lead.
Interact Club: This club for ages 12-18 empowers youth to develop leadership skills and make a positive impact. Members participate in community service projects, cultural exchanges, and friendship-building activities.
Student Scholarships: Orange Plaza Rotary provides scholarships to students pursuing secondary, undergraduate, or graduate education, supporting the development of future leaders and philanthropists.
Book Doctor Children’s Literacy: Promotes literacy for children by fostering reading and education initiatives that help young readers build foundational skills and a love for learning.
Boy Scouts and Exploring: Rotary partners with Boy Scouts to promote character-building, leadership, and service. Rotary-chartered Scouting units serve thousands of young people, reinforcing shared values of service and integrity.
Walk for Pediatric Cancer Research: Support childhood cancer research through walks and events aimed at funding cures and improving quality of life for children battling cancer.
STEM Support: Rotary fosters STEM education by providing grants, volunteer support, and hosting events that engage students in science, technology, engineering, and math. Programs include summer camps, tournaments, and skill-building activities essential for future careers.
Community Projects
Stater Bros. Food Drive: Stater Bros. Markets supports Southern California communities through food drives and charitable giving, reinforcing its commitment to affordable groceries and community care.
El Modena Family Resource Center: Dedicated to empowering the community, El Modena Family Resource Center offers resources to help individuals support themselves and each other.
Ronald McDonald House: Ronald McDonald House provides essential services for families with children needing healthcare, helping them stay close during treatment and supporting healing.
Blessing Bags: Rotary District 7690 distributes Blessing Bags filled with essentials for people experiencing homelessness, offering immediate, practical support.
Arbor Day Tree Planting: The Arbor Day Foundation collaborates with partners to plant trees worldwide, enhancing environmental impact with over 500 million trees planted in 50+ countries.
Santiago Creek Cleanup: Volunteers work together to improve the Santiago Creek greenway, enhancing its beauty, access, and ecological value for public enjoyment.
Threads of Love: Threads of Love provides handmade clothing and blankets to comfort families with premature and sick infants, sharing love and compassion in difficult times.
March for Mental Health Awareness: Join advocates in a community walk to break the silence around mental health, fostering empathy, support, and understanding for those affected.
City of Orange Events
Treats in the Streets: Join the City of Orange’s family-friendly Halloween event with costume parades, trick-or-treating, entertainment, games, and food. Held annually in Old Towne Orange Plaza, this free event has been a local favorite for over 20 years.
Field of Valor: A patriotic display of over 1,200 American flags honoring Veterans and Active Duty Military, dedicated to those who serve our nation.
Police and Fire Awards: Orange Rotary, alongside Orange-North and Orange Plaza Rotary Clubs, honors the bravery of local police and fire departments in this annual awards ceremony.
Street Fair: The Orange International Street Fair in Old Town Orange celebrates cultural diversity with ethnic food, live music, crafts, community booths, and activities for all ages. Proceeds support local non-profits.
International
Rise Against Hunger: A global initiative targeting communities with high food insecurity through meal packages and school feeding programs. The organization partners with local leaders to promote sustainable agriculture and income projects, aiming to empower communities toward long-term food security.
Shelter Box: Provides emergency shelter, tools, and supplies to families rebuilding after disasters, while raising awareness about global displacement. Guided by values that prioritize people in need, volunteers, and staff.
Disaster Relief Fund: Through grants, the Rotary Foundation supports communities recovering from natural disasters. Funds are used to provide essentials such as water, food, and medicine, ensuring specific community needs are met in coordination with local authorities.
Polio Plus: Beyond polio eradication, PolioPlus offers added benefits like hand-operated tricycles, clean water access, and additional medical treatments. The program also reduces infectious disease susceptibility, with vitamin A drops preventing millions of child deaths.
Fun
Family Involvement: The Family of Rotary Task Force supports clubs in fostering a culture of care and community. By promoting fellowship, diversity, and active participation, the initiative encourages clubs to care for members and their families, visit sick Rotarians, retain and diversify membership, and stay connected with the families of deceased members.
Special Celebrations: Rotary hosts various international events, dinners, and assemblies, allowing members, families, and friends to come together, share interests, and celebrate diverse perspectives through Rotary’s global network.
Holiday Events: The Rotary Holiday Party features a festive atmosphere with appetizers, dinner, drinks, dessert, and a silent auction. The gathering promises fun, surprises, and a chance for members to celebrate the season together.