Each month, I like to take the opportunity to highlight special organizations in Saratoga that stand as cornerstones of giving. This month, I would like to bring attention to the Rotary Club of Saratoga, which has always been and continues to be actively involved in numerous projects benefiting the residents in and beyond our community. Our club is a strong supporter of youth programs in Saratoga, offering scholarships, leadership development initiatives and sponsorship of local school activities, as well contributing hands-on and financial support to nonprofits and charities.
One of the club’s most significant contributions to the community is the annual Saratoga Rotary Art Show, which began in 1957. It has become one of most well-regarded art shows in the region and serves as the largest fundraiser for the Saratoga Rotary Charitable Foundation, which provides grants to local nonprofit organizations and the club’s youth and community service programs. In the past decade alone, the foundation has granted more than $1 million to support organizations, most recently benefiting children, students, teachers, educational facilities, summer camps, senior services and the arts.
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The Saratoga Rotary Club is a member of Rotary District 5170, along with 62 other clubs throughout the South Bay and Silicon Valley. This past spring, District 5170, Saratoga Rotary and other local clubs participated in Rise Against Hunger, which packaged 24,000 meals to fight hunger and support those in need. This is just one example of the humanitarian programs the Saratoga Rotary Club contributes to, along with other hands-on programs and fundraising with clubs throughout the South Bay, including Cupertino, Los Gatos, Sunnyvale and others.
I am proud to be an active member of the Saratoga Rotary Club for more than 10 years. It has allowed me to contribute to student art programs including supporting art teachers and students pursuing artistic endeavors. It is a wonderful experience, and I encourage others to be involved in a service organization such as this.
Yan Zhao is the mayor of Saratoga.
