As we near the end of another lively and beautiful Winter season in Borrego
Springs, our Rotary Club is grateful for the comradery and support we
experienced at our Mardi Gras gala fundraiser in early March. We netted almost
$60,000! Many people told us that it was even more fun than last year, and the
New Orleans-style food was great. Donna and Ben Nourse of Borrego Outfitters
once again were very generous donors of the wine, and Julian Beer provided
some kegs. Mike Rue, of the KRAM radio station, DJ’ed New Orleans-style music.
SAVE THE DATE!
The 2027 Gala will be February 6 at La Casa del Zorro
Whatever will we do with those $60,000? Our Club works on a July-June fiscal
year, so this past year we are still spending the proceeds from the March 2025
fund-raiser, according to the budget we approved last year. This year we have
been awarding competitive grants to many organizations, including Borrego
Days, the community welcome sign, the Youth and Senior Center, food coupons
distributed through the Ministers Association, BAMA, and so on.
But supporting Borrego youth is our major area of focus, so each spring a
committee reviews scholarship applications from our High School seniors as
well as those continuing in higher education. We offer scholarships to two-year
colleges and four-year universities, as well as to vocational schools. This year the
committee is working with a $50,000 budget allocation and will be reviewing
applications and talking with the students over the next month.
Our Club is small but mighty – like Borrego itself. As we enter the new year, we
intend to let the good times – and good works – roll on!
Yours in service,
Diane E.P. Johnson
President, 2025-2026
