Our Foundation
Over the Years
The Visalia Rotary Community Foundation was established in 1992. Leaders of the Visalia Rotary Club wished to take action for those left in need from the devastating impact of the 1991 freeze that affected much of Visalia and the surrounding community. Seeing the good that Rotary's International Foundation had done in the world, the Visalia Rotary Community Foundation was established to benefit Visalia and the surrounding community.
Our History
1996
The principal of the Foundation's fund reaches the goal of $250,000 set by the Board of Directors. The first grant is made from the general fund in the amount of $2,500.
1997
The Visalia County Center Rotary Club joins the Foundation, thus setting precedent for future Rotary Clubs’ participation in the Foundation.
2000
Vocational Scholarships: The Robert Harrell Career & Technical Educational Scholarships are added to the Foundation thanks to a generous grant of $109,547 from the Harrell family. The initial scholarships given totaled $2,800 and were divided among five individuals. These scholarships are designed for men and women who choose not to pursue a four-year education and who will likely stay in and be productive members of the Visalia community.
2001
The Visalia Breakfast Rotary Club joins the Foundation.
2006
Visalia Rotary Community Foundation’s principal reaches $3,000,000. By the end of 2005, it had awarded total grant and scholarships in the following amounts:
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General grants - $347,600
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Vocational scholarships - $24,900
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Dwelle scholarships - $9,000
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Scholarships from the Visalia Rotary Club - $100,000
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Emergency funds used for the greater Visalia community - $127,800
2007
Visalia Sunset Rotary Club joins the Foundation. The Visalia Rotary Community Foundation responds to another freeze in Visalia by making a grant of $61,000 in emergency funds for freeze relief.
2011
Prominent Visalians Tony and Mary Salierno grant the Foundation $100,000 to establish music scholarships for five high schools in the Visalia area.
2013
Visalia Rotary Community Foundation reached the milestone of having awarded more than $1,000,000 in grants and scholarships. These included $833,000 in general grants, $51,000 in vocational scholarships, $70,000 in the Dwelle scholarship, $234,000 in emergency grants, and $167,463 in four-year scholarships from the Visalia Rotary Club.
2014
Latino Rotary Club of Tulare County joins the Foundation. The five Rotary clubs that now comprise the membership of the Foundation give a broad and diverse approach to the issues facing the Visalia community.
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Grants given out totaled $129,000.
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Respite House project started with property being identified by Donn Hutton. Fred Scott agreed to begin the designing of the facility. Ken Bryant donated the demolition of the home on the property.
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Karl Weiss Fellowship event planned and held on October 2nd at Eric Shannon’s home. Karl Weiss Fellows were recognized. The event was also a fundraiser for ImagineU Museum “Building A Dream” and raised $19,000.
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Scholarships: Susan Lucas developed simplified application form for scholarships.
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Website being redeveloped by Gerald Schneider and Dru Quesnoy.
End of year financials: $4,557,794.90.
2015
Scholarships: distributed $160,250. New scholarship set up by Marilyn Watson, in memory of Dick Watson. Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), 2 scholarships at $2,000 each per year will be distributed.
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Grants: $100,000 approved for distribution, 7 grants awarded. Emergency grant given to the Friendship House for $5,000 to repair damages from burglary and replace office equipment. Another emergency grant given to Visalia Emergency Aid in the amount of $8,500 for a freezer.
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Respite House: Donn Hutton presented plans for the facility. Kaweah Delta will lease the Respite House for 10 years on a triple net lease which will commence on completion. Developing fundraising campaign to raise funds for construction. Dedicating one unit of the house in memory of Al Fisher, “Al’s Place.” The other unit will be in memory of Sharon Shannon, “Sharon’s Place.” House will be 3,000 square feet +/-. Construction bid awarded to BJ Perch Construction. Board approved cost of $450,000. Groundbreaking was held in October with 110 people in attendance.
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End of year financials: $4,52,2332.05.
2016
Scholarships: All scholarships awarded by the committee.
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Respite House: Construction started with estimated completion in July. Projected cost $520,000. Sunset Rotary Club is donating the landscaping of the property. Grand opening reception held on September 8 for donors and on September 2 for all Rotarians, city officials, and hospital staff. Donn and Kathy Hutton were recognized for their time and work to purchase the furnishings and supplies to set up the two units. In December the units were being utilized.
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Grants: $100,000 total distributed to 10 organizations (over $1.2 million distributed since inception. First recipient was the Bethlehem Center in the amount of $7,500 for playground equipment).
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End of year financials: $4,533,702.20.
2017
Scholarships: $32,000 distributed for the Harrell Scholarships; $18,000 for Dwelle College Scholarship Fund; $4,000 for Visalia Rotary Club Scholarships; $5,000 for Provident/Salierno Music School Fund. A new scholarship was submitted: Janet and Bill Nash Scholarship to go to Redwood High School students.
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Grants: $1,000 from the Emergency Fund was granted to Mooney Grove Museum to help with repairs from a burglary. Distributed $93,000 in grants.
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COS Presidential Scholarship Program: Voted to sponsor 7 scholars from Visalia High Schools by creating an endowment fund of $350,000 earning 4% to provide $154,000 for 7 scholarships of $2,000 each. A fundraising committee was formed. The fundraiser will be the Brewfest, and the foundation and COS will partner on this event.
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Brewfest: Planned for September 14, 2017. To be held at COS in the Porter House Gym. Goal is to raise $50,000. Event Grossed $50,850 with a net of $45,857.
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Bruce Nicotero voted in as President Elect.
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End of year financials: $5,124,659.51.