Encinitas, CA – July 2025
The Encinitas Coastal Rotary Club—an active and passionate 48-member club—rang in the new Rotary year with celebration, laughter, and the traditional “demotion” of outgoing President Chris Davis. Despite the ceremonial send-off, Chris leaves behind a legacy of service, generosity, and unmistakable energy.
This year’s surf-themed demotion dinner paid tribute to Chris’s love of surfing, featuring waves of gratitude, a few playful roasts, and the ceremonial handoff of a brand-new gavel to incoming President Ralph Hirschmann.
Unfortunately, the gavel didn’t survive its first week. Ralph reportedly misplaced it at his very first official meeting—a record, even by Rotary prank standards.
Under Chris’s leadership during 2024–2025, the club contributed over $99,500 to local and global causes through direct funding and two major fundraisers: Purse Bingo and the Golf Ball Drop.
Encinitas Coastal Rotary was also proud to co-host the 59th International Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians (IGFR) World Championship in September 2024. This global event brought over 1,000 Rotarians from more than 60 countries to San Diego, with play across four premier golf courses and partner events citywide. As the host club, Encinitas Coastal helped lead planning, hospitality, and fellowship experiences, including a powerful charitable component that supported a cleft palate clinic in Ensenada.
Highlights included:
– $25,000+ in direct community grants to programs such as Meals on Wheels, CRC’s Food & Nutrition Center, St. Andrew’s Breakfast Program, and support services for local Marines
– $25,395 raised for Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, Just in Time for Foster Youth, and the Boys & Girls Club of NW San Diego
– $20,400 distributed to Shades of Pink California, Alabaster Jar Project, and CRC Carol’s House
– $14,900 invested internationally, including a clean water project in Ecuador, a reforestation initiative at Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, $500 to a weaving cooperative, and $2,000 to Wellkind—all distributed during the club’s member visit to Guatemala
– $16,500 committed to youth support, including leadership programs, scholarships, and college readiness trips
But the club’s impact wasn’t just measured in dollars—it was seen in the countless hours members spent serving side by side in the community and abroad. Hands-on efforts included:
– Serving breakfast for unhoused neighbors at St. Andrew’s Church
– Collecting supplies for CRC’s transitional housing
– Serving as parade ambassadors for the Encinitas Holiday Parade, which the club has been marshaling since 1986, helping organize and line up more than 100 floats and entries
– Hosting an environmental education day with San Elijo Lagoon Nature Collective
– Participating in the Walk for Alzheimer’s, the Bro-Am Youth Event, and Dog Days of Summer
– Placing flags at Miramar National Cemetery in remembrance of fallen service members
– Supporting foster youth through Just in Time donation drives
– Traveling to Guatemala to witness reforestation work firsthand and connect with partner organizations
– Visiting the Retalhuleu (Reu) Rotary Club in Guatemala to participate in the Student Aid Program, supported by a $3,200 club contribution matched by a $3,200 District Grant
In addition to local and global service, Encinitas Coastal Rotary once again achieved “Every Rotarian, Every Year” (EREY) recognition, with every dues-paying member contributing to The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund. Out of 61 clubs in District 5340, Encinitas Coastal ranked #3 in per capita giving, with an impressive $682.91 per member and total contributions of $32,779.83 to the Annual Fund. The club also contributed $1,100 to PolioPlus and an additional $3,245.50 to other Foundation funds, bringing total giving to an outstanding $37,125.33.
As part of the year-end celebration, Chris honored several members for their extraordinary contributions:
– Rotarians of the Year: Vembra Holnagel and Gretchen Mitchell
– Rookies of the Year: Leah Bissonette and Bob Hemphill
– Service Above Self Awards: Bob & Carol Blum and Carol Satterstrom
Now at the helm, President Ralph Hirschmann kicks off the 2025–2026 Rotary year with energy and purpose—even if he’s still gavel-less.
The new year begins with two high-profile community events:
– Pupologie’s Cardiff Dog Days of Summer on August 3, where club members will partner with Cardiff 101 Main Street to volunteer in various areas throughout the day’s events, and
– Relay For Life of North County San Diego on August 16, where the club proudly serves as Presenting Sponsor in the fight against cancer.
Whether raising funds for global impact, investing in youth, supporting cancer patients, or delivering meals and kindness across San Diego County, the Encinitas Coastal Rotary Club continues to make waves—sometimes literally—along the North County coast.
Want to see what Rotary is all about? Encinitas Coastal Rotary meets most Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. at Cicciotti’s Trattoria in Cardiff. Visitors are always welcome to join us for a lively meeting filled with camaraderie, inspiring guest speakers, and a delicious lunch. Experience firsthand how Rotary makes a difference—locally and globally.