Danville San Ramon Rotary Newsletter

 

September 2026

 

Danville San Ramon Rotary Packs for a Purpose at the Food Bank

Thirteen Danville San Ramon Rotarians and one SRVHS Interact student rolled up their sleeves at the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano’s Concord warehouse on September 10 — and packed a lot of carrots!


In just 90 minutes, our team packed enough bags of carrots to help provide fresh produce to 866 neighbors facing food insecurity. Despite the warm temperatures, there was plenty of fun and fellowship along the way, followed by pizza and beverages at Melo’s for those able to join.


The Contra Costa and Solano Food Bank distributes the equivalent of more than 2.7 million meals each month and works with more than 245 nonprofit partners throughout our communities.


Service and fellowship — Rotary at its best!

Join Us in Bidding for Education

The 2026 Online Auction for Education, November 1–9, is coming up soon, and the catalog is filling up with fantastic items and experiences! Last year’s auction raised more than $82,000. See our 2025 Auction Impact Flyer to see how those funds were put to work.



From dining, sports, and golf to family fun, getaways, health and wellness, professional services, and one-of-a-kind experiences, there’s something for everyone. New items are being added regularly, so browse the growing auction catalog and check back often!



We’re still looking for sponsors and auction item donations! Gift cards, dining, travel, entertainment, sports, family activities, services, and unique experiences all make great additions.

Browse the Auction | Donate an Item | Become a Sponsor


Questions or have a donation idea? Reach out at auction@danvillesanramonrotary.org. 


All proceeds from this event will be directed exclusively to educational programs and initiatives that create meaningful, measurable impact for all learners, regardless of age, and foster lifelong learning.

Brenda and Peter Thorson - New Members Profile

Welcome, Brenda and Peter!


After more than two decades of calling Danville home, this husband-and-wife team is excited to begin their Rotary journey together.


Brenda is a retired Critical Care nurse who spent her career at UCSF and Alta Bates ICU/Burn Center. Caring for patients and families during some of life’s most difficult moments was both a privilege and a passion. Today, she’s bringing that same spirit of compassion to Rotary, with a special interest in supporting young people through Interact, as well as foster children and seniors living in care homes.


Peter brings more than 25 years of experience as a product leader in healthcare and technology, with senior roles at Salesforce, Veeva, Oracle, and most recently Tendo Systems. A Yale graduate, Peter also served on Habitat for Humanity’s Family Selection Committee.


Service runs deep in the Thorson family. Peter’s father was a longtime Rotarian in Casper, Wyoming, and his example inspired both Peter and Brenda to embrace Rotary’s “Service Above Self” spirit.

When they’re not volunteering, the Thorsons enjoy family time, gardening, cooking, reading, hiking, skiing, climbing, and scuba diving. They recently earned their Advanced Open Water Diver certifications in Grand Cayman!


We’re delighted to welcome Brenda and Peter to Rotary and look forward to all the ways they’ll make a difference in our community.

Community Grant Applications Now Open!

The Danville San Ramon Rotary Foundation is now accepting applications for its Fall Community Grant Cycle. Local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving residents of Contra Costa or Alameda County are encouraged to apply.


Grants typically range from $1,500 to $2,500 and are intended to support one-time projects or unique opportunities with specific, measurable community impact. Projects that offer hands-on opportunities for Rotarians are especially encouraged.


Know a nonprofit that could benefit? Please share this opportunity!


👉 Click here to review the guidelines and apply

Community Service Opportunities

Trinity Center Visit & Gift Card Distribution – Wednesday, September 23, 12 to 1 pm

Join us for a tour of Trinity Center and our Rotary Technology Center, followed by the distribution of donated gift cards to Trinity Center members. We’re also collecting new white men’s crew socks, new men’s/women’s underwear (M & L), and gently used men’s tennis shoes, jeans, and sweats.

🔗 Sign Up Here


Rotary Home Team – Saturday, September 26, 8:30 to 11 am

Join fellow Rotarians and volunteers for a hands-on morning helping local seniors stay safe and comfortable in their homes. Projects may include minor repairs, yard work, moving items, and other simple home safety tasks. No special skills are required—just a willingness to lend a hand! 

🔗 Sign Up Here


Bounty Garden – Saturday, October 3, 8 am to 12 noon

It’s installation day! Join us at Hap Magee Ranch Park (1025 La Gonda Way in Danville). We’ll take the component panels prepared during our first four build days and assemble five planter bed enclosures on site, completing our five-week Bounty Garden project.

🔗 Sign Up Here



Run for Education - Course Monitors – Saturday, October 11, 7 to 10 am

Danville San Ramon Rotary is proud to partner with the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation (SRVEF) and support the Run for Education! We need adult volunteers to serve as 10K Course Monitors —helping direct runners, monitor course safety and cheer on participants along the route.

🔗 Sign Up Here



These opportunities highlight Rotary’s commitment as People of Action—showing up, lending a hand, and making a tangible impact close to home.

Speaker Calendar: Don't Miss Out!

September 22 - 12-1:15 pm - Making an Impact – 3 Grant Recipients | Representatives from Shelter Inc., Trinity Center, and Tri-Valley Haven


October 6 - 12-1:15 pm - Kristin Connelly, Contra Costa County Clerk Recorder

 

October 13 - 12-1:15 pm - Bisa French, Executive Director, Family Justice Center and Former Richmond Police Chief 


October 20 - 12-1:15 pm - Katherine Mason, Child Advocates of Contra Costa 

Peace Building Through Rotary Workshop

What does it take to build communities where people can truly thrive? Join us Saturday, November 7, from 8:30 to 11:30 am at the Roundhouse Market & Conference Center in San Ramon for a free, interactive Positive Peace Workshop.


Led by Rotary peacebuilding leaders Suzanne Bragdon and Traci Perry, participants will explore the 8 Pillars of Positive Peace, practical tools for community projects, and ways to become a Rotary Peacebuilder.

Rotarians and non-Rotarians are welcome! Learn more and reserve your spot through our SignUpGenius link.

September Rotary International Theme: Basic Education and Literacy Month

September is Basic Education and Literacy Month in Rotary—a time to recognize the power of education to change lives and strengthen communities. Around the world, Rotary supports programs that improve access to quality education, train teachers, provide scholarships and learning materials, and expand literacy opportunities for children and adults.


Education creates possibilities. It can open doors to economic opportunity, improve health and well-being, and help build stronger, more peaceful communities.

Whether we’re supporting students in our own community or projects around the globe, Rotarians are helping make education more accessible. Every book, scholarship, classroom, and opportunity to learn can help pave the way to a brighter future.


To learn more about the Rotary Foundation click here.

Help Us Spread the Word About Danville San Ramon Rotary!

One of the easiest ways every member can support our club is by simply engaging with the content we’re already sharing. When you like, comment on, or share one of our posts, you help more people see the incredible work our club is doing - from service projects and community events to member and Interact student spotlights. Small actions can make a big difference!

 

Take a few minutes to make sure you’re following our club on Instagram and Facebook, and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel. When you see a Rotary post in your feed, give it a like, leave a meaningful comment, or share it with your network.

Together, we can help more people discover Rotary's impact!

Meetings are held at Roundhouse Conference Center

2600 Camino Ramon, San Ramon

Meetings are held on Tuesdays from 12:00 to 1:15 PM. No meetings on the 5th Tuesday of the month.

9/22 - Club Meeting

9/23 - Trinity Center Visit, 12 to 1 pm

9/26 - Home Team, 8:30 am-11 am

9/26 - Kids Against Huger. 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

9/29 - DARK, no meeting

10/6 - Club Meeting

10/11 - Run for Education, 7 am

10/13 - Club Meeting

10/20 - Club Meeting

10/27 - Club Meeting

11/7 - Rotary Peace Workshop, 8:30 to 11:30 am

Rotary International Mission & Vision

We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

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