Back-to-School Boost: Shoes, Socks & Supplies Delivered with Heart

July 31st was a powerful reminder of what service, generosity, and community partnership can accomplish. Thanks to the unwavering support and leadership of the Rotary Club of Rancho Cucamonga, 100 Alta Loma students are stepping into the new school year with confidence—and brand-new shoes.

The Happy Feet fundraiser, launched last spring by the Rotary Club in collaboration with the national nonprofit Shoes That Fit and Alta Loma School District, brought together families, staff, and community donors for one shared goal: to equip students with essentials that fuel success. Each child received a backpack filled with school supplies, six pairs of brand-new socks, and high-quality athletic shoes—delivered with care and smiles by our incredible Rotary volunteers.

We were also honored to welcome Allison’s Project, a local nonprofit founded by Gregory Quezada, who contributed supply-filled backpacks and treated volunteers and students to juice and donuts—a heartfelt gesture that perfectly captured the spirit of the day.

From planning to fundraising to distribution, the Rotary Club of Rancho Cucamonga truly exemplified their motto, “Service Above Self.” Their commitment made this vision a reality, ensuring students from all ten of our school sites start the year with comfort, dignity, and a boost of self-esteem. Shoes That Fit helped stretch every donated dollar further by providing discounted, brand-name footwear, making each contribution go even farther. These shoes, socks, and supplies represent more than back-to-school gear. They represent hope, compassion, and the profound impact of community service led by Rotarians who care deeply about children and education.

We are proud to share a few snapshots of what your generosity made possible. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Rancho Cucamonga for spearheading this effort—and to every partner who stepped up to make a difference.

Together, we delivered more than supplies. We delivered joy.

This Year’s President: Aaron Johnson

Aaron Johnson graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2006 which included a year of studying abroad in Madrid, Spain. He is one of the founders of Simplified Wealth Management and he lives in Rancho Cucamonga with his wife and 2 children. He enjoys sports, volunteering in the community and travel in his spare time.

Rancho Cucamonga Rotary Club is Celebrating its 55th Anniversary

We are thrilled to announce that the Rancho Cucamonga Rotary Club is celebrating its 55th anniversary—marking over five decades of commitment to community service, leadership, and positive impact. Since its founding, our club has remained dedicated to the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self,” working tirelessly to support local and global initiatives that make a difference.
From educational programs and scholarships to humanitarian efforts and volunteer projects, the Rancho Cucamonga Rotary Club has been a driving force for change. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our members—past and present—who have shaped our legacy and ensured our mission continues to thrive.
We invite our community, partners, and supporters to join us in commemorating this special occasion. Stay tuned for details on upcoming anniversary events, celebrations, and ways to get involved!
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to 55 incredible years—and many more to come! 🎉

January–March 2025 Newsletter

Our Rotary Club conducted the “entry” 4-Way Speech Contest with 3 students from Alta Loma High School. The students each spoke extemporaneously before our Club Membership with a panel of Club Members serving as the 3 Judges. All of the speeches were excellent. Our first-place student was awarded $100; second-place awarded $75; and our third-place student was awarded $50 All 3 of our students now move onto competing at the semi-District 5300 level with the hope of advancing to the FY 2024-2025 District Conference finals April 12, 2025 in Anaheim, CA.

Our Rotary Club of Rancho Cucamonga conducted its Club Assembly on February 4, 2025 with a review of the Club’s FY 2024-2025 Budget and recommended upcoming Club projects.

Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Kennedy and Fire Chief Mike McCliman where the Club’s Guest Speakers on 2/18/25 and presented a detailed update on the upcoming Brightline West first true high speed passenger rail system coming to the City of Rancho Cucamonga; updated our Membership on the Randall Lewis Second Story and Beyond portion of our Victoria Gardens Library; and shared Fire Station 178 located in Town Center Drive and Terra Vista Parkway proudly houses one of the nation’s first electric fire engines.

Our Rotary Club is excited to Co-Host our Rotary Club of Rancho Cucamonga and Alta Loma High School Track Meet to be held on Saturday April 5, 2025 @ Alta Loma High School. Approximately 400 students in the 4 th , 5 th and 6 th grades will compete at our Annual, Signature Track Meet with everyone invited to attend. Our “gate” entrance fee is $5 per family and all our welcome! The participating students enjoy the various competing stations inclusive of sprints; long distance and relays. Please plan to come and cheer on these young student athletes!

And last but not least, our entire Rotary Club of Rancho Cucamonga welcomes our new Incoming Club Rotary President, Aaron Johnson who begins his term as President July 1, 2025!

Discover What’s Happening This Month with Our October Newsletter! 📅✨

The October issue of the Rancho Cucamonga Rotary Club newsletter is here, filled with exciting updates, upcoming events, and ways to get involved in our community! From our Wine Tasting Fundraiser to the Girls Empowerment Conference, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to connect and make a difference.

Click below to download the full newsletter and stay in the loop! 📜👇

October 2024 RC Rotary Newsletter

 

Rotary Club of Rancho Cucamonga’s Annual Happy Feet Program, 2024

The Rotary Club of Rancho Cucamonga held its Annual Happy Feet program this past Saturday on August 2, 2024.  With the dedicated help of the Alta Loma School Superintendent’s office, families of children in need of new shoes and socks were invited to participate in the Rancho Cucamonga Rotary Club’s Happy Feet.

This program was held at Burlington in the Ontario Mills Mall with the continued dedicated support of Burlington and their outstanding staff.

In addition to the children receiving new shoes and socks, the children also received brand new backpacks with school supplies all supplied by the Rotary Club of Rancho Cucamonga and their dedicated community partners. Our Happy Feet program continues to provide the needed resources to those children in need in preparation for their school year!

RC Rotary Hosts Rancho Cucamonga PD

Our Rotary Club of Rancho Cucamonga hosted our Police Chief Mike Smith with his two new lieutenants Allison and McChristian at our recent Club meeting.

Police Chief Mike Smith and his two lieutenants Allison and McChristian shared updated information regarding the City’s ongoing Citizens Advisory Committee meetings where the newest canine was introduced to the community; regular community policing was shared and ongoing patrols continue to keep our City of Rancho Cucamonga safe.

Celebrating the Impact of RYLA: A Family Tradition

This year the Rancho Cucamonga Rotary Club sponsored Jaxon Kaylor to attend Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp, which seems to have become a family tradition – Jaxon's father, Jason Kaylor, also attended RYLA his senior year and he was also sponsored by Rancho Cucamonga Rotary. The leadership skills seem to have paid off as Jason is now the Principal at Alta Loma High School, where is son is set to graduate this year. Jaxon had an amazing experience at RYLA that he shared with our Rotary Club in a recent presentation. Here are the slides that he shared:

From Jaxon:

"RYLA Camp was a great experience where I made many friends and learned many good lessons as well as learned more about my own personal strengths and weaknesses. My group won the RYLA Challenge in which we created a video coming up with a solution to world thirst, competing with nearly 40 other groups. RYLA is an experience I will never forget and an experience that taught me lessons I will utilize for many years to come. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Rancho Cucamonga for being so generous to send me to this camp."

As he shared, Jaxon and his group won the RYLA Challenge with their video sharing a solution to address world thirst. Check it out!

We are proud to support our future leaders and look forward to seeing the positive impact Jaxon and other RYLA participants will have on our community and beyond.

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Reflecting on the Success of This Year’s RC Rotary Track Meet

On a splendid Saturday at Alta Loma High School, over 300 kids brought their energy and spirit and laid it all on the track. The Rancho Cucamonga Rotary’s Signature Track Meet was a huge success.

Students from the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades across the Alta Loma School District, enjoyed a day filled with athletic achievement and friendly competition.

Events kicked off with the much-loved “Parade of Athletes,” a procession around the track, followed by the National Anthem.

Our young athletes showcased their talents across a variety of track and field events, including sprints, long jumps, and relays. Competing teams and individuals shared laughs, cheers, and encouragement, while supporters cheered them on from the stands.

Thank you to all the students, parents, teachers, and volunteers who made this year’s track meet an occasion to remember.

As we reflect on the success of this year’s event, we are reminded of the power of community and the importance of nurturing the talents and dreams of our youth. Here’s to continuing this wonderful tradition and seeing even more smiling faces next year!