General Information
What is Monte Carlo?
The 21st Annual Monte Carlo Fundraiser — “Monte Carlo Goes to Hawaii” — will benefit North Bay schools, charities, & Ignacio Rotary Charitable Projects.
How is it a benefit for schools and charities?
All of the net proceeds are directly contributed to local schools, charities, and community organizations. During the 20-year history of the event the Club has raised and contributed more than $595,000 to local charities — including the following partial list:
- Amour — Build Homes in Mexico
- Bali Schools & Water Projects
- Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts
- Equador School
- Marin Community Clinic
- Marin Humane Society
- Marin Office of Education
- Nexus Academy
- North Bay Children’s Center
- Novato High Interact Club
- Novato Theater Company
- Senior Access
- Marin YMCA
- College of Marin Foundation
- Whistlestop Wheels
- Relay for Life Cancer Walk
- Novato Human Needs Center
- Novato Youth Center
- Miss Marin Scholarship Program
- Rotaplast
- Hospice of Marin
- School Fuel
- Novato High School Scholarships
- Mackey Terrace Senior Housing
- Hamilton Elementary School
- North Bay Children’s Center
- Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts
- Loma Verde Elementary School
- San Jose Middle School
How did the Club learn of or determine the need?
This event was first held in 1988 to help raise money for the Club’s Polio Plus commitment to Rotary International — a campaign to eradicate polio worldwide. As the event became even more successful, involving every member of the Club and broad participation from the community, it was decided to continue the event with all proceeds benefiting local, charitable organizations and schools.
How Noteworthy is Monte Carlo?
During the first few years, average attendance at Monte Carlo was 250 to 300 people. Our 2007 event drew approximately 600 attendees, and each year is the largest single event held at Fireman’s Fund Headquarters in Novato. Over 150 businesses and individual sponsors were also involved in 2007 by donating auction items and sponsoring gaming tables. In addition, the event was underwritten by numerous corporate sponsors, including Brayton Purcell, LLP, and All American Printing, Inc.
In what ways is the event effective in “getting the job done”?
Monte Carlo makes money for our community, provides a great social evening, and furnishes an opportunity for businesses and individuals to give back to their community. From the Club’s perspective, it also allows each and every member to exhibit fellowship to its fullest — one of the “Objects of Rotary”. For many of the guests attending the event, Monte Carlo is also their first awareness of Rotary and what it does.
Recognition by the community:
Monte Carlo has become the premier annual social event in Novato and one of the largest annual events in the entire North Bay. The event has raised the visibility and image of Rotary in the community, as well as an awareness and recognition for the outstanding work performed by the Rotary Club of Ignacio. Visit the Rotary Club of Ignacio Website.