Rotary Club 33 became involved with Monarch when it was known as The P.L.A.C.E., soon after it was started by club member Sandra McBrayer, now CEO for The Children’s Initiative. Members began as volunteers and donated items such as clothing, money and food. A few years after Sandra was recognized for her innovative approach to educating the homeless and at-risk population, she was presented with the National Teacher of the Year Award. Rotary Club 33 members continued to be involved as mentors, tutors, hosting the Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and honoring students with the Student of the Quarter awards. When the school was given the eviction notice in 1999 to make way for the ballpark development, it was Rotary Club 33 members who stepped up to find a new location and help raise money to build the school. One Rotary member donated all the computer equipment and helped install it. The Rotary Club was the catalyst for getting other community members involved . . . and the rest is history! Monarch students have been invited to participate in Rotary programs such as Outward Bound, Ambassador Student Exchange, Model UN, Camp Enterprise, and more.
Monarch School is grateful for all the amazing support from San Diego Rotary Club 33 over the years. As we prepare to move into our new, larger school at the Newton Avenue site, we look forward to continuing our partnership with this organization of generous, caring community members who are dedicated to helping our students succeed.
Rotary is a service organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who conduct humanitarian projects, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and work toward world understanding and peace. To learn more about Rotary 33 visit their website at http://www.rotary33.org/
