While Community Service is the driving force, members remain Rotarians because of the friendships that are formed. The Fellowship or “Friendship” Avenue of Service encompasses a wide variety of activities that foster meaningful personal relationships between members. Some of our club’s regular events include:
Long Beach Rotary Fellowship Events
5 O'Clock Somewhere
This is the club’s monthly after-hours mixer. Each month (often the 3rd Thursday/month) we meet at a local restaurant, wine bar, or fun location. The host location provides hors d’oeuvres—a way to showcase its cuisine—while drinks are handled through a cash bar. This is an ideal venue to relax, bring friends and business colleagues, and socialize.
7th Annual Golf Tournament for World Peace
This annual springtime tournament is intended to raise awareness and funds for Rotary International’s program for World Peace. This is the fastest day any golfer will face with a shotgun format and a quick, but enjoyable, reception after shooting 18 holes. Fun awards/recognitions and very appealing opportunity prizes add to the camaraderie. Thousands of dollars are donated to the Rotary Foundation and Paul Harris Fellow points are also awarded to Rotarians for their participation.
Annual Sunset Cruise
The annual Sunset Cruise in Alamitos Bay is a popular LB Rotary event. Whether cruising in an electric-powered Duffy boat, motor boat, or sailing yacht, LB Rotarians and their guests enjoy an evening of fun, a fantastic sunset, and delicious dinner at the Long Beach Yacht Club. All boats are owned by LB Rotarians who obviously enjoy providing a nautical adventure in the name of fellowship.
Evening Dinner Focus
Instead of a regular Wednesday lunch meeting, this annual dinner takes place on the first Wednesday in February. Small groups gather at different member homes. Each group discusses the same topic (with its various questions), but the venue provides for more in-depth discussion in which everyone can participate. It’s an evening with great fellowship and meaningful purpose as members share their thoughts and perspectives on important club issues.
Foundation or other ``Friendship`` activities
Throughout the year, several other events may take place to offer a chance for members to raise money for the Rotary International Foundation, or to just have fun.
Out and About Adventure
No longer restricted to the “extremes” of activities, Out and About now consists of activities at different levels of energy and inertia. Activities are planned to fall in line within the “Couch Potato” Level 1 Activity, “Walking the Dog” Level 2 Activity, to the most extreme of energy output—the “Summit” Level 5 Activity. There is something for everyone, at whatever level of exertion desired. Previous activities included: horseback riding in the Hollywood Hills, kayak and paddle boarding, snow skiing at Snow Summit. All suggestions from club members are seriously considered.
Presidents Party
Each fiscal year culminates with the Presidents Party on the third Wednesday in June. Whether at a restaurant or at a member’s home, Rotarians and their guests celebrate the current President’s year, and welcome the new President and his/her Board of Directors.