Gala event celebrates Rotarians who care

Val Fernelius, Rosemary Scher and Sophie Fernilius. Photo credit Mitone Griffiths.

by Gwen O’Neill

From the warm greeting at the reception table by the high school Interact Club to the inviting decor of the ballroom, the Half Moon Bay Ritz-Carlton created just the right ambiance for an evening of support for local and international causes. In addition to spectacular candelabra on the tables, the white fabric-covered chairs were decked out with large red bows and red spotlights illuminated the walls.

This annual event raises funds for the Half Moon Bay Rotary Foundation which benefits community projects such as the RotaCare free clinic, local beautification projects, and youth programs. The Half Moon Bay Rotary Club has a sister club in in Ecuador; the clubs have worked together to help develop clean water projects for villages that have no access to clean water. HMBRC is also involved with projects in Kenya, Russia, Mexico and Nepal.

Interact Club from Half Moon Bay High School registering guests. Photo credit: Gwen ONeill.

Kevin O’Brien, current club president, invites everyone to visit the Half Moon Bay Rotary Club and find out how to give back to the community and the world. The club meets on Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. at the Community United Methodist Church, 777 Miramontes St., Half Moon Bay. For more information, call him at Kevin@wellerobrien.com or call 650-726-6328.

Guests dining. Photo credit: Gwen ONeill.

Rotarians, Dan Bodman and Paul Minoletti. Photo credit: Gwen ONeill.

Table and chair decor. Photo credit: Mitone Griffiths.

Rotarians Renee Lewis and Mitone Griffiths with Kevin OBrien, president of the Half Moon Bay Rotary Club.

Bill and Andrea Cook. Photo credit: Lindsey Welch.

Rotarians Howard Hayes and Susan Kealey. Photo credit: Mitone Griffiths.

Patricia Roma and Donald Miller. Photo credit: Lindsey Welch.

Beat Street had them dancing all night. Photo credit: Lindsey Welch.