Founded in 1988, the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club has proudly served Rancho Bernardo and surrounding North County communities for more than three decades. The club is led by President Jean Larsen, whose leadership promotes the club’s commitment to Service Above Self while fostering friendship, professional networking, and meaningful community engagement.
The club meets every week from 7:15 am at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo where members gather for breakfast, camaraderie, and to hear inspiring presentations.
Membership
The Club is home to approximately 54 members representing a diverse cross-section of business leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, nonprofit leaders, and retirees. Members range from young professionals to long-time community volunteers, all who are united by a shared enthusiasm for making a positive difference locally, regionally, and around the world.
The club welcomes and invites individuals who value service, leadership, and community involvement as potential members and at-large volunteers.
Key Focus Areas
Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary focuses its efforts on improving the quality of life throughout the community through youth development, education, health and wellness, veteran support, humanitarian assistance, environmental stewardship, and international service. Members participate in hands-on volunteer projects throughout the year while also raising significant funds to support local nonprofit organizations, scholarships, and Rotary’s global initiatives.
Signature Project
The club’s signature fundraising event is the annual Rancho BEERnardo Festival, one of North County San Diego’s premier craft beer and beverage festivals.
Held each fall at Webb Lake Park in Rancho Bernardo, and now 15 years running, BEERnardo brings together more than 950 attendees who enjoy its 35+ craft breweries, plus wineries, distilleries, mocktails, live entertainment, local food vendors, and community engagement. Organized entirely by Club volunteers, the event has become both a celebrated community tradition and the club’s largest annual fundraiser.
Proceeds from BEERnardo directly support scholarships, youth leadership programs, local nonprofit organizations, community improvement projects, and Rotary’s humanitarian efforts both locally and internationally. Beyond raising funds, the festival showcases the
power of volunteers working together to create an event that strengthens the community while giving back to those in need.
Youth Services
Developing the next generation of leaders is one of the club’s highest priorities, actively supporting youth through scholarships, career mentoring, student recognition programs, leadership development, and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). The club also supports Interact and other youth-serving organizations, encouraging young people to discover the value of leadership, volunteerism, and community service.
Members regularly partner with local schools to recognize student achievement and provide volunteer opportunities for students to engage in meaningful service projects that build confidence, character, and civic responsibility.
Club Foundation
The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club Foundation serves as the charitable arm of the club, providing financial support for scholarships, community grants, youth programs, humanitarian initiatives, and international service projects. Through generous donations, fundraising events such as BEERnardo, and member philanthropy, the Foundation invests in programs that create lasting positive impact throughout the community.
Each year, the Foundation distributes thousands of dollars to organizations and projects that align with Rotary’s mission of creating hope and improving lives.
Social Media
The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club maintains an active presence on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and its website to highlight service projects, community events, member accomplishments, and upcoming activities.
Website: www.rbsunriserotary.org
Community members interested in learning more about Rotary or visiting a meeting are encouraged to connect through the club’s website or social media channels.