Stories

State of the City

On Monday, March 20, Mayor Mark Salinas will present the State of the City to our club.

Mayor Mark Salinas is a proud Hayward native. He was born at St. Rose Hospital and grew up in South Hayward in the Schafer Park Neighborhood. After graduating from Hayward High he attended Chabot College and later transferred to San Francisco State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in La Raza Studies and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Public Policy Studies.

He started his career in education 26 years ago at San Francisco State University. Today, he teaches Ethnic Studies and History at Chabot College and occasionally is a lecturer in the Ethnic Studies Department at California State University, East Bay. For 29 years he has been a volunteer at The Kids’ Breakfast Club, a non-profit organization in Hayward responsible for feeding thousands of deserving children and their families when school isn't in session. For the past 17 years, he has served as the Executive Director.

In 2010, he was elected to the Hayward City Council. After two successful re-elections, in 2022 he was elected Mayor.

Annual Champagne omelet brunch

Please join us for our Champagne Omelet Brunch fundraiser, Sunday, March 26, 2023, 8a-12:30pm. Enjoy a delicious custom omelet, talk with community leaders, and support even more great projects in Hayward. Tickets are only $15 for adults and $5 for children (12y and younger) https://haywardrotary.org/event/hayward-rotary-champagne-omelet-brunch/

For 100 years, Hayward Rotary has been honored to partner with local leaders and organizations to provide community benefits such as Silva Pediatric Clinic, the pavilion in the Japanese Garden, a 10-15 bed residential unit in the Hayward Navigation Center, the children's playground at Giualini Plaza, books for every third grade student in Hayward, and the Children's Reading room at the downtown library. Contributions to these and dozens of other projects, grants, and community services are supported through the club's fundraising efforts such as this signature event.

Hayward Rotary Community Grants Application

Posted by Douglas M. Den Hartog, Sr. on Nov 06, 2019

Every year, your Hayward Rotary Club raises money to support other not-for-profit organizations that serve the Hayward community. During this 2019-2020 fiscal year, we will grant approximately $25,000 to help fund other groups' projects that serve our friends and neighbors in Hayward. If you and your organization would like to be considered for a grant, we would love to receive your application!

The application packet (click here to access it) contains the instructions and forms you will need to complete to let us know about your interest. Please read the instructions carefully and submit your request by the December 31, 2019 11:59 p.m. deadline. If you have any questions during the process, please email the Hayward Rotary Community Grants chairman, Douglas M. Den Hartog, Sr., at denhdo@thedukegroup.org with the subject line "Community Grants Question".

We look forward to serving Hayward together with you!

Back-to-School "Child Spree"

On Saturday, August 17, Hayward Rotary Club will help 100 Hayward children buy the clothing and supplies they need for school. You can help us achieve this worthy goal. ✏️🖇️📚😀

BACK-TO-SCHOOL "CHILD SPREE"
Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019 at 6:45 a.m.
JCPenney Southland Mall
1 Southland Dr., Hayward

Volunteer chaperones needed! Sign up here

This President is toast!

Let's get together to take a jab, raise a toast and celebrate our outgoing President Sid Hamadeh. On Monday, June 24th, the usual suspects will honor President Sid in the only way they know how! Don't miss an evening of revelry and laughs as Hayward Rotary takes out its Prez!

Fundraiser - 2019 Rowell Ranch Rodeo

Posted by Douglas Den Hartog

Hayward Rotary Club operates the food and drink concessions during the four days of the Rowell Ranch Rodeo. All the proceeds from our food and drink sales go toward our charitable work in the Hayward community -- specifically, by giving Community Grants to local nonprofit organizations each year. Volunteers are needed to help us sling burgers, fries, and soft drinks to the thirsty crowd! Join in the fun, get to know Rotary Club members as you serve, and experience some of our community's western heritage watching real cowboys "at work and play"; all while we raise money for great causes.

Sign-up personally with Mike Cobb at our Monday meeting; or email me at denhdo@thedukegroup.org with your desired days/times. Together we make a difference!

Click here to volunteer!

An evening in Portugal!

On Monday, February 4th, the Hayward Rotary Club presented a special early evening meeting. A Portuguese inspired dinner and sampling of wines from Portugal were just some of the wonderful things we enjoyed!

11th Annual Champagne Omelet Brunch

Back by popular demand....Hayward Rotary Club proudly presented the 11th annual Champagne Omelet Brunch! We served over 400 mouthwatering omelets made to order by Hayward Rotarians and celebrity chefs. Attendees enjoyed raffles, champagne, mimosas, beverages and so much more.

CHAMPAGNE OMELET BRUNCH

Sunday, February 10, 2019

8:00am – 12:30pm
Moreau High School Event Center

27170 Mission Blvd., Hayward

All proceeds fund Hayward Rotary's Literacy Projects and Community Grants benefiting Hayward youth and families.

Community Grants 2018-2019

Posted on Nov 24, 2018

Thank you for your interest in the Hayward Rotary Community Grants Program! Your applications packet is available starting November 25, 2018 and is due on December 31, 2018. The Rotary Club of Hayward enjoys supporting not-for-profit organizations that benefit members of our community and has been doing so since 1922. Please click on this link for your grant application.

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Back-to-School "Child Spree" - August 18

Hayward Rotary Club's annual "Child Spree" back-to-school shopping event,provided 100 Hayward children the back-to-school clothing and supplies they needed for their upcoming school year. All 100 participating children have been identified in partnership with the Hayward Police Department Youth and Family Services Bureau. Event sponsored by Hayward Rotary Club in partnership with JCPenney, Southland Mall, and Friends of Hayward Library.

Member Spotlight: Congressman Eric Swalwell

Member spotlight: CONGRESSMAN ERIC SWALWELL, Hayward Rotary Club member since 2013.

Photo: Congressman Eric Swalwell meets with constituents in Hayward at Eko Coffee and Tea House in 2016.

Growing up in what now is California’s Fifteenth Congressional District taught Eric Swalwell a lot about hard work, strong principles, and planning for a brighter future.The oldest of four boys...

Rodeo fundraiser 2018 - Volunteers wanted

Giddy-up! 🐎

Hayward Rotary Club will once again operate the food and drink concessions at the Rowell Ranch Rodeo, taking place in 2018 on May 17, 18, 19, and 20. Proceeds from the food and drink sales help our charitable work in the Hayward community, including Community Grants to local nonprofit organizations. Volunteers are wanted to help us sling burgers, fries, and soft drinks to the thirsty crowd! Join in the fun, get to know Rotary Club members, and experience western heritage watching real cowboys "at work and play"; all while we raise money for great causes.

Click here for more info and to sign up

Outstanding Hayward Rotarian Dinner Meeting

Posted on Mar 13, 2018

The Richard W. Bowman Outstanding Hayward Rotarian Award is given annually to the Hayward Rotary Club member who best exemplifies the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self”, and whose contributions in the five Avenues of Service distinguish them among their peers. It is the highest honor Hayward Rotary Club bestows on its Members.

Make plans to join us on Monday Evening, April 9 @ 5:30 p.m. for a special Club Dinner meeting to honor this year's Outstanding Hayward Rotarian recipient - Ms. Pamela Russo

Please click here to RSVP by April 2nd

'Tis the Season of Giving - Or is it?

Hayward Rotary Scholar Awards

The Hayward Rotary Scholar awards recognize students who demonstrate extraordinary skill and achievement in school. The award is bestowed upon Hayward students who achieve perfect scores on their standardized tests, perfect attendance, and perfect citizenship at school for a full year. In 2017, five students achieved Hayward Rotary Scholar status.

This is who we are

We are Hayward’s premier service club since 1922, over 90 members strong. We are a non-partisan, non-political group of people united in giving back to our community. Hayward Rotary Club members come from many diverse walks of life. We are leaders in business, education, government, nonprofit, and community service.

Do you have what it takes to become a Rotarian? Learn more about who we are and how to become a Rotarian by visiting our weekly meetings and our website. Visit our membership page.

Celebrating 17 years of children's literacy

This past October, Hayward Rotarians gave every Hayward third grade student - over 2,000 in all - the tools they need to grow their literacy skills for a lifetime. We are celebrating our 17th year of the Children's Literacy Project. Here's a look at the results.

Gearing up for back-to-school

Each year in August, Hayward Rotarians help 100 kids get the gear they need for school at the Hayward Rotary Club "Back-to-School Child Spree" event. The 2017 event was a smashing success. View photos from the event.

The Last Lone Survivor

President Sean Reinhart has officially survived his year as Rotary Club president, and (barely!) managed to defend the Rotary Bell against multiple contenders who tried to steal the prize. Here's a video recap of the adventure. Turn up the sound for maximum triumph!

Monday, June 12: RUSSELL CITY BLUES

Russell City was an unincorporated area of Hayward, a community of modest houses and small farms along the bay. In its heyday, Russell City was famed for its clubs with dirt floors, bootleg electricity and a steady stream of musicians playing a style of Delta Blues. During the early part of their careers, artists such as Big Joe Turner and Big Mama Thorton played Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana style blues in Russell City. West Coast Blues music eventually influenced the traditional sound when horns replaced the harmonica and West Coast Blues was born.

Ronnie Stewart is the producer of the 18th Annual Hayward - Russell City Blues Festival, scheduled this year in City Hall Plaza in July. Join us for a special preview of the Russell City Blues sound with an exclusive keynote address to Hayward Rotary Club

RUSSELL CITY BLUES

Featuring Ronnie Stewart and A.T. Stephens

Monday, June 12, 2017 at 12:00 noon

Masonic Lodge, 1074 "B" Street, Hayward

Guests are welcome. Lunch is $20 at the door

Woolly 'n Wild with Sulphur Creek Nature Center

Wendy Winsted is the Site Coordinator for the Sulphur Creek Nature Center. Ms. Winsted graduated from Cal State Hayward with a BA in Environmental Studies and a minor in Anthropology. She has been involved with both Wildlife and Education for almost 20 years. She worked in Sulphur Creek’s Animal Hospital for about seven years before becoming the Director of Wildlife Education and then the Site Coordinator. Ms.Winsted will deliver her popular interactive presentation, "Woolly 'N Wild at Sulphur Creek Nature Center," with the help of some furry and feathered friends. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind Hayward Rotary Club exclusive event. It is sure to be *un-fur-gettable*

WOOLLY N' WILD at SULPHUR CREEK NATURE CENTER

Presented by Wendy Winsted and Friends

Monday, June 5, 2017 at 12:00 noon

Masonic Lodge, 1074 "B" Street, Hayward

Guests are welcome. Lunch is $20 at the door

State of the City with Mayor Barbara Halliday

What new projects and policies are coming down the pike in Hayward? How does the city government work with partners in the private sector to build a stronger community? Who will the next generation of Hayward leaders be? Where can we join the conversation?

We're honored to have our friend, Mayor Barbara Halliday deliver her popular keynote address, "State of the City Update," at Hayward Rotary Club, Monday at 12:00 noon. Please join us for this special luncheon event.

Mayor Barbara Halliday
"State of the City Update"
Monday, May 22 at 12:00 noon
Masonic Lodge, 1074 B Street, Hayward
Guests are welcome. Lunch is $20 at the door

"Washington Update" with Congressman Eric Swalwell

Congressman Eric Swalwell will be our featured guest at the Hayward Rotary Club luncheon at 12:00 noon on Monday, May 8. The Congressman will present his keynote address, "Washington Update." Please join us for this special luncheon event.

Growing up in what now is California’s Fifteenth Congressional District taught Eric Swalwell a lot about hard work,strong principles,and planning for a brighter future. The oldest of four boys and son to Eric Sr., a retired police officer, and Vicky, who works as an administrative assistant, Swalwell was raised and attended public schools in the East Bay. A Division I soccer scholarship was his ticket to becoming the first person in his family to go to college. After earning undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Maryland, he returned to the East Bay to serve as a prosecutor in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office for seven years. He then was elected to the Dublin City Council.

Eric Swalwell in 2012 was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives representing California’s Fifteenth Congressional District which includes Hayward. Now in his second term, he’s working hard to bring new energy, ideas, and a problem-solving spirit to Congress, with a focus on advancing policies that support equality, opportunity, and security.

Congressman Swalwell serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and believes protecting Americans is Congress’ most solemn duty. He is the top Democrat on the Subcommittee on the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), responsible for the oversight, policy, activities, and budget of the CIA. He also serves on the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, where he addresses climate change and advocates for renewable energy.

Our World is Changing...

MONDAY, APRIL 24

AT THE DAWN OF A NEW CENTURY

Hayward Rotary Club Presidential Address

Sean Reinhart is President of Hayward Rotary Club. He will deliver the annual Club Assembly presidential address on April 24, 2017. Hayward Rotary Club is fast approaching its 100th year of service to the Hayward community. The Club has deep roots and a rich legacy in Hayward going all the way back to the turn of the 20th century in the early 1900's. Today, at the dawn of a new 21st century, the world around us is changing more rapidly than ever before. The community of Hayward is experiencing incredible change, with new growth and progress developing at a pace unlike any we have ever encountered in our lifetimes. What does the future hold for the community of Hayward? What is the Rotary's Club's role in that future? We are at a unique time in history. Future generations will one day look back at this time with inquiry and wonder. The steps we take today will have a profound effect on generations to come. Join the conversation as we explore these questions and more from our unique vantage point in history.

SEAN REINHART

Hayward Rotary Club Presidential Address

Monday, Apr. 24, 2017 at 12:00 noon

Masonic Lodge, 1074 "B" Street, Hayward

Guests are welcome. Lunch is $20 at the door

Sean Reinhart is a long time Hayward native and public servant. He grew up in Hayward's Eden Gardens and Palma Ceia neighborhoods, where he proudly received his education at Hayward public schools including Mt. Eden High School, Chabot College, and California State University, Hayward where he earned his Bachelor's degree in English. He earned his Master's degree in Library and Information Science from San José State University. Mr. Reinhart considers himself fortunate to have found opportunities to work since his first job age 16, which enabled him to earn and pay his own way through his higher education. He has a long career in public service including the past nine years with the City of Hayward as the Director of Libraries and Community Services overseeing the City's public libraries and education programs, social services and community development block grants, and affordable housing. He joined Hayward Rotary Club in 2010, and was elected to the Board of Directors in 2012. He was elected President of Hayward Rotary Club in 2016.

Hayward Rotary Club is the premier service organization serving the Hayward community since 1922. Our weekly luncheons feature the best and brightest keynote speakers.

WANTED! Rodeo fundraiser volunteers

Posted by AT Stephens on Apr 15, 2017

Contact event chair George Pacheco or volunteer coordinator A.T. Stephens.

Hayward Rotary Club - Community Grant Awards 2017

The Hayward Rotary Community Grant Awards program is focused on services to Hayward children and families. Funding for the Community Grant Awards is made possible through the generous donations of money, time, and volunteer effort by Hayward Rotarians throughout the year. Major annual fundraisers include the Champagne Omelet Brunch and the Rowell Ranch Rodeo food and drink concessions. Hayward Rotary Club and Foundation have provided millions of dollars to support local services and capital projects over the years. The Community Grant Awards are presented annually. Learn more

Hayward Rotary Scholars 2016-17

Every child in Hayward has the potential to reach extraordinary achievements. The Hayward Rotary Scholar program, now in its fourth year, honors students who distinguish themselves among their peers by demonstrating phenomenal skill and achievement in school. Each year, students are given this prestigious award who achieve three criteria:

(1) Perfect scores on state standardized tests;

(2) Perfect attendance at school for an entire school year;

(3) Excellent behavior and role modeling for peers at school.

Hayward Rotary Scholars are presented with commemorative medals and with custom banners bearing their names and achievements which are then permanently hung from the rafters of their schools for all to see. Scholars also receive generous gift bags filled with prizes. Out of 21,000 students in Hayward schools, five stellar students met all the criteria in 2016-17, and were named Hayward Rotary Scholars. Learn more

Hayward Rotary "Child Spree" Helps Students Get Ready for School

Posted by Sean Reinhart on Aug 22, 2015

HAYWARD, CALIF -- Last Saturday, more than one hundred students received new clothes and a backpack full of school supplies thanks to the Hayward Rotary Club’s annual Child Spree program. On Saturday, Aug. 22 at 7a.m., eager K-8 students met at JC Penney at Southland Mall and were paired with a Rotary Club member or other community volunteer. Together, using a list of needed items identified by the parent and a $100 gift card, they purchased essential clothing needed to start school. JC Penney offered 25 percent off the entire purchase and waived sales tax, so the children were able to purchase more essential back-to-school clothing.

JC Penney staff volunteered to work the early shift in order to share the joy with the children and their parents and the Nestle kiosk opened early to offer discounted coffee and snacks for the families.

“This is the 14th year that Hayward Rotary has had the opportunity to sponsor an event that meets the needs of so many deserving children,” said Janiene Langford, one of the event coordinators for Rotary. “It is gratifying that so many businesses, organizations, and individuals in Hayward continue to step up and support this program.”

Student participants were identified in partnership with the Hayward Police Department’s Youth and Family Services Bureau. At the conclusion of their shopping spree, the students picked out a backpack and book donated by Friends of the Hayward Library.

During the event, parents and guardians were able to participate in a resource fair with tables from Hayward Adult School’s Youth Enrichment Services, Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center, Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, Life Chiropractic College West, Hayward Library’s Literacy Plus, Hayward Promise Neighborhood, Hayward Police Department’s Youth and Family Services, and Kinship Support Services.

More than 200 community members joined Hayward Rotary in this project, including staff from Moreau Catholic High School, volunteers from the Boy Scouts of America, Chabot College students, the Cal State East Bay volleyball team, and Redwood Chapel Community Church.

In addition to JC Penney, businesses and organizations who helped to sponsor the project included Fremont Bank, Calpine, Costco Wholesale, Give Something Back Office Supply, Kaiser Permanente, United Association Local Union 342, Sakura of America, and Friends of Hayward Library.

Child Spree has helped provide new clothing for students for 14 years through partnerships with Mervyn’s, Target, and JCPenney. To volunteer to help out in the future, contact the Hayward Rotary Club at P.O. Box 629, Hayward, CA 94543

Rotary "Dragon-Tini" Mixer is February 26th, 2015

Rotary "Dragon-tini" Mixer

Thursday Feb. 26, 5:30-7:30pm

HAHS Center for History & Culture

22380 Foothill Blvd, Hayward

Wear your best dragon colors. Delicious appetizers provided by Cannery Cafe. $5 entry includes one Dragon Martini or beer/ wine/ soft drink.

Sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Castro Valley, F.U.N. Sunset, Hayward and San Leandro, with generous support from the Hayward Area Historical Society.

For more information visit: www.bitly.com/dragontini

Hayward Rotary's Annual Omelet Brunch is a Flipping Success!

Posted by Brian Schott on Oct 06, 2012

Hayward Rotarians and their guest Chefs gathered under the Grand White Tent at St. Rose Hospital to make Omelets and serve our community guests a delicious, low cost Champagne Brunch to raise money for our Community at the Hayward Rotary Foundation's 4th Annual Champagne Community Fundraiser Brunch.

Happy 90th Birthday Hayward Rotary!

Posted by Brian Schott on May 31, 2012

90thBDcake

On June 1, 1922, the Rotary Club of Hayward was chartered, 15 years after Rotary International was started. Now, 90 years later, the same spirit and energy that was there continues to be present in the Hayward Rotary Club. Click here for more....