Supporting Youth Projects
The Rotary Club of Palm Desert supports many youth activities across the whole Coachella Valley. The club raises money from events such as the Pancake Breakfast to further these programs. Every year, the club sends students to special Rotary-themed camps such as…
Club Outings – Time for Fellowship
Every month, the Palm Desert Rotary hosts a lively social event known as Thirsty Thursday. It’s a cherished tradition where club members gather outside of their regular meetings to enjoy each other’s company. Laughter and camaraderie fill the air as they share stories…
Club Events
Palm Desert Social Night Tommy Bahamas
Topic: An evening of fun and friendship with Palm Desert Rotary. All are invited
More info
Palm Desert Club training
Speaker: Marilyn Sanderson and Leroy Johnson
Topic: Learn how to present the best "elevator speech" to promote Rotary
More info
One Valley Foundation
Speaker: Kate Spates
Topic: One Valley Foundation harnesses the power of sports and entertainment to advance education, strengthen well-being, and build a more inclusive, connected Coachella Valley through trusted local partnerships.
More info
Palm Desert Club Meeting Palm Springs Water Park
Speaker: Massy Pitts
Topic: Our own Massy Pitts will talk about the history of the Palm Springs Water Park
More info
Upcoming Speakers
Palm Desert Club training
Speaker: Marilyn Sanderson and Leroy Johnson
Learn how to present the best “elevator speech” to promote Rotary
More info
One Valley Foundation
Speaker: Kate Spates
One Valley Foundation harnesses the power of sports and entertainment to advance education, strengthen well-being, and build a more inclusive, connected Coachella Valley through trusted local partnerships.
More info
Palm Desert Club Meeting Palm Springs Water Park
Speaker: Massy Pitts
Our own Massy Pitts will talk about the history of the Palm Springs Water Park
More info
Palm Desert Club Meeting at Palm Valley
Speaker: Marilyn Sanderson and Leroy Johnson
Seven Areas of Focus
More info
DG Official Visit – Palm Desert
Speaker: Richard F. Lemire
DG Official Visit
More info
Palm Desert Rotary Meeting September 1st
Did you miss a meeting? Find out what happened at our video store at Palm Desert Rotary Videos. Like what you see? Give us a thumbs up and follow us!
Find our latest The last meeting video here on Vimeo and here on YouTube!
On September 1st, we had an outstanding presentation at yesterday’s Rotary meeting from Julie Makinen, Secretary Treasurer and cofounder of the Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation.
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Julie took us on a fascinating journey through the Coachella Valley’s rich and sometimes eccentric media history. She also discussed the challenges and opportunities facing local journalism today. We learned a great deal and gained a deeper appreciation for the important role community journalism plays in keeping residents informed and connected.
Thank you, Julie, for sharing your experience, insight, and passion with our club!
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@makinenj @cvjournalismfoundation @ricardo.loretta
#Rotary #ServiceAboveSelf #CoachellaValley #LocalJournalism #CommunityJournalism #MediaHistory #PalmDesert #CommunityLeadership #SupportingLocalNews
Our Annual Events
Pancake Breakfast
The Rotary Club of Palm Desert will host its annual Pancake Breakfast on October 25, 2026 on the corner of San Luis Rey Avenue and El Paseo. It will be open from 8:00 until 11:00 am! The funds raised support sending students to leadership camps, as well as donating books to local schools to build literacy skills. Join us prior to the City of Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade!!!
Golf Tournament
Mark your calendars for March 15 and join us at the Palm Valley Golf Course! Your participation in the Rotary Golf Tournament helps fight food insecurity throughout our community. Proceeds from this event are awarded to local organizations that provide food and essential support to individuals and families facing hunger. Together, we can make a lasting impact—one swing, one meal, and one life at a time.
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On Goining Projects
Angels of Service
The Rotary Club of Palm Desert sponsors our Angels of Service Project. Club Members go shopping twice a month to provide food to local food banks, pet food to a local group who distributes pet food to community members who cannot afford it, and personal care products to those in need. If you would like to make a donation to our Angels of Service Project, please contact our club or donate on our payment page and add Angels of Service in the note.
Support Interact
Did you know our students at Palm Desert High School and Xavier High School have formed Interact Clubs so they can provide community service. Both clubs have strived to live the Service Above Self mission that is part of Rotary. They could use your support. If you would like to make a donation so they can do more good in the world, please click on the donate button on the top of the page and put Interact in your note. We will ensure the students have access to these funds.
Rotaract
Rotaract is alive and active at College of the Desert. This student run club is looking for ways to help the community. If you have a service project they can help with please send our club a message. The students currently do trail clean up in La Quinta, support event on campus, and help at Find Food Bank. Any COD student is eligible to join Rotaract.
We currently have students at California State University San Bernardino, Palm Desert Campus who would like to start a Rotaract Club. If you are interested in joining this group look for them at Club Rush or contact the Rotary Club of Palm Desert and we will put you in touch with the group.
Service Above Self
At the heart of Rotary is our enduring motto, **Service Above Self**—a simple yet powerful reminder that our greatest purpose is found in putting the needs of others before our own. Through service, we strengthen communities, inspire hope, and create opportunities that change lives. This year, my theme, **Impactful Service ~ Enduring Connections**, builds upon that foundation. Impactful service is not measured by the size of a project, but by the difference it makes in the lives of those we serve. Equally important are the enduring connections we build—with one another, with our community, and with our partners in service. Together, these relationships amplify our ability to make a lasting impact. When we live the principle of Service Above Self, we not only transform our communities—we also create friendships, partnerships, and a Rotary legacy that will endure for generations.
Coming Events
Palm Desert Social Night Tommy Bahamas
Topic: An evening of fun and friendship with Palm Desert Rotary. All are invited
More info
Palm Desert Club training
Speaker: Marilyn Sanderson and Leroy Johnson
Topic: Learn how to present the best "elevator speech" to promote Rotary
More info
One Valley Foundation
Speaker: Kate Spates
Topic: One Valley Foundation harnesses the power of sports and entertainment to advance education, strengthen well-being, and build a more inclusive, connected Coachella Valley through trusted local partnerships.
More info
Palm Desert Club Meeting Palm Springs Water Park
Speaker: Massy Pitts
Topic: Our own Massy Pitts will talk about the history of the Palm Springs Water Park
More info
Our Mission
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Our Mission
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Our Mission
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.