Rotary Club of Carpinteria Has a New President, Whitt Hollis
This week I met with the new President of the Rotary Club of Carpinteria (RCC), Whitt Hollis. I started the conversation asking about the history of the RCC, and he explained, “The Rotary Club of Carpinteria was formed 52 years ago when some people from Carp who were doing rotary work with the Montecito club wanted one of their own. Then some of the people in the Rotary Club of Carp sectioned off into the Carpinteria Rotary Club Morning. There was a third club, the Rotary Club Carp Evening which disbanded this July. If you’re talking locals [laughs] it’s the noon club versus the morning club, it boils down to what time you have your meetings. Our club is voted most fun!”
Indeed, it is about locals doing work for locals in Carpinteria, focusing mostly on the students in the Carpinteria schools with music instruction and instruments, the disadvantaged child, child sex trafficking, kids in need of mental health support and related issues. He talked about getting involved in the RCC because he said it is tied to music, “This last year, for the 15th year, we have a talent show to fund music programming at the local Carp schools. We raised $25,000. Our Club also supports the Carpinteria Children’s Project, which has a list of things they need. I really like our aspects of youth, education, and teaching them music, it’s a gift for life.”
Turns out Hollis had his own taste of a music career right out of high school, playing drums in a band, doing studio work, and a gig in London. A Midwesterner, he attended journalism school in Kansas, and studied law for his real estate work.
Getting down to the foundation, I asked him why someone would want to join a Rotary Club. Hollis thought a for second and replied, “Well, one level is if you are new to the community, want to meet people and get involved locally. Hopefully, it’s because you want to try to make a difference doing things together. People who all share the common idea that we are all very lucky, and help those who don’t have that much luck and give them opportunities to have the door open for them. I personally am interested in battling the scourge of human trafficking and training employers to help recognize it, along with protection, and education. The fundraising aspect is to allow us to do more. This interview with the Montecito Journal is a way for us to find out more about the needs of the community, so contact us.”
Q. As President of RCC, how are you implementing the Rotary International theme this year, “The Magic of Rotary?”
A. The District 5240 theme for this year (for Rotary Clubs in SLO, SB, Kern, and Ventura counties) is “Rotary is Love.” Both represent what Rotary is about. Rotarians working together within a club, with other clubs, service organizations, community leaders, and so on, create love and magic by helping others. Examples: polio, sanitation etc.
The Rotary Club of Carpinteria is working with members and leaders of our community to identify needed services, in addition to our ongoing programs to support music education, and early childhood education. Additional community activities around mental health, human trafficking, and environmental protection are being planned.
What background in Rotary Clubs, business, and nonprofits do you bring to your position as president?
I joined Rotary and this club in 2021. I have been active in various other service organizations for many years. I have been a coach and Board member of the First Tee Central Coast Chapter for approximately 20 years. Professionally, I have been an executive in the real estate industry for more than thirty years.
What are your goals for your first year and how will that plan be done?
Having fun while increasing our service towards education, physical and mental health, and the environment of our communities. Increase the diversity of our club and make it more representative of our community.
What is your wish list for your rotary club’s executive committee and members?
Continue working together and having fun in helping our fellow community members.
What is your fundraising goal for 2024-25?
No set amount. Last year through the club and its affiliated foundation, we provided over $50k to local schools. We hope to partner with others and significantly increase that this year.
Any additional comments you want the Montecito metro area readers to know about yourself, and the rotary you represent?
We look forward to partnering with the other south coast Rotary Clubs in trying to make a difference. We welcome anyone contacting us about service needs/projects.
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