The Rotarian Foundation of Livermore supports several community projects on an ongoing basis. These projects align directly with our Mission Statement and are funded primarily through our General Fund.

Literacy Project – The Gift of Reading

Since 2003, the Rotarians of Livermore have directly supported the development of reading in local third graders, initially by giving a hardcover MacMillan Dictionary to each student, and, beginning in 2021, by giving a hardcover literary novel.
In partnership with Towne Center Books, the Rotarian Foundation of Livermore collaborated with LVJUSD teachers, administrators and library specialists and with City of Livermore Librarian Nathan Brumley, to identify 3 titles from which each third grader can choose a book for their own home library.

According to Brumley, research has shown that students who are fluent readers by the end of third grade are prepared to succeed academically. “Allowing students to choose their own great book gives kids agency, which means they’re much more likely to read it, and provides them with something fun and engaging that will keep them coming back for more. Regular reading is so important when developing vocabulary and reading comprehension in 3rd and 4th grade. The book these students brought home could easily become the book that helps them discover a lifelong love of reading,” said Brumley.

Rotarians volunteer to deliver the books in person and experience firsthand the students’ joy of choosing and owning their own book.

Books are delivered in the spring of each year.

CAPE Children’s Holiday Party

Children attending CAPE Headstart Preschool in Livermore are invited, with their families, to the annual holiday party traditionally held the first weekend in December. Since 2016, RFL has hosted a fun-filled party that includes activities, crafts, food, and live entertainment, plus a visit from a famous man in a red suit bearing gifts.

Of special significance to the children and families are the special gifts that include clothing, socks, and gloves, as well as toys, games, and puzzles. Before going home, each preschooler receives an additional gift of two books and a stuffed animal.

Rotarians from both clubs volunteer to make this party a reality.

College Scholarships Funded in Partnership with The Pedrozzi Foundation

The Rotarian Foundation of Livermore is proud to partner with the Pedrozzi Foundation to administer college scholarships to deserving graduates of one of Livermore’s high schools.

The Rotarian Foundation of Livermore Scholarship

Launched in 2023, the named Rotarian Foundation of Livermore Scholarship, a 4-year scholarship, was awarded to Drew Kardy. Drew graduated from Granada High School and is motivated to serve others, inspired by those around him, and puts his whole self into each philanthropy he works to support. Since May 2021, he has served 135+ hours with 12+ local philanthropies with a majority of hours serving in Livermore with the St. Michael’s Community Care Program He served as the vice president of the Tri-Valley Chapter of the Young Men’s Service League. Drew played baseball 4 years at GHS while also pursuing extra curricular business related coursework to prepare for a future as a business student and entrepreneur, as reflected in his LinkedIn Profile. To relieve stress, he creates music on his MacBook.

Drew shared: “Like Mario Pedrozzi, I desire to give back to the world, my community, family, and friends via future business endeavors. If I could step back in time and share a moment with Mr. Pedrozzi, I would place us shoulder to shoulder at St. Michaels on a Saturday morning as we packed up and distributed food for those in need in the Livermore community. My actions would demonstrate to him that I am committed to a life of service. I would take the opportunity to listen more than talk; absorbing all of his advice and wisdom. Attending university and earning a degree is a goal of mine and I am committed to making that happen for myself with little to no debt. The Pedrozzi Foundation Scholarship would have a significant impact on my future as I work to carve out my own success story and keep the legacy of Mario Pedrozzi alive.”