DIXON, CA (MPG) - There was little surprise that the Rotary Club of Dixon was the first to meet and exceed the criteria for the Dixon chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Nonprofit of the Year award at the annual Celebrate Dixon event. The club just celebrated its 20th anniversary of their annual crab feed and almost every area of need in this city has been assisted in some way by this club.

President Marianne MacDonald accepted the award and had everyone in the club that was present at the event to stand.

“It was over the top to be recognized,” she said enthusiastically. The club has contributed over $100,000 annually.

“Their long time works for our community has always gone above and beyond,” read one nomination. “Find a cause and their name seems to pop up to fill it. We nominate not only for all of their financial contributions but for the countless number of hours each member gives of themselves.”

Another nomination letter read, “Rotary International is the oldest and most prestigious service club in the world. No other nonprofit in Dixon can claim as many members nor as many service projects.

The mission of Rotary Club in Dixon is to provide community service that will strengthen both local and international communities. Local members work together to support that mission through donations, volunteerism, club activities, and projects to feed, heal, shelter, educate, inspire, enlighten, and nurture those in need.

Club activities and projects give members a chance to do something for others and to sense this self-fulfillment that comes to them in the process. It is richly rewarding.

The Rotary Club of Dixon was chartered more than 90 years ago, and its members have worked diligently to live up to the standards of service required by Rotary International. Here are some of the many ways the community—in particular local students, teachers, senior citizens, and veterans-- have benefitted through their work:

Scholarships to graduating seniors, new teacher’s luncheon, Camp royal, Eagle Scout, Sober Grad Night, Teen Center, 5th grade camp, mentoring/tutoring Maine Prairie High School students, Providing backpacks to MPHS students, individual veterans in need, senior luncheons, Rotary Crab Feed, Pancake Breakfast with Santa, Golf Tournaments, May Fair, 4th of July Fireworks, Dixon Family Services, and the Dixon Dolphins. They also provided relief funds to the Hawaii Fire disaster, Alzheimer Association, and Polio Eradication Program.”

MacDonald received an etched glass plaque from the Chamber of Commerce and numerous certificates from Senate and Assembly officials and local dignitaries.