Rotary Clubs Across District 5130 Expand Partnership with Simple Gesture

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact
Marguerite Padovani
Public Image Chair, Rotary District 5130
Email: mpadpr@gmail.com
Phone: (408) 799-0455

SANTA ROSA, Calif. July 7, 2026—A growing number of Rotary clubs throughout Rotary District 5130 are partnering with Simple Gesture, a neighborhood-based food collection program that provides a dependable, year-round source of food for local food banks and pantries.

The partnership is helping Rotary clubs address food insecurity through volunteer service, community engagement, neighborhood food collections, and local fundraising. As additional clubs join the effort, the program continues to expand its impact throughout Northern California.

The partnership is already producing measurable results. Together, participating Rotary Clubs chapters have collected well over 100,000 pounds of food that has been distributed directly to local families through neighborhood food pantries.

The Rotary Club of Windsor chapter alone has collected approximately 12,000 pounds of food since launching its program in September, demonstrating the significant impact a single Rotary club can make within its community.

Since May 2025, the Rotary Clubs of Rohnert Park-Cotati, Rancho Cotati, and Sonoma Mountain Twilight have contributed more than $4,100 to support donor outreach, Rotary-branded collection bags, volunteer recruitment, community education, and neighborhood collections—helping expand the reach of Simple Gesture into additional communities.

Simple Gesture's neighborhood collection program provides dependable, year-round support for local food banks and pantries. Residents fill a reusable donation bag with nonperishable food items on scheduled collection days, and volunteers deliver those donations directly to local food pantries.

PARTICIPATING ROTARY CLUBS

• Rotary Club of Cloverdale

• Rotary Club of Healdsburg

• Rotary Club of Windsor

• Russian River Rotary / West County

• Rotary Club of Calistoga

• Rotary Club of Santa Rosa

• Rotary Club of Rohnert Park Cotati

• Rotary Club of Petaluma

• Sonoma Community Group

• Rotary Club of Rancho Cotati

• Rotary Club of Sonoma Mountain Twilight

• Rotary Clubs of Lakeport, Northshore, South Lake, Clearlake, and Kelseyville

2026 Food Pickup Events

Drivers begin pickups at 9:00 AM.

·July 11, 2026

·August 1, 2026

·September 5, 2026

·October 3, 2026

·November 7, 2026

·December 5, 2026

Get Involved

·Register to become a donor and/or driver: www.JoinSG.org.

·Learn more: SimpleGesture.org

·Santa Rosa Rotary project: santarosarotary.com/projects/a-simple-gesture-monthly-food-drive/

Leadership Perspectives

Jeff Kolin, District Governor, Rotary District 5130
"One of Rotary’s greatest strengths is bringing people together to solve community challenges. Our partnership with Simple Gesture demonstrates what can happen when local Rotary clubs unite to address food insecurity. Together, participating Simple Gesture chapters have collected well over 100,000 pounds of food for local families, and we know even more can be accomplished as additional Rotary clubs and community donors join the effort. Every club, volunteer, and neighborhood donor helps strengthen the communities we serve."

Mark Martindill, Founder, Simple Gesture
"Rotary has become an exceptional partner in helping Simple Gesture grow throughout Northern California. The dedication of Rotary volunteers and club leaders has expanded our reach and helped provide more food to families experiencing food insecurity. Together, participating Simple Gesture chapters have collected well over 100,000 pounds of food for local families, and we look forward to welcoming additional Rotary clubs, volunteers, and community donors into this growing partnership."

About Rotary District 5130

Rotary District 5130 represents 45 Rotary clubs serving communities across Northern California. Guided by Rotary's motto, Service Above Self, members improve lives through humanitarian service, youth leadership, scholarships, environmental initiatives, disaster response, and local and international service projects. Learn more at rotary5130.org.

About Simple Gesture

Simple Gesture is a nonprofit organization that makes donating food easy by coordinating neighborhood-based monthly food collections that provide a dependable source of food for local food banks and pantries. Learn more at simplegesture.org.

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