Anna Rainieri of Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode will introduce members to the nonprofit organization’s mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding loving homes for cats and kittens while providing affordable veterinary services to the community. Based in Diamond Springs, Animal Outreach has served the region since 1992 through cat rescue, foster care, adoptions, low-cost spay and neuter services, and educational programs promoting responsible pet ownership.

Anna began volunteering with Animal Outreach in 2020 and joined the Board of Directors in January 2025. She currently serves as secretary, community outreach chair, and leads the organization’s Unhoused Pet Program. Passionate about educating the public on responsible pet ownership and Animal Outreach’s community-based programs, Anna especially enjoys connecting with young people and inspiring the next generation to support animal rescue and welfare.

Members will also learn about the organization’s partnership with the Rotary Club of Cameron Park’s Interact Club at Ponderosa High School. Interact students volunteered at Animal Outreach on two service days last year, and plans are underway for additional volunteer projects, providing students with meaningful opportunities to support the organization’s mission while giving back to the community.

Club member Sid Bazett, who also serves on the Cameron Park Community Services District Board of Directors, shared highlights from his recent trip to Japan, where he participated in the 50th anniversary celebration of the sister-city relationship between El Dorado County and Warabi through People to People El Dorado.  He also extended his travels to other parts of Japan, including Kyoto, before continuing on to the Philippines. 

As the only official on the trip, Sid was selected to deliver the keynote address at the anniversary celebration dinner, representing both El Dorado County and People to People El Dorado. 

Along with sharing interesting facts about Japan and its people, Sid presented photographs of the country's beautiful landscapes, temples and shrines.  

He spoke briefly about this month’s Youth Summit in Warabi, where 13 local students are being hosted by Japanese families as part of the long-running cultural exchange program.

Past President David Sargent, presiding over the meeting in the absence of President Dan Gott and Immediate Past President Adam Marshall, praised Gary Clarke for his outstanding leadership and dedication in organizing the club’s two recent fundraisers: the beer and wine booth during the El Dorado County Fair and Rotaryville at the Summer Spectacular at Cameron Park Lake.

Gary then provided a financial update. The beer and wine booth generated $2,952 more in revenue than last year.  However, due to increased expenses, the club’s net profit was just $734 higher than the previous year, totaling $12,684.

At Rotaryville, the club’s net profit increased by $2,455 over last year, for a total net profit of $3,069.

Combined, the two fundraisers generated a total net profit of $15,753 for the club.

Gary concluded by thanking everyone who volunteered to make both events such a success. Rather than holding a formal debriefing, he asked volunteers to email him with suggestions and recommendations to help improve next year’s fundraisers.

Help support the Rotary Club of Cameron Park Community Observatory by participating in its docent's Panda Express fundraiser on Monday, July 21. Here is the link to the fund raiser:  https://bit.ly/4fsBHHS

Order online and enter fundraiser code 9016228 during checkout on the Panda Express website https://www.pandaexpress.com/ or mobile app. The observatory will receive 28% of your purchase.

Online ordering is required to participate, but you may choose to dine in, take your meal to go, or have it delivered. The fundraiser is valid at any Panda Express location on Tuesday, July 21—it is not limited to the Placerville restaurant.

Thank you for your support of the Observatory!