The Ukiah Rotary Clubs are part of Rotary International. We are a global service organization that unites business, professional, and community leaders. Our core purpose is to provide service to others, promote high ethical standards, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through fellowship

Rotary’s vision statement – Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

Our mission is guided by its principal motto: “Service Above Self”.

Community service is one of the Avenues of Service which encourages Rotarians to offer service to their communities.  Every Rotary club and every Rotarian assumes a responsibility to find ways to improve the quality of life for those in their communities and to serve the public interest.

In 2013, the Rotary Clubs of Ukiah came together to acknowledge challenges faced by our military veterans. This was the beginning of Guitars for the Troops. The initial idea was to raise money to supply veterans with guitars to provide the support they needed through music.

Fund raising turned into a fund raising event featuring music, dance, and food. Our first event was held at Carl Purdy Hall at the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds in Ukiah, CA. Later, we moved to the Alex Rorabaugh Recreation Center in Ukiah, CA.

Over the years, the Ukiah Rotary Clubs have donated guitars to many veterans in need. This work has evolved into supporting multiple service organizations who directly support active duty military personnel and veterans.

While Guitars for the Troops has evolved over the years, what hasn’t changed is how our community has come together to support the men and women of the United States military have supported us.