Helping Out: Mother’s Club Spring Tea benefit, Rotary grants open, and Chili Cook-off taking applications

SPRING TEA AND AUCTION – Petaluma Mother’s Club

Sunday, May 6, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.

What’s happening? For the fifteenth year, the Petaluma Mother’s Club presents its Spring Tea and Auction, this year at the historic Hotel Petaluma, 205 Kentucky St. The afternoon will include food and drinks, music, a photo booth, raffle prizes and a silent auction.

Who does it help? All proceeds from this event go to the Petaluma Mother’s Club, a non-profit organization formed to create socialization opportunities and support for mothers of children up to five-years-old. PetalumaMothersClub.org.

What else should we know? Tickets are $30, and information on reserving them can be found at PetalumaMothesClub.org.

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR CHILI COOKOFF FUNDRAISER– Cinnabar Youth Programs

Registration now open for Saturday, May 19, 2018 event

What’s happening? It’s the Great Petaluma Chili Cook-off, Salsa & Beer Tasting, an enormously popular annual fundraiser for Cinnabar Theater youth programs. The big event is still accepting entries for those interested in showing off their chili-making expertise.

Who does it help? All proceeds go to the Young Rep program at Cinnabar, and other youth-oriented programs at the historic Petaluma institution.

What else should we know? Applications to participate as a chili chef – and, by the way, TEAMS are totally welcome - can be found on line at GretChiliCookoff.com, or by calling 707-763-8920. The event itself takes place Saturday, May 19 at the Petaluma Fairgrounds.

ROTARY ACCEPTING SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY GRANT APPLICATIONS – Rotary Club of Petaluma

Application deadline is Friday, May 18

What’s happening? Applications are now open for the Rotary Club of Petaluma’s annual school and community grants, awarded to academic and non-academic non-profit organizations within the Petaluma School District attendance area. This year, only on-line applications will be accepted. Every year, the Rotary Club distributes grants ranging from $100 to $500, providing teachers with the necessary materials to implement projects, programs or units. Grants are also awarded to non-school-related programs by local non-profits, for programs that work to support student success.

Who does it help? Since 1982, the Rotary Club of Petaluma Foundation has been assisting educators and local youth-oriented non-profits, distributing a total of $20,000 each year in small grants.

What else should we know? The application cycle for 2018 is being coordinated by Jane Saldana-Talley, who can be contacted at Lsaldana-talley@santarosa.edu for questions related to the application process. The deadline for applications is May 18. To apply, visit PetalumaRotary.org.

RESERVATIONS NOW OPEN FOR ‘A SPECIAL TEA FOR MOM’ – Petaluma People Services Center & Sunrise Rotary

Deadline for reservations is May 5, 2018, for Saturday, May 12 event.

What’s happening? ‘A Special Tea for Mom’ is a tribute to members in our community who may be alone on Mother’s Day. These women will be given a grand Mother’s Day celebration complete with a tea (including light food), flowers, treats and entertainment. The event will take place at the PPSC Senior Café, 211 Novak Dr.

Who does it help? Presented by Petaluma People Services Center and Petaluma Sunrise Rotary, the Tea provides a day of celebration for mothers, including those who are unlikely to receive calls, flowers or cards on Mother’s Day. It’s also a great way for families to treat their mothers to a special day.

All moms are free, and their family and friends are just $10. A gift of $15 will sponsor a mother, and help the Petaluma People Services Center, which provides programs for mothers and others all year long. Reservations must be received by May 5. For information of Petaluma People Services Center, visit PetalumaPeople.org.

What else should we know? The deadline for reservations is May 5. To reserve a place, or to sponsor a mother, call (707) 765-8488 or write

Admin@petalumapeople.org.