When David Drumright joined the Rotary Club of Camarillo in 1999, he was focused on networking. The insurance broker quickly realized, however, that community service was more valuable than gaining new clients.
“What motivates me is that I love the club, I love the people and I love what we do in the community,” said Drumright, 62. He was nominated by former presidents to assume a leadership role in 2006, and he said he has been dedicated to reviving important traditions while developing new strategies to serve the city.
The greatest challenge he’s faced as president is the pandemic, he said. Unable to hold long-standing events in person, the club struggled to maintain participation.
“A lot of clubs have fallen apart, and I didn’t want to see our club fall apart,” he said. “I want to see it grow.” The club has roughly 55 members—five more than before the pandemic, Drumright said.
In his 23 years with the Rotary, he said, he has seen the organization increase its focus on attracting younger members. As president, he strives to reach a broader demographic. “We’re trying to help guide people that have service as an important part of their lives at a younger age,” Drumright said. One way the club does that is by sponsoring Adolfo Camarillo High School’s Interact Club. Rotarians are able to support students’ service projects while exposing the younger generation to Rotary International’s mission.
Drumright said he strives to embody that mission of “service above self,” especially when spearheading the club’s annual fundraising events. “A lot of people put themselves first and their needs first,” he said. “Our philosophy is that service to others is important as well.” The Hap Rapp Memorial Track Meet, the club’s oldest community service project established in 1960, is Drumright’s favorite event. As chair of the May 21 track meet, he oversaw fundraising for students in grades four through eight at more than a dozen local schools. “It’s fun to see the smiling faces and see the kids compete,” said Drumright, who was on his high school’s track team.
The president is also looking forward to the club’s largest fundraising event of the year: the Care for Kids Golf Classic. The event has raised $75,000 for Casa Pacifica, the Camarillo based nonprofit that serves children and families experiencing neglect, substance abuse, homelessness and mental health issues. This year’s tournament will be Sept. 19 at the Spanish Hills Club. Drumright said it is as meaningful to the Rotarians as it is to the children. “It’s the right thing to do, and it’s coming from a place of love,” he said. “We have to help shape the future for our kids.” To promote the 30th anniversary of the event, the Rotary will have a booth at the Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food and Brew Festival on June 5.
To learn more about the Rotary Club of Camarillo, go to camarillorotary.org.