Our History

In 2005 the first Grapes for Grads committee was formed by co-chairs Jeffrey Redeker and Tom Simpson. Their goal was simple… give back to their community and have fun doing it. Having grown up in Laguna Beach both Jeff and Tom chose to help students of Laguna Beach High School and Laguna College of Art + Design.
Jeff and Tom believe that their own personal success comes from their educational achievements combined with their involvement in the community. Since then, their focus has been to help students showing excellence in academics and a commitment to community service on their way to completing their educational goals.

Grapes For Grads is A Wine Tasting and Scholarship Fundraising Event. Its purpose is to raise scholarship funds for college bound graduate students of Laguna Beach High School and Continuing Education students of Laguna College of Art + Design. As of 2010 Grapes for Grads has awarded scholarships totaling over $50,000.00

Our Host

The Rotary Club of Laguna Beach was founded in 1931 by a group of 12 local businessmen.  It is a California Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation.  From its beginning, the club has grown in membership and purpose.  Today, the club has a membership of 54 men and women actively committed to supporting Rotary International and its goals.  We meet every Friday at noon at the Aliso Creek Inn & Golf Course.

What is Rotary?

Rotary is a worldwide service organization of business and professional individuals who adopt the Ideal of Service as the basis for success and fulfillment in business and community life. There are over 1,220,000 service minded members in 31,300 Clubs in more than 165 countries.

Learn More About the Rotary Club of Laguna Beach at: www.LagunaBeachRotary.com

Grapes for Grads Committee List 2010-2011

Jeff Redeker
Committee Co-Chair, Vice President Bank of America, Board Member, Rotary Club of Laguna Beach

Stephen Dotoratos
Committee Co-Chair, Marketing

John L. Campbell
Insurance

Marge Earl
Secretary, LBHS Foundation

Maggie Hempen
Venue Preparation

Julie Hile
Silent Auction Committee

Peter Jones
Wineries/ Distributors Liaison

Helen Maxwell
Treasurer of Rotary Club

Dr. Veronica Nice
Silent Auction/Raffle Committee

Marianne Raczkowski
Volunteer Coordinator, Scholarship Committee

Kerri Redeker
Silent Auction/Raffle Committee, LCAD Liaison/Scholarship