1.  What is the Monte Carlo Night?:  The 21st Annual Rotary Club of Ignacio Monte Carlo Night Fundraiser for the benefit of Marin County Charities.

2.  How is it a benefit for those targeted?: All of the net proceeds are directly contributed to various local charities and needy organizations. During the 1 year history of the event the Club has raised and contributed approximately $650,000 to local charities including the following partial list: D.A.R.E., Novato Human Needs Center, Novato Youth Center, Miss Marin Pageant, Marin Youth Symphony, Novato High School Scholarships, Indian Valley Aquatics, Mackey Terrace Senior Housing, Hamilton Elementary School, Novato Theater Restoration, Lorna Verde Elementary School, and San Jose Jr. High School.   The 2007 Monte Carlo Night will net more than $45,000 for charity.   Click here for a list of non-profit groups receiving funds.

3.   How did the Club learn of or investigate the need?:  This event was first held in 1988 to help raise money for  the club's Polio Plus commitment to R. I.  As the event became so successful and also involved every member of the club, it was decided to continue the event with all proceeds benefiting local and community organizations

4.  How big is the project? : During the first few years the average attendance was 250 to 300 people. Our most recent event,  had approximately 700 people in attendance making it the largest single event ever held at Fireman's Fund World Headquarters in Novato. Our total ticket sales, including comps for Corporate Sponsors exceeded 500. Over 150 businesses and individuals became involved, by donating auction items and sponsoring gaming tables. In addition, the event was underwritten by 12 Corporate sponsors who donated an average of $1,000.00 each.

5.  In what ways was the event effective in "getting the job done "? : We made money for our community, we provided a great social evening for our community, we provided an opportunity for businesses and individuals to give back to their community, and by working together, each and every member of our club exhibited fellowship to its fullest.  Finally, we exhibited our Rotary banners and signs showing where the money has gone over the last eleven years. For many of our guests the Rotary display was their first awareness of Rotary and what it does.

6.  Recognition by the community:  Monte Carlo has become the premier annual social event in Novato and Northern Marin county. We get numerous calls asking when the event is and how to get tickets even before we announce the date of the next event. Selling tickets, sponsorships, and raffle prizes has become easier for club members due to the community's recognition of the event. This event has raised the visibility and image of Rotary in the community tremendously, as well as an awareness and recognition for the outstanding work that our club does.

a. Club involvement - The success of this event depended upon total involvement of each and every member of the club participating not only at the event but during the months before gathering prizes, table sponsors and selling tickets.

b. 4-way test - This event was instrumental to "build goodwill and better friendships" with the community and the organizations who benefit from the event with financial aid. Also, it is "beneficial to all concerned" from the Rotarians, who feel that they are making a difference; to the community, which has a good time while contributing to great causes; to especially the many recipients, who benefit from our efforts.