The Saratoga Rotary Charitable Foundation is the charitable trust of the Saratoga Rotary Club. The Foundation’s primary source of income are the proceeds from the annual Saratoga Rotary Art Show which has been held in Saratoga, California on the first weekend in May for almost 60 years. The Art Show and the proceeds it has generated has permitted the Saratoga Rotary Charitable Foundation to distribute funds in excess of $2.5 million to worthy non-profit organizations.
501(c)(3) non-profit organization which serves the community by teaching art to people of all age groups and backgrounds. Their philosophy is to teach art as a language and to show people methods of communication that can transcend the limitations of other forms of communication.
The School of Visual Philosophy was founded by Yori and Dana Seeger in 2013. Both have had formal training in fine art. Yori’s focus has been on sculpture and Dana’s background has been in painting and printmaking. Their goal is to provide the highest quality art education and art services to our community.
The SRCF grant was for the purchase of computers and software. As The School adapts to changes in technology, the use of computers and computer programs has enhanced the manner in which artists do traditional art. For example, there is a demand for classes that allow the artist use the computer to develop a piece of sculpture.
Philosophy is about creating, learning and advancing art in Silicon Valley, California. We are fine artists, craftspeople, teachers, students, hobbyists, apprentices, and above all, makers and lovers of art. We believe art is a necessary part of life and culture and should be all inclusive”.
Also in February, 2017, The Saratoga Rotary Charitable Foundation (SRCF) approved a grant request from “The Hakone Estate and Gardens”, a 501(3)(c) organization, in Saratoga for the purchase of a sound system as part of an ongoing effort to upgrade their venue. Hakone is one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s premier sites and is 100 years old.
Hakone is one of the oldest Japanese estate, retreat and gardens in the Western Hemisphere. Hakone receives 25,000 visitors annually. Visitors come to the estate as guests and patrons to experience the Japanese garden and the tranquil atmosphere it has to offer. The new sound system will enable Hakone to provide service to larger groups and at the same time reduce the noise pollution created by the predecessor sound system. Hakone anticipates neighbor noise complaints to be greatly diminished by the new system which will provide greater flexibility for larger private events.
The Hakone Estate and Gardens is a living historical site that brings authentic Japanese garden aesthetics to Saratoga. The National Trust for Historic Preservation considers Hakone a national treasure, as it represents a love for Japanese culture that has spanned through generations and across multiple handlers of varying cultural backgrounds. Hakone offers visitors an international cultural venue to celebrate civilizations from throughout the world. Hakone is a mark of appreciation and acceptance of Asian Americans in the United States.