Members of the Sequim Rotary Club (the “Sequim Noon club”) sponsored the establishment of a second Rotary club in Sequim during the 1986 Rotary year. The new club, designated “The Rotary Club of Sequim-Dungeness Valley,” was chartered on December 24, 1986, with 35 members. The name of the club was changed to “The Rotary Club of Sequim Sunrise” in 1998.

As of December 12, 2006, Sequim Sunrise Rotary is a diversified club of 90 members who represent the demographics of the Sequim community. Club members have a wide variety of ages, job skills, and personal interests. The club has been a strong supporting force in the community, working on parks, providing assistance to the Boys & Girls Club, helping with Meals-on-Wheels and supporting the youth of the community. The club has been a very strong supporter of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. Sequim Sunrise Rotary historically has raised funds annually through a Clamfest in the early days of the club (since discontinued), a Rotary dinner/auction, an annual garage sale, a pancake breakfast, and something new during RY05-06, the sale of poinsettias for the Christmas holidays.

Past International Service includes funding for the drilling of a water well in Mozambique (above), member "hands-on" work and the contribution of funds to a school in Colima, Mexico, and contributions to other world service projects.

There are 15 women and 75 men in the club as of December 12, 2006. The average age of the club membership is 58.

Club History: The Pink Caps

The first Sequim Sunrise Rotary Garage Sale was held at the McClay School building in 1997. With two buildings and a large yard to be used for the sale and parking, it was realized that club members needed some way to be identified, both for security and assistance. Club member Shorty Oliver, the owner of a novelty supply business, suggested the idea of having Rotarians wear distinctive headgear. He showed his catalog to Jim Pickett, Chairperson for the garage sale, and Jim selected the bright pink hat as one that would do the trick. It is probably obvious to all that other club members were not consulted on this selection.

The cap was judged a success (by Jim) and remains to this day the work cap for the club. Although the pink cap is not worn for every service project, many feel that it is quite spectacular to see when worn by a large group of members at one of the club's projects.