Barbara Thompson has long been a familiar face at the Pahrump Valley Rotary Club — and come July 1st, she’ll be stepping into the role of president once again. A longtime member of the service-focused organization, Thompson currently serves as vice president and president-elect. With over 15 years of dedication to the club, she carries a wealth of experience and an enduring passion for giving back to her community.
Rotary International, the parent organization, has existed for more than a century, but Pahrump’s local chapter is nearing its 40th year. Founded on the values of service above self, the Pahrump Valley Rotary Club has consistently focused on projects that benefit both the local and global community. Thompson says that while they participate in several international efforts each year, the bulk of their work — and their heart — remains rooted right here in the Pahrump Valley.
One of the international initiatives closest to Thompson’s heart is the Corazon project, a longstanding effort the club has supported for over 15 years. The project involves building small, functional homes in Mexico — homes that are often considered life-changing by the families who receive them. While modest by American standards, these homes include vital features like concrete floors, lockable doors and windows, and even a small loft. The recipients are not simply handed these homes; they must complete 2,000 hours of community service to qualify, making it a true partnership of service and need.
However, this year, due to safety concerns in the region, the Rotary Club opted not to travel to Mexico, choosing instead to contribute financially. “Safety first,” Thompson said firmly, underscoring that while the work is important, so is the well-being of their members.
In addition to Corazon, the club has supported international missions like cleft palate surgeries in South and Central America, helping children born with cleft lips access life-changing medical care. Though these efforts may happen thousands of miles away, Thompson views them as part of Rotary’s broader mission of compassion and empowerment.
Locally, the club’s impact is wide-ranging and deeply felt. Whether it’s providing scholarships for high school students or sponsoring fun events like the Taco Fest and Fall Festival, the Rotary Club’s presence is both consistent and generous. The club’s participation in community events is extensive. They recently hosted a welcome event for runners participating in the Baker to Vegas relay and are actively involved in the upcoming Wild West Extravaganza. They’ve even taken home a trophy or two — such as first place in a previous Taco Fest.
And if you’ve enjoyed a cold lemonade at a local event, chances are it came from the Rotary’s now-famous lemonade stand. Donated by a generous club member who also supplies all materials needed to operate it, the stand is a creative and refreshing way to raise money. All profits go straight back into the community.
These funds are put to work in meaningful ways. The club covers the cost of operating the community pool for the entire month of July — a $2,500 investment — and recently donated that same amount to the local Senior Center. They’ve supported local animal rescues and fund high school scholarships to the tune of $5,000 annually. These scholarships are open to students pursuing both college and trade school paths, reflecting the club’s recognition of diverse career trajectories.
Teachers also benefit from the club’s generosity through “mini grants,” which fund up to $250 for classroom supplies or projects that can be reused year after year. “We want sustainability,” Thompson emphasized. “It’s not just about a one-time event — we want to support something that will benefit students in the long run.”
One of the more hands-on ways the club serves the community is through its veteran and senior ramp-building project. While Rotary provides the labor and coordination, materials are funded through the DAV and DAVA. However, this year the effort has been hindered by an unfortunate accident: the club’s chief carpenter, Bill Austin, is recovering from a rotator cuff injury and knee surgery. With his specialized skills and tools unavailable, ramp construction has slowed significantly — only three have been built so far this season, compared to the usual nine or ten. Thompson currently has a waiting list of six individuals and is hoping someone with carpentry skills will step up to help, even if only temporarily.
“If you have experience and the willingness to volunteer, we would love to hear from you,” Thompson urged.
Youth development is another cornerstone of the club’s mission. The high school Interact Club, Rotary’s student counterpart, has around 30 members and is currently overseen by Rotary President Deb Beatty, who has enthusiastically committed to the group for the next two years. Interactors support many Rotary events and take on their own service responsibilities — including running the school snack bar and helping with fundraising efforts like lemonade sales.
Students who volunteer 50 hours, 10 of which must be with Rotary, receive recognition at the end of the year. Past rewards have included solar-charging backpacks, Kindles, and other meaningful gifts, usually around a $100 value. This year, about 15 students have qualified.
Rotary also sponsors leadership development programs such as RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) and TLC (Teen Leadership Camp). These immersive, weekend-long programs take place in the mountains near Lake Arrowhead and focus on trust-building, communication, and leadership. RYLA targets high school students, while TLC caters to junior high youth. At $350 per student — covering food, lodging, and transport — it’s a significant investment, but one the club makes proudly year after year.
Another standout initiative is the “Together We Read” program, which focuses on early childhood literacy. Books are collected through community donations and supplemented by bulk purchases from secondhand book dealers. Each participating pre-K child receives a book bag with four or five books, crayons, pencils, and worksheets, as well as a reading guide for parents. Children are asked to complete a project based on what they’ve read, and three winners are awarded $100 gift cards. Their teachers receive the same prize, incentivizing engagement and participation.
The club also connects with junior high students through its U.S. Constitution program, promoting civic awareness and education.
Some Interactors have gone on to experience Rotary’s global reach in life-changing ways. One former student participated in an international peace conference, spending time in a developing country as part of a Rotary peace initiative. Although retention of Interactors into full-fledged Rotarians isn’t always immediate, the seeds of service are clearly being planted.
While Pahrump doesn’t currently have a Rotoact Club — a college-level version of Interact — Thompson hopes it may eventually develop at Great Basin College. For now, Rotary membership remains open and accessible. The club meets Tuesdays at noon at Artesian Cellars. “If you’re interested, just show up,” said Thompson. “See if we’re a match.”
Dues are kept low, at just $45 a month, which includes club, district, and international Rotary fees — as well as a monthly contribution to the Paul Harris Foundation. This charitable fund recycles donations back into clubs after three years and supports a variety of humanitarian initiatives. This year, every Pahrump Valley member contributed $100, earning the club recognition as a 100% Paul Harris club. Members who reach $1,000 in lifetime donations receive a commemorative pin, with additional stones added for every subsequent $1,000.
Looking ahead, the club’s biggest fundraiser of the year is fast approaching. The annual Cash Extravaganza will be held October 25th at Treasures, featuring a $10,000 grand prize raffle, silent auction, 50/50 drawing, door prizes, dinner, and more. Tickets are capped at 400, ensuring better odds and a more intimate, fun-filled evening. Despite the large cash prize, the event typically nets the club between $20,000 and $25,000 in funding for their annual projects.
Before that, the Rotary Club will participate in the Wild West Extravaganza on May 3–4, followed by Taco Fest on June 21st — their “last hurrah” before the quiet summer months.
With her return to the presidency imminent, Thompson is filled with enthusiasm. “It’s a rewarding opportunity,” she said. “Rotary is not for everyone — but for those who want to serve, this club offers something truly special.”
