ROTARY LUNCHEON: China Camp

Club member Heidi Kuhn, Founder and CEO of Roots of Peace, and Martin Lowenstein, Executive Director of Friends of China Camp will tell us the fascinating story of China Camp State Park's history, which is deeply connected to Heidi's family.

In 1868, Captain John McNear — Heidi's great-great grandfather — purchased 2,500 acres of land along the shores of Marin County. During this time, there was an anti-Chinese sentiment sweeping California after the Gold Rush and building of the Transcontinental Railroad. Captain McNear offered the Chinese a parcel of his land, where over 500 residents created a thriving shrimp export business despite The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 targeting an ethnic minority.

On the 150th anniversary of the purchase of the land by Captain McNear, Heidi is partnering with Martin to restore China Camp State Park. The China Camp Roots of Peace project will restore the museum's pier columns, establish a youth boat building program, and provide improved access to the park.

Heidi Kuhn was deeply inspired in September 1997 to create an organization dedicated to the eradication of landmines worldwide. With a simple toast in the living room of her home that the world may go from Mines to Vines, a global initiative was launched following the death of the late Princess Diana who had catapulted the issue of landmines to the forefront of the international agenda.

Martin Lowenstein is the Executive Director of Friends of China Camp, which operates China Camp State Park. Previously, Martin consulted with non-profit organizations in resource development and governance, and he currently serves as Advancement Chair on the Board of Trustees of Brandeis Marin, a K-8 private school. Martin is also a partner in a private equity and real estate investment company.

Join us for what's sure to be an interesting and inspiring talk about this historic land.

This is a weekly membership meeting for The Rotary Club of San Francisco, open to all Rotarians, visiting Rotarians, prospective members, and guests.

Each luncheon ticket includes a three-course lunch. Tickets for Club members are $35 each; $30 if you register online in advance. Non-member tickets are $40 each. Payment by credit card or check is preferred. Tickets available for purchase only at the door.