In a delightful blend of culinary passion and community spirit, Alan Fulp of the Bellevue Rotary Club once again brought people together over his signature paella to raise funds for local and global service efforts. This year’s Summer Solstice Paella Dinner, held in the serene backyard of a fellow Rotarian’s West Bellevue home, sold out and raised a total of $6,750 for the club’s charitable initiatives.

By day, Fulp is a banker. But outside of work, he’s known for his love of making paella on a grand scale. “I used to host these paella parties for friends,” Fulp shared. “Making the paella is sort of a hobby of mine, but it's also a labor of love and I would do it all at my own expense. Then one day, I got to thinking it would make a great fundraiser and would be nice to do while also contributing to a larger purpose. I saw the opportunity to do it for Rotary, and now we are on our 3rd year of doing it as a fundraiser.”

The preparation is no small feat. Fulp begins by venturing up to the San Juan Islands and, joined by friends, personally catches the shrimp used in the dish. The remaining prep work spans two full days, with several volunteers pitching in to help chop and prepare for the massive pan of saffron-infused goodness. 

For this year's event, guests arrived with potluck dishes in hand, adding their own flavors to the evening’s spread. The air was filled with the sounds of live music and conversation, all set against the backdrop of a peaceful, private garden. The result was not only a delicious evening but a successful show of support for Bellevue Rotary’s mission. The funds raised will go toward the club’s community service projects and initiatives, impacting lives both locally and globally. Alan Fulp’s paella may start in a giant pan, but it’s served with heart, and with each bite, the community grows stronger.

Founded in 1961, the Bellevue Rotary Club is an esteemed organization of community and business leaders united by a common goal: to serve. The club focuses its efforts across four key areas: Community Service, International Service, Vocational Service, and Youth Service. They have been making meaningful contributions both within Bellevue and around the world. Bellevue Rotary meets weekly at Bake’s Place on Tuesdays. Social time begins at 12:00 p.m., with the formal meeting held from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Visitors and guests are always welcome!