Rotary Club of Katy Presents $32,000 in Community Grants, Thanks Sponsors Ahead of Katy Rice Harvest Festival and Wild West Brewfest
KATY, Texas — The Rotary Club of Katy presented grants totaling $32,000 to four local organizations at its September 3, 2026 meeting, continuing a tradition of community service that dates back to the club's founding in 1946. The funds were raised through the club's signature fundraising events, including the Wild West Brewfest and the Katy Rice Harvest Festival.
This round of recipients included the Katy ISD Education Foundation, Katy ISD Fine Arts and Katy ISD FFA, each receiving $10,000, and Take Me Fishing, which received $2,000. Together, the grants support classroom innovation, student arts programs, agricultural education and youth outdoor experiences across the Katy community.
“Every one of these checks represents a sponsor who said yes, a volunteer who gave up a weekend, and a guest who bought a ticket,” said David Loesch, a founder of the Wild West Brewfest and member of the Rotary Club of Katy. “The Rotary Club of Katy doesn't keep these dollars. We raise them so we can give them back to the students, teachers and families who make Katy the community it is.”
The club's next opportunity to give back is just weeks away. The 45th annual Katy Rice Harvest Festival returns to Historic Downtown Katy October 10–11, 2026, with country favorites Lonestar headlining Saturday night. The two-day festival features more than 100 vendor booths, carnival rides, live music, a beer garden, an Agriculture Adventure area and family activities. General admission is $15 per day, and kids 12 and under get in free. Benefiting the Rotary Club of Katy, 100% of the festival's net proceeds go back into the Katy community through scholarships, nonprofit organizations and charities.
Looking ahead to spring, the Wild West Brewfest, the club's largest annual fundraiser, has raised more than $1.5 million for Katy-area charities since its founding, supporting dozens of nonprofit organizations each year. The next Wild West Brewfest takes place April 17, 2027, and the club is calling on local businesses and community partners to join as sponsors.
“The Wild West Brewfest is coming up, and without the help and sponsorship of our community partners, we simply would not be able to help so many,” Loesch added. “Sponsorship puts your business in front of thousands of attendees and puts your name behind the causes that matter most in Katy.”
To the sponsors who have stood with the Brewfest year after year, Loesch offered a simple message of thanks. “You are the reason these checks exist. When a teacher gets funding for a new program, when a student walks onto a stage or into a show barn, when a kid catches their first fish, your name is part of that story. We hope you'll stand with us again in 2027, because we can't do this without you.”
For businesses still considering whether to get involved, the invitation is just as personal. “If you've ever wondered whether your support really makes a difference, look at the faces in these photos,” Loesch said. “Every sponsorship, at every level, turns directly into help for someone in our community. There is a place for you at the Wild West Brewfest, and we would be honored to have you join us.”
Tickets and festival details for the Katy Rice Harvest Festival are available at www.katyriceharvestfestival.com. Returning and new sponsors can learn more about sponsorship opportunities for the April 17, 2027 Wild West Brewfest at www.katyrotary.com.
About the Rotary Club of Katy
Established in 1946, the Rotary Club of Katy is part of Rotary International, a global network of neighbors, friends and community leaders who come together to create lasting change. Guided by Rotary's Four-Way Test, the club supports education, youth programs and community service throughout the Katy area through events including the Wild West Brewfest and the Katy Rice Harvest Festival.
