Last night August 25, Grace led us in a wonderful presentation about her work in Uganda with the Charitable organization she founded to support Childcare, education (primary, secondary and trade), clean water and sanitation in the Kazo District of Uganda.
Susan Loper and Gabriela Barrientos are volunteers with the Arizona Department of Economic Security and, in particular, the Division of Developmental Disabilities. They will be discussing two of the programs within the Department. One has to do with Behavior Treatment Plans and helping people reach their full potential. The other involves the Independent Oversight Committee that assures that the rights of the people in the program are supported.
The featured speaker at the clubs February 25 meeting at the Colonnade will be Jessica Stuart, Marketing and Development Director at Academic Opportunities of Arizona. AOA is focused on providing life changing opportunities for children living with disabilities and low income hardship throughout Arizona. Jessica has been working with AOA since 2022 and is proud to be part of a team that is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of our participants and partners. Please join us as a guest to learn more about AOA and Rotary. Social time is 5:00 - 5:30 with the meeting from 5:30 - 6:30.
The Rotary Club of Surprise & Sun City West partnered with the Salvation Army to "Ring the Bell" and raise funds for those in need this holiday season. 🌟
We had the honor of spreading cheer and generosity at Bashas and Fry’s in Sun City West, as well as Fry’s on Bell & Reems. A huge thank you to our volunteers and the community for your support! Together, we’re making a difference. ❤️
Rotarian Phil Souza and his wife Susan, Jesus Herandez and his son's and Jim and Jean Schlenvoght Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army at Bashas. The kettle was full as people were very generous.
Flagstar Bank hosted their annual Christmas gifting for Eve's Place. Rotarian Phil Souza volunteered along with Susan Paul-Souza and Dan Bradstreet. Families were able to select from a variety of toys and gifts for their parents, siblings and immediate family. The bank had a wrapping area set up as well and Santa stopped in for a visit. The event runs Friday - Sunday at Flagstaff Bank on Meeker Blvd and Grand Avenue in Surprise.
The Rotary Club of Surprise Combines With The Rotary Club of Sun City West!
The newest Rotary club in Arizona will now be The Rotary Club of Surprise and Sun City West! Here Kevin Pitts, the outgoing Governor of Rotary International District 5495, swears in the officers for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year!
Congratulations to our new Board: (Right to Left) Traci Sawyer-Sinkbeil, President; Jim Schlenvogt, President-Elect;
Jesus Hernandez, Immediate Past President; Glenn Schmitt, outgoing president of Sun City West and now Officer; Ron Klaphake, Officer; Nancy Collins, Officer.
Former Interact Students were recognized for their contribution to our Rotary Club. They each gave an update on their post-high school education and plans for their future. In addition, Francisco Olaiz, (second from right) was one of two recipients for the 2024-2025 George Wheeler Scholarship. The other student is Zoey Vincze (not in the photograph). Their former teacher and Youth Service Director, Jeri Robertson is third from left; President-Elect Traci Sawyer-Sinkbeil is at the far right.
Congratulations to Phillip Souza, Treasurer and Chairperson of our Golf Committee, who was presented with The Paul Harris Fellow award for his generous donation. His award and pin was given by President-Elect Traci Sawyer-Sinkbeil.
On Saturday, May 4, 2024, members Susan and Phil volunteered for a Superhero event by A Mighty Change of Heart (https://www.amchaz.org). This organization offers support and resources to foster children to help provide for a stable home life.
Tonight, members Jon Cavaletto and Ron Klaphake received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award and pin! This is given to members who donate a certain amount to The Rotary Foundation. Ron received a pin containing 4 rubies representing a total giving of between $5,000 and $5,999; Jon received a pin with 3 rubies for donating between $4,000 and $4,999. Each received a certificate for being a member of the Paul Harris Society. Congratulations gentlemen!
(L to R) Director of Membership, Ron Klaphake; Director, Jon Cavaletto; President-Elect, Traci Sawyer-Sinkbeil; Secretary Pamela Kohnen.
On this historic evening, President-Elect, Traci Sawyer-Sinkbeil of The Rotary Club of Surprise, held a members' vote on merging our club with The Rotary Club of Sun City West. The vote was unanimous among the members who were present. During this meeting, Ron Klaphake inducted a new member, Nancy Estrada, into our group! Welcome, Nancy! (L to R: President-Elect, Traci Sawyer-Sinkbeil; Secretary Pamela Kohnen, Ron Klaphake, and Nancy Estrada.)
Members of the Rotary Club of Surprise had a fun time filling up donated bags of beans for the less fortunate. At Rotary we get involved in all kinds of things to help people!
Congratulations to Phil Souza (right) who is our Rotary Member of the Month! Jesus Hernandez (left), the President of our Rotary Club, is presenting a pin.
An Example of How One Rotary Club in Arizona is Helping to Make The World A Better Place!
By
John A.Yaeger
The Rotary Club of Surprise, Arizona, recently sponsored a student for a grant from The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona, Inc. (TRVFA). This is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to assist candidates in obtaining financial assistance in furthering their vocational studies. Grants are awarded up to $2,000 and paid directly to a school on behalf of the recipient. In this recent case, we’ll call our beneficiary “Nikki” to protect her privacy.
Nikki lives in Surprise, Arizona with her husband and five children! The last two were twins—born prematurely—and had to stay in the hospital for several weeks. During her daily visits, she became friendly with many nurses. Some were not only competent, and passionate, but formed a bond with Nikki as they joyfully took a personal interest in monitoring the health of her twins. This experience had a profound influence on the young mother of five. As a result, she set a new course that involved her passion for helping people.
Nikki participates in her church’s activities and helps those less fortunate parishioners by making extra food and taking it to them. During my interview with her, it became clear that I was speaking with a community-minded, caring person. She was under no illusions as to how much time and money was needed to invest in becoming a nurse, but still enquired about getting into this field.
The nurses caring for her babies explained the path for Nikki to become a nurse. At this stage, she would have to attend a vocational school and become a Certified Nursing Assistant. With that accreditation, she could start working in the medical field. Nikki told me that she worked out a plan to take care of her family while she was at school: her husband worked flexible hours and they were on the cusp of finding a trusted, nearby babysitter for those in-between times. Although this was still going to be a demanding schedule and school program, the entire family was “all in!” The school also understands the challenges and was accommodating by offering a flexible schedule which included weekends.
Nikki told me that the tuition for the vocational school was unaffordable for the six-week program. With TRVFA we were able to help someone’s dream come true—and in a field that would enable her to help others. This is what is commonly known as a “win-win!” It was a good feeling for me to have played a small part in making this happen; a very good reason to be a proud member of The Rotary.
The Women4Women in Surprise has a mission: To help homeless and low-income women maintain their dignity, self-respect, and health by distributing feminine hygiene products to those in need. The Rotary Club of Surprise works with them periodically in an assembly line fashion to fill bags with these essential items to be distributed to individuals. This event was organized by Jo Grant from the Women4Women organization.
The Surprise Rotary Club Receives The District 5495 Friendship Inter-Rotary Trophy! This memento is to foster better relationships with other Rotary clubs in the area.
Surprise Receives The Rotary Social Inter-Rotary Award
Club members with our recent scholarship recipient volunteering at Valley View Food Bank. The club volunteers time every month to help the organization.
Benevilla has announced that it is a recipient of $4000 from the Surprise Rotary Club, a portion of the proceeds from the club’s Second Annual Taste of Surprise event held March 11, 2015.
Over 600 people attended the event, paying $25 for a chance to sample cuisine from local restaurants including that of Benevilla’s own Birt’s Bistro.
“Thanks to the Surprise Rotary for their community involvement and support of nonprofits like Benevilla,” said Birt’s Bistro Sr. Director of Food & Beverage Jeff Amperse, who has participated in this event since its inception. “This year’s event was a lot of fun. The food was great and so was the entertainment.”
The event featured samples from local restaurants, including Benevilla’s own Birt’s Bistro, West End Bar & Grill, Las Fuentes Mexican Grill & Bar, Booty’s Wings and Burgers, New York Pizza Department, The Captain’s Galley at Riverboat Bingo, Anacapa Restaurant, The Tree of Oil, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Yogurtini, Rita’s, The Links Neighborhood Grill, and Pepsi products.
A beer garden featuring samples of Crescent Crown’s Craft Beer and Golden Eagle Distributing wine tasting added to the festivities.
Event proceeds benefit Benevilla, The Surprise Rotary Club and Foundation, A New Leaf Foundation, and Homeless Youth Connection.
The Surprise Rotary Club Foundation board agreed to give $200 to the Surprise Police Department to buy candy for its community Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhood (GAIN) night. Time and location are yet to be determined.
Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.
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