April Happenings
April was a really busy and eventful Month. We really had many many things happening and we extraordinarily busy.
Our Month started with our speaker on April 14 with Nate Reilly from the Arizona Rattlers. He discussed the brief History of the Rattlers but more importantly their commitment to non-profits. Nate announced the upcoming fundraiser for the AZ Rattlers game on June 14 where the club receives $5.00 for every ticket sold that game (Announcement and more importantly the QR code is below).
Glenn and Ron were recognized as PHF + 8 and demonstrated their commitment to The Rotary Foundation. Everyone can contribute and I challenge you, in your philanthropy to consider regular giving to The Rotary Foundation or it causes (e. Polio Plus). If any questions, please see Glenn.
On April 25 was our big Event, the Taste of Surprise and Arts Festival. Our Club really stepped up with over 30 volunteers and spouses/significant others working at the venue and helping with Check in, the 50/50 drawing, the raffle, the silent auction, helping our artists locate themselves and set up, the Car Clubs, the entertainers, the beverage area and of course the Restaurants. While we would have like more attendance, for a first time since Covid it went pretty well. Here are a few pictures from the event:
There are many more images, and these are all in Club Runner. A Special Thankyou to our Sponsors, the Car Clubs (West Valley Car Club and the Automotive Restoration Club of Sun City West), the Artists and Restaurants for their wonderful support.
It has to be mentioned that the People's Choice Award went to Carrabba's for their excellent food but honestly it was all very, very good.
The Month finished with our meeting on April 28th with our focus on Youth Programs. First, we recognized Gerry Nossotti for his contribution to The Rotary Foundation as a major donor;
Our speakers for the night were our own Jeri Robertson who oversees as the Jr. Interact Advisor for Jr. Ryla at the Arizona Charter Academy and the current President of the Jr. Interact Club
The Club presented the Check to the Interact Club for their work at the Golf Tournament in December;
We also had Travis Rudd from Glendale Community College talk with us about Rotary at the College, the longtime support for Rotary and how the leadership of the college has supported Rotary (and Rotary supported the college) since the college's inception:
While it didn't occur in April, the District Conference was on May 1and 2nd. Jim Schlenvogt, Phil Souza, Ron Klaphake and Glenn Schmitt attended, and the Club and Club Individuals were recognized for its excellence in membership recruitment and retention, New Rotarian Impact, Assistant Governor Excellence, Club Collaboration and overall excellence. More details will forthcoming next monht, but Jim has outlined all that we accomplished in his email to y'all .
Coming up is the Changing of the Guard Event, June 9 here at the Colonnade. Starts at 5:00 and Phil would like confirmation by the next meeting of your attendance.
Meals of Hope for 2026 has been scheduled for September 19 at the Ottawa University Faith Arena. More information coming.
On June 14, we have the opportunity to raise more money for DPIL. The Arizona Rattlers are going to allow us to sell tickets to their 4:30 game to increase our ability to serve more children through our DPIL efforts.
