Hello, Fellow Rotarians and Friends,
April is a special time in Rotary—a season when service comes to life in visible and meaningful ways. Across Arizona and beyond, Rotary clubs are rolling up their sleeves to make a difference, and our club is no exception. This is the time of year when our shared commitment to “Service Above Self” is most clearly seen in action.
Here at the Rotary Club of Surprise & Sun City West, we continue to build on that spirit through our local projects, partnerships, and fellowship. Whether supporting community programs, assisting local organizations, or preparing for upcoming events like the 2026 Taste of Surprise & Arts Festival, our members consistently demonstrate the power of collective service.
April also gives us an opportunity to reflect on why we serve. Rotary is more than meetings—it is a network of people committed to improving lives both locally and globally. From the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library project, food drives, and scholarships, to supporting seniors and youth programs, our club plays a vital role in strengthening our community.
Investing in Our Future
April is Maternal and Child Health Month on the Rotary calendar. This is a powerful time to reflect on how we support the foundations of a healthy society. Whether it is through local literacy initiatives, supporting regional clinics, or our continued global push for polio eradication, our investments today—of time, talent, and treasure—are the dividends our community will collect for generations to come.
Looking Ahead: Spring Events
We have a busy schedule as we move toward the summer transition:
The Power of Partnerships: We are continuing to highlight the
economic vitality of the West Valley. Our recent focus on regional
development and the burgeoning technology sectors in Arizona
reminds us that a thriving local economy provides the resources for
the charitable work we do every day.
Upcoming Events:
- APRIL 14, 2026 SPEAKER - NATE REILLY -
AZ RATTLERS FOOTBALL
TEAM & PLANNING MEETING for the TOS & ARTS FESTIVAL – BRIAN LAURIE
- TOS & ARTS FESTIVAL/ (Rotary Hours) APRIL 25, 2026 - 2:00 to 9:00 PM/ SURPRISE BASEBALL STADIUM.
We need ALL Rotary Members to Volunteer for this Event.
Remember the profits will go to the Dolly Parton’s
Imagination Library Project and help over 1,000 pre-
kindergarten Surprise children to learn to read. To
signup, please go to the event website: https://tasteofsurprise.com/
- APRIL 28, 2026 - SPEAKER: TRAVIS RUDD - YOUTH & ROTARACT – RYLA & ROTARIAN & GCC - RYLA & ROTARACT FUTURE
- o May 1-2 STATE ANNUAL DISTRICT 5495 ROTARY
CONFERENCE – SHERATON MESA NEAR THE CUBS SPRING TRAINING FACILITIES – “BACK TO THE FUTURE”.
Registration is closing soon! I encourage you all to attendto exchange ideas with neighboring clubs.
A Call to Action
As we enjoy the beautiful Arizona spring, I encourage each of you to invite a neighbor or a colleague to one of our upcoming meetings. Growth is the lifeblood of our club, and your personal invitation is the most effective way to share the quote "United for Good" with the leaders of tomorrow.
Let us also take time to celebrate our fellowship. The relationships we build within Rotary are just as important as the projects we complete. Together, we are not only serving our community—we are building friendships that enrich our lives.
Thank you for your tireless dedication, generosity, and passion for service to our club’s mission. Let’s make this April a month of significant action and renewed fellowship. I am proud to serve alongside each of you.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Jim Schlenvogt
President
