Photo by Glenn Marzano.
PLAYA VENICE SUNRISE ROTARY Have Fun and Get It Done!
Special 8-page section
For Rotarians, it’s about giving back and connecting Hopefully you know the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club for hosting the Westchester/Playa Santa Tour every December, its annual pancake breakfast at Fire Stations 5 & 63 or its critical role in making sure the Fourth of July Parade is a success and has enough volunteers. But members really want to introduce themselves as a group of extraordinary community members, business leaders and super do-gooders who work, a lot of the time, behind the scenes to lend their time, talent and treasure to support important causes in the community and across the globe. Some of the club’s favorite local projects include the Adopt-A-Family Program where they help families from the Mar Vista Family Center have a wonderful holiday season; putting on hard hats and building homes with Habitat for Humanity and donating their time with Vision to Learn to provide glasses to students in schools throughout Los Angeles. They also love volunteering at the Midnight Mission, at the Rock Roll & Run and The Boys & Girls Club
Rotarians pose at Fire Station 5 in Westchester during their annual summer pancake breakfast.
of Venice. For Rotarian Tracey Thompson Busa being part of the club is a rewarding experience that provides an opportunity to be of service with fun people. Said Tracey, “The joy I get back from being a Rotarian is enormous! Not only have I made close wonderful friends, but I am also a part of an organization that does incredible
work in so many aspects of our community and throughout the world! It’s the perfect combination of philanthropy, fun and friendship!” The club’s combination of caring individuals, enthusiasm for volunteering and an unofficial motto of “Have fun and get it done!” has people joining at record numbers; the club recently reached an alltime membership high of 80 people!
What is Rotary?
And its reputation for “Service Above Self,” a packed calendar of volunteering opportunities, almost weekly social activities and thinking outside of the box, earned Playa Venice Sunrise the prestigious Large Club of Excellence Award at the District Conference for 2018-2019. “The question I am asked often as a Rotarian is: ‘What made me join the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club?’ My simple answer to them is the people. I first explored Rotary just as a conduit for community service projects and nothing more. However, I could not have been more wrong,” said President Elect Jerry Jen. “The members I met were not only welcoming, but they were caring, vibrant, had a sense of purpose and came from all walks of life. Even before joining, I could already tell that this group of like-minded individuals would do wonderful things, and that we would become great friends. Over six years later, I am still a proud member of the club and cherish the wonderful relationship that we have developed through service and friendship.”
L-R: 1. Rotarian Kathrine Russell helps fit students with glasses with Vision to Learn. 2. Rotarians volunteer at WAM. 3. Rotarians pose for a photo after volunteering for Protectors’ Appreciation Week.
People ask us all the time, “What is Rotary?” Rotary is a worldwide nonprofit organization of more than 1.2 million business, professional and community leaders. As signified by the motto “Service Above Self,” Rotary’s main objective is service–in the community, the workplace and throughout the world. You will find members in more than 200 countries with more than 34,000 clubs in the world who volunteer in communities at home and abroad to support education and job training, provide clean water, combat hunger, improve
health and sanitation and eradicate polio. Clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious and open to all. The Rotary Club of Playa Venice Sunrise is one of 60+ clubs in District 5280, which covers the geographic boundaries of the Pacific Ocean to Downtown and Santa Clarita to San Pedro. We represent the areas of Westchester, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Marina del Rey, Del Rey and Venice, and we are committed to our unofficial club motto of “Have fun and get it done!” Whether we are providing high school students
scholarships, partnering with Rotary International to End Polio Now or collecting supplies for Crutches 4 Africa, we always find time to have a little fun, laugh a lot and put smiles on the faces of those around us. We’re also a diverse club! We have 80 members that range in age from 22 to 70+, we come from diverse backgrounds and careers, and we also have members that hail from as far away as Albania and Germany! One thing we all share however, is that we have a passion for giving back and supporting our community and
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projects that help make the world a better place! For more information about Rotary or how you can help support one of our local projects, please visit our website at playavenice.org or send us an email at playavenice@gmail.com so we can invite you to attend one of our weekly breakfast meetings. The club meets every Wednesday morning at 7:15 a.m. at Whiskey Red’s Restaurant, 13813 Fiji Way in Marina del Rey. We look forward to serving the community with you!
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PLAYA VENICE SUNRISE ROTARY
Many people reach a moment in life when they think, “I feel like it’s time to give back to my community.” The problem is, living in a giant city like Los Angeles, you may assume there are only good volunteer opportunities if you live in a small town, or in the ‘burbs. I thought that. Even though there are lots of westside charity events, I never knew about organizations like Rotary that exist in the background. When a friend introduced me to the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club, I couldn’t believe it. I thought, “You mean this
amazing organization, with these fantastic people who do good in our community, meet every week right in my own backyard?” From the first moment I walked in I felt like this was the place for me...a way to participate in countless volunteer activities with like-minded people, who want to make a difference not only locally, but nationally and internationally. Now, as president of this group of 80 incredible people, I feel more than ever like I live in a caring community, and I’m grateful that Rotary has allowed me the privilege of giving back to it. We’re blessed to live in a spectacular place–the beach, the creativity, the culture. But we also have problems, and community
organizations like Rotary are vital to addressing those issues and working toward making each neighborhood an even better place to live. If any of this rings true to you, consider coming by one of our Wednesday morning meetings at Whiskey Reds in the Marina. At the very least, you’ll have an enjoyable breakfast with a room full of community leaders. On the other hand, you may find Rotary International’s motto, “Service Above Self,” something you might want to explore further. We also have fun doing it all...we believe that fun, friendship and service all go hand-in-hand. Check out our website at playavenice.org to learn more!
t isWhat Rotary? What is Rotary? is Rotary? Joe Chehade
Greta Rose
member since 2013
“We live in a society where the ‘culture of having’ and ‘what’s in it for me’ is very prevalent. So, for a long time, I committed my life to contribute towards building a ‘culture of giving,’ through the way I live at home, at work and in my community. When I was invited to join Rotary, I saw happy people, from different backgrounds, working together to fulfill the same dream I always had. From caring for the homeless and supporting education in our community, to eradicating polio in the world and funding orphanages in Africa, as much as possible, they were leaving no one in need. They cared for their neighbor but also for all of humanity. I saw, in action, a ‘culture of love’ that restored dignity to every human being! I rolled up my sleeves, joined and never regretted it!”
Head to T
Jerry Jen
member since 2017
“My favorite Rotary Moment goes back 10 years ago, when my nowhusband and I traveled to Egypt to attend the Interota, the triennial worldwide convention of Rotaract, Rotary’s youth organization. Experiencing the Rotaractors coming together to make a positive, lasting change in communities at home and abroad inspired me. The passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects made me proud to be a part of this convention.”
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BRADY CONNELL, PRESIDENT
Salon
Jamie Altshule
member since 2014
“As a Rotarian, my favorite Rotary Moment was my first Adopt-A-Family project. We delivered two new twin mattresses and bed frames to our assigned family of 5 that lived in a tiny 2-bedroom unit. The youngest child was about 4-years-old and had been sleeping on an old inflatable air mattress on the floor with his brother for the past year. The moment the 4-year-old learned that he had his own ‘real’ bed, he went from his shy and bashful demeanor to a happiness that he could not conceal. He jumped on the bed and relished the moment. It is moments like this that remind me why we continue to serve.”
member since 2019
“I was excited to join the PVSR Club to get involved in the day-to-day, and sometimes behind the scenes, work of my community. Making a positive difference for families is my sweet spot, and being a Rotary member I can do that in my own backyard! I love all the opportunities to support others and the wonderful community of Rotary members. I’m just thrilled to be a part of it all.”
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Special 8-page section Photo by Glenn Marzano.
PLAYA VENICE SUNRISE ROTARY
COME
VISIT US AT OUR WEEKLY BREAKFAST MEETINGS EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 7:15am @ WHISKEY REDS!
Pictured: Rotarians pose for their annual group photo at the summer demotion party. The Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club is a 80 member strong club with Rotarians of all ages, backgrounds and careers! The club’s 2019-2020 executives and directors include: President Brady Connell; President Elect Jerry Jen; Treasurer Maria Davis; Secretary Lucy Wegner; Director of Club Service/Social Stephanie Davis; Director of Club Service/Administrative Nora MacLellan; Director of Community Service Bobbie Casalino-Lewis; Director of Vocational Service Lindsay Thomas; Director of International Service Joe Chehade; Director of Youth Service Hilton Brown; Director of Fundraising Tracey Thompson Busa; Director of Membership Juliet Oman; Sgt. of Arms Gail Brooks; Immediate Past President Gwen Vuchsas and District Liaison Jonathan Harris.
Westchester • Playa del Rey • Marina del Rey • Playa Vista HomeTown News
PVS Rotary Special Section
March 2020 • Page 17
PLAYA VENICE SUNRISE ROTARY
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pporter of Community and Education
porter of Community and Education Two of our Key Community projects: Midnight Mission & Mar Vista Family Center Support
Several times throughout each year, Playa Venice Sunrise Rotarians visit the Midnight Mission on Skid Row to donate their time and feed the homeless. It’s also an opportunity for Rotary Kids to get involved and learn about service to the community. The club is committed to lending a hand to the Los Angeles homeless epidemic. In addition to serving and feeding those at the Mission, the club donates much needed everyday supplies such as water, toiletries, clothing and yes, even forks for the Mission as there are never enough. Since dessert is not always served, making sure the club provides a sweet treat to diners has become a requested staple of a visit from Playa Venice Sunrise Rotarians!
THANK YOU TO OUR MAJOR SPONSORS
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The Mar Vista Family Center (MVFC) is an important partner for the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club! The club supports the nonprofit in a variety of ways from sponsoring its programs to providing holiday assistance to the center’s families during December. On May 14, the Mar Vista Family Center will honor Playa Venice Sunrise Rotarian, Rob DeCou, for his work in raising money and awareness to help end human trafficking through ultra-endurance sporting events. MVFC also supports the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club! Students from the center’s Folklorico group recently performed at the club’s Cultural Dinner, where they wowed attendees with their dance skills.
Cantalini’s Salerno Beach Drollinger Charitable Trust Los Angeles World Airports Loyola Marymount University
Playa Pharmacy Playa Vista/Brookfield Residential Plotkin Family Foundation Rainbow Acres Washington Blvd.
MDR Hospital Cedars-Sinai
SoCalGas
PVS Rotary Special Section
Stephanie Younger Group SuperbTech William H. Hannon Foundation RS&H, Inc
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PLAYA VENICE SUNRISE ROTARY
Special 8-page section
THANK YOU FOR YOUR IN OUR IN PLAYA ROTARYROTARY CLUB. CLUB. THANK YOU FORINTEREST YOUR INTEREST OURVENICE PLAYA VENICE Above Self” BYSelf” DEDICATING OUR OUR WE PROUDLY LIVE THE ROTARY MOTTO MOTTO OF “Service Above BY DEDICATING WE PROUDLY LIVE THE ROTARY OF “Service EFFORTS TO OURTO COMMUNITY, INTERNATIONAL, YOUTH AND VOCATIONAL SERVICES. EFFORTS OUR COMMUNITY, INTERNATIONAL, YOUTH AND VOCATIONAL SERVICES. COMMUNITY SERVICE SERVICE COMMUNITY
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE SERVICE INTERNATIONAL
• LAX Coastal•Fourth of JulyFourth Paradeof July Parade LAX Coastal • Pancake Breakfasts at Fire Stationat#5 and #63 #5 and #63 • Pancake Breakfasts Fire Station • Holiday Adopt-a-Family program • Holiday Adopt-a-Family program • Charity Build-A-Bear • Charity Build-A-Bear • Annual Cultural Dinner with presentation of • Annual Cultural Dinner with presentation of Sunrise Community Service award Sunrise Community Service award • Support Airport Marina Counseling • Support Airport MarinaService Counseling Service • Delivering meals with Meals on Wheels West • Delivering meals with Meals on Wheels West • Feeding the•Homeless at Midnight Mission Feeding the Homeless at Midnight Mission • Rock Roll & •Run 5k/1K Education Rock Roll for & Run 5k/1K for Education Pankcake Breakfast Pankcake Breakfast • Westchester• Arts & Music Arts Block Westchester &Party Music Block Party • Support Mar• Vista Family Center Support Mar Vista Family Center • Random Acts of Kindness • Random Acts of Kindness
• Sister city in• Mexico Sister city in Mexico • International Clean Water Projects • International Clean Water Projects • Building Homes for theHomes Poor infor Mexico • Building the Poor in Mexico • Support of Schools and Orphanages Africa • Support of Schools andin Orphanages in Africa • Partnership•with LAFD to bring supplies Partnership with LAFD to bring supplies and equipment toequipment firefighterstoinfirefighters in and Lake Chapala,Lake Mexico Chapala, Mexico • Jacaranda Project • Jacaranda Project • Crutches 4 Africa • Crutches 4 Africa • End Polio Now • End Polio Now • Build a Better Benin • Build a Better Benin • District Humanitarian Trips • District Humanitarian Trips • Collect supplies for special needs • Collect supplies for special needs school in Oaxaca school in Oaxaca
YOUTH SERVICE YOUTH SERVICE
VOCATIONAL SERVICE SERVICE VOCATIONAL
• Support Rotary Interact ClubsInteract at Venice HS at Venice HS • Support Rotary Clubs and Animo Venice Charter HS Charter HS and Animo Venice • Scholarship•Program for High School Scholarship Program forSeniors High School Seniors • Holiday parties for McBride Carousel and Schools • Holiday partiesand for McBride Carousel Schools for handicapped children for handicapped children • Academic Jackets of Excellence Program at Program at • Academic Jackets of Excellence Venice High School Venice High School • Sponsorship• of HS students Youth Sponsorship of to HSRotary students to Rotary Youth Leadership Academy Leadership Academy • Safe Place for Youth • Safe Place for Youth • Rotary Kids • Rotary Kids • Support of The Boys &of Girls • Support TheClub Boysof &Venice Girls Club of Venice • LAPD Cadet•Fishing Trip Fishing Trip LAPD Cadet
• Teacher Mini• Teacher Grants Mini Grants • School Supply Program • School Supply Program • Sponsor the•Teacher Awards Eddy with Awards with SponsorEddy the Teacher LAX Coastal Chamber LAX Coastal Chamber • Book donations to local area schools • Book donations to local area schools • Pageant of the Arts Scholarship • Pageant of the ArtsProgram Scholarship Program for high school forstudents high school students • Vision to Learn • Vision to Learn
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PVS Rotary Special Section
March 2020 • Page 19
PLAYA VENICE SUNRISE ROTARY
Principals pose with Rotarians after receiving more than $16,000 in grants for teachers.
Members and their families enjoy a picnic at Burton Chace Park.
We love supporting education!
Join us for fellowship & Fun While Rotarians love volunteering their time to important projects, they also enjoy all the social events the club hosts! This month, the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary will hold its annual Luck O’ The Irish BingoFest on Saturday, March 7, a favorite of many club members. A very limited amount of tickets are available for $60 and guests will be treated to dinner, door prizes, 10 games of Bingo and live entertainment. Proceeds from the event help support the club’s philanthropic efforts. In addition to all the service projects that members can give their time to, there is no shortage of social opportunities planned almost weekly.
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There’s a club happy hour the first Thursday of every month, a winter and summer social, group hikes, a memorial bike ride and a variety of nonprofit events that club members support by attending together. To purchase tickets for the Luck O’ the Irish BingoFest, please call (310) 963-9494 or visit playavenice.org. You can also join us at these upcoming events: • Tony P’s Fundraiser: March 29 through April 2 • Country Western Night: May 16 • Pancake Breakfast at Fire Station #63 in Venice: May 23 Learn more and view our calendar at playavenice.org.
One of the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club’s top priorities is supporting the next generation of leaders: local students! Rotarians love supporting education in the community and give back in a multitude of ways. Last month, the club awarded more than $16,000 to Teacher Mini Grant recipients and has many members involved with the LAX Coastal Education Foundation and the Education Committee hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. The club’s long list of projects that support education include:
• Supporting Vision to Learn, which provides free eye exams and glasses to students • Sponsoring Academic Jackets of Excellence at Venice High School • Providing scholarships to high school students • Volunteering at the Teacher Eddy Awards • Serving pancakes at the LAX Coastal Ed Foundation’s Rock Roll & Run • Donating books to local schools • Sponsoring students for the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy • Sponsoring Interact Clubs • Sponsoring Pageant of the Arts Scholarship honorees and more…
Visit our booth at the Rock Roll & Run @ LMU on Saturday, Playa Venice is a Proud SupporterMarch of14Community andsponsored Education for a FREE pancake breakfast by our club!
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porter of Community and Education
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* While supplies last.
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Photo by Angela Clouse.
Photo by Glenn Marzano.
We Love Volunteering! A Look at Some of our Favorite Projects & Events… 1.
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1. The club poses for a fun group photo during their summer Demotion Party in Marina del Rey. 2. Rotarians host a game booth at ChamberFest in Playa Vista. 3. Stephanie Younger poses with her family during the Cultural Dinner where she was honored for her work in the community. 4. Rotarians celebrate a hard day’s work volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. 5. PVS members get ready to volunteer at the Fourth of July Parade. 6. Team Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary takes home a trophy at the Westchester Team Challenge at LMU. 7. Volunteering at the Sheriff’s Station during Protectors’ Appreciation Week. 8. The club’s Charity Build-A-Bear event is fun for the whole family, and the stuffed animals are donated to USC County Childrens Hospital. 9. Rotary President, Brady Connell, presents a check to fellow Rotarian John Sharpe to support the Westchester Arts & Music Block Party.
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