Community Service Opportunities

Rotary Club of Sun Lakes supports Casa Blanca Community School

Submitted by: Dr. Honora Norton, RCSL Public Image Director 

 

The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes is privileged to assist Casa Blanca Community School, located within the Arizona Gila River Indian Community. RCSL has demonstrated ongoing support through a variety of initiatives aimed at enhancing educational experience for students, teachers, and parents.

 

Projects recently completed: providing dictionaries for all 3rd grade students; providing a mentoring program A World in Motion (AWIM) to encourage math and science through Jet Car building and competitions; donating over 70 library books to the school library; and supplying two outdoor picnic/study tables complete with umbrellas for use by students, teachers, and parents.  

 

Per project lead, Gary Whiting, the Sun Lakes Rotary Foundation 2000 funded these projects with checks presented to Principal Kim Franklin. The RCSL club matched the Foundation 2000's funding of the two tables. 

 

Principal Kim Franklin expressed enthusiasm for the positive changes these contributions will bring. She is particularly excited that students will now have the opportunity to enjoy reading new books outdoors at the new picnic tables, especially on beautiful valley days.

 

Photo: back row: RCSL Rotarians Dr. Elaine Ralls (Sun Lakes Foundation 2000 Board Chair), Penny Rings, Rebecca Kerr, Gary Whiting (lead RCSL facilitator with school), Debbie Bailey (lead of library book donations), school's principal Kim Franklin; Sitting: Dr. Honora Norton, and students Seaven Ortega, Jace Lewis and Aubriella Bojorquez reading books donated by RCSL.  (photo releases on file at school). 

Building futures together: PVCC and Rotary empower student success

Paradise Valley Community College proudly joined the Rotary Club of Paradise Valley last month for its annual scholarship luncheon, a meaningful celebration of student achievement and community partnership. 

As one of PVCC’s most valued partners, the Rotary Club of Paradise Valley continues to make a lasting impact by supporting students pursuing degrees in EMT, Paramedic, Nursing, Fire Science, and Fine and Performing Arts.

This year, 41 PVCC students were awarded scholarships totaling $20,500 across the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters. Recipients included 15 EMT, 16 Nursing, five Fire Science, and five Fine and Performing Arts students. These scholarships not only ease financial burdens but also empower students to continue their education and pursue careers that directly serve and enrich the community in fields that are in need. 

“The Rotary Club of Paradise Valley continues to be an incredible partner supporting our students and their futures,” said Mario Marquez, senior development officer, PVCC’s Office of Strategic Partnerships. 

“Their investment goes beyond financial support; it’s a commitment to building a stronger, more compassionate community through education.”

Expanding Partnerships Beyond Scholarships

This exciting partnership extends into service and outreach. 

In fall 2025, PVCC collaborated with the Rotary Club on The Dictionary Project, a national literacy initiative aimed at promoting lifelong learning. PVCC faculty, staff, and students joined Rotary members on campus to place Rotary stickers into 1,500 dictionaries, which were then distributed to third-grade students across the Paradise Valley Unified School District.

In addition, the Rotary Club of Paradise Valley last fall sponsored a breakfast at PVCC’s sister-school Gateway Community College, bringing together Maricopa County Community College District’s chancellor, all 10 Maricopa Community College presidents, Maricopa staff and faculty, and several Rotary Clubs from around the valley. The gathering focused on a shared goal: creating opportunities that strengthen our shared communities.

The Rotary Club of Paradise Valley’s continued generosity and engagement exemplify the power of community partnerships in transforming lives. 

"More than a college, PVCC produces future leaders in our community,” said Rotary International Past District Governor Sherry Mischel. “In addition to PVCC, Paradise Valley Rotary supports all 10 community colleges in the Maricopa Community College District by connecting local Rotary Clubs with their closest community college.”

Rotary Club of Queen Creek hosts fourth annual run/walk

 

Once again, the Rotary Club of Queen Creek brings together vendors, mental health professionals, community leaders, local government officials, runners, walkers and families for a one-of-a-kind community event.  Proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of Queen Creek’s local programs designed to improve youth mental  resilience with an effort to improve teen mental wellness.

For more information about our Club and to register, visit:
REGISTER HERE
https://facebook.com/rotaryclubofqueencreek 
Check out a video of last year's event: 
https://youtu.be/v2vb4JlBTAk?si=GdYrUPOk6QBByqEb

 

 

 

For more information about our Club and to register, visit:
REGISTER HERE
https://facebook.com/rotaryclubofqueencreek 
Check out a video of last year's event: 
https://youtu.be/v2vb4JlBTAk?si=GdYrUPOk6QBByqEb

Rotary Club of Sun Lakes supports veterans

 

Submitted by: Dr. Honora Norton, RCSL Public Image Director

The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes raised money through “Month of Money” raffle tickets sales for P.A.W.S.S., a 501[c]3 Organization. P.A.W.S.S. mission is to provide service dog training free of charge for needy veterans. RCSL appreciates and thanks all the donors of this community service program. 

 

RCSL Veterans Services Committee’s goal was to sell 1,000 $20 tickets. The result: RCSL members and friends sold 751 tickets resulting in gross income of $15,020.00. RCSL budgeted $3,700 for printing, advertising, and weekly/final prize winner (26) drawings. Raffle prize winners donated $1,400 of prize winner monies back to RCSL. RCSL retained $2,500 for future veteran services projects. 

 

RCSL Club President Ed Anderson and RCSL Veteran Services Committee Chair Stan Kaufman presented the $10,000 check to P.A.W.S.S. co-founders Ryan and Janna Newman and daughter Irelyn Newman (and Pups). 

 

See: www.pupsandwarriors.org and www.sunlakesrotary.org.   

 

Photo: Check presentation: RCSL Club President Ed Anderson, Ryan Newman, and Janna Newman. Stan Kaufman and Irelyn Newman (and Pups). 

Rotary Club of Sun Lakes ‘springs’ into action to provide Easter baskets

 

Submitted by: Dr. Honora Norton, RCSL Public Image Director 

Per Rotary Club of Sun Lakes (RCSL) Rotarian Ann Diamond, the Easter Bunny has placed his annual order for baskets.  This is the 4th year RCSL and Sun Lakes SewNSews Children’s Charities Committee have partnered on this “Springing into action” community service project. 

 

Over 155 individually designed and crafted baskets were sewn, filled and delivered to Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels, a Phoenix non-profit that supports pediatric cancer patients and their families.  Amanda Hope directors call this Peacebuilders project a positive major distraction for their little cancer warriors who look forward to their visit from the Easter Bunny each spring. 

 

The theme for this season’s work party/basket assembly event was “Let’s Hop to it.”  Bunny assistants included RCSL Rotarians Ann Diamond, Chloe Hanken, Sharon Flood, Kandi Skrabala, Judi Edmonds and SewNSew members.

 

Above photo, from left: Bunny assistants from RCSL Rotarians and Sun Lakes SewNSews Children’s Charities ready to deliver 115 baskets presented to pediatric cancer patients.

Rotary Club of Sun Lakes supports senior center library

 

Submitted by Dr. Honora Norton, RCSL Public Image Director

 

The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes members were honored to participate in the ribbon cutting and opening of Oakwood Creative Care’s Library. 

The Sun Lakes Rotary Foundation 2000 committed to five years of grants totaling $25,000. The Oakwood facility supports services for seniors and their caregivers, i.e., daycare, therapy, art, music, and creative classes. The library was one of several ways the funding was used to benefit valley seniors. 

For more info see www.sunlakesrotary.com

 

Photo above: Lisbeth Levor (RCSL and The Park at Copper Creek), Sherri Friend (OCC President/CEO), Judi Edmonds (RCSL), Bill Schink (RCSL), Dr. Elaine Ralls Sun Lakes Rotary Foundation 2000 Board Chair), Stan Klein (RCSL), Kandi Skrabala (RCSL), Stephen Phair (RCSL) all took part in the library’s ribbon cutting ceremony. 

Sedona Village Rotarians volunteer at ‘Pathways to Careers’ Exploratory Day

Members of the Rotary Club of Sedona Village volunteered at the “Pathways to Careers” Exploratory Day held at the Yavapai College Verde Valley Campus in Clarkdale.

The program, hosted by the Arizona Community Foundation in partnership with Yavapai College and VACTE (Verde Valley Career & Technical Education District), welcomed 210 middle school and eighth-grade students from throughout the Verde Valley.

Students toured a wide range of vocational programs including Allied Health, Cosmetology, Law Enforcement, Nursing, Construction, HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing. Faculty and instructors shared practical information about each profession — including required education and certifications, scholarship opportunities, and potential income — helping students better understand real-world career pathways.

Village Rotarians Paul Butler, Rob Schaefer, Del Rae Cruzen, and Chuck Marr assisted with campus tours and student coordination throughout the day.

“Youth is one of Rotary’s core areas of service. When we help young people explore real career pathways and understand the education behind them, we’re investing in their confidence, their direction, and the future strength of our community,” said Del Rae Cruzen Youth Committee member of the Rotary Club of Sedona Village.

The Pathways to Careers program is offered twice yearly, providing hands-on exposure to technical and professional career opportunities available within the region.

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Rotary Club of Sun Lakes: People of Action!

Rotary Club of Sun Lakes Rotarians are "people of action."  The Club recently participated in East Valley community service and education projects:

  • Mentoring and leading AWIM (A World in Motion) Jet Toy competition races at 5th grade classes of CUSD's Fulton and Carlson Elementary Schools and Gila Indian Reservation Schools.  This RCSL project partners with of Society of Engineers (SAE) and ASU Engineering School students.  Per project chair, Gary Kay, the club received several hundred personalized thank you notes sent by the students participating in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning experience.
     
  • Per RCSL Dictionary Project lead Roger Edmonds, over 90,000 3rd grade students have received RCSL dictionaries for the past 22 years.  This year RCSL members presented dictionaries to students at CUSD and Gila River Reservation elementary schools. Students sent personalized thank you notes to the Club.  
     
  • RCSL members via the Club's Peace Builders Project monthly collect and deliver personal hygiene and snack items to Hamilton High School Food pantry for students and families in need.  And collected 2,300 pounds of food and 40 gift certificates for CUSD's Chandler Galveston Elementary School - 40 families will benefit this year.    
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Rotary D5495 and American Red Cross partnership surpasses annual blood goal, earns ‘Above & Beyond’ recognition

Rotary District 5495 is celebrating a major milestone in its ongoing partnership with the American Red Cross: local Rotarians surpassed their previous year’s goal for pints of blood collected—helping strengthen the region’s lifesaving blood supply and supporting patients in need throughout Arizona and beyond.

In recognition of this achievement and Rotary’s continued commitment to saving lives, the American Red Cross honored the Rotary partnership with a special commendation and appreciation recognition through its Community of Giving program, presented to “Rotary Arizona.” 

Rotary Red Cross Acknowledgment

“Every blood drive is a chance to turn service into something immediate and measurable—lives saved,” said Joe Sweeney, Rotary’s Blood Program Leader. “This recognition belongs to every donor who rolled up a sleeve, and to every Rotarian who helped organize, promote, and staff these drives. Now we want to help more clubs across District 5495 do the same.”

The accompanying photo features Rotarians Joe Sweeney, Tom Hendershott, and Carl Marsh alongside Terry Xelowski, American Red Cross Area Booking Manager, at a recent Rotary-sponsored blood drive in Prescott.

A call to action for District 5495 clubs: host a blood drive every other month:

Rotary District 5495 is encouraging more clubs to join the effort by hosting bi-monthly blood drives in their communities. Blood drives are one of the most effective repeatable service projects a club can do—high-impact, community-facing, and achievable with a small team of volunteers.

“A consistent blood drive schedule helps the Red Cross meet ongoing needs—not just during emergencies,” said Terry Xelowski, American Red Cross Area Booking Manager. “Rotary’s leadership and reliability make these drives successful, and we welcome additional Rotary clubs throughout District 5495 to step in and host in their local areas.”

Why a Rotary blood drive works

  • High community impact: a single drive can help supply local hospitals and emergency needs
  • Repeatable service: easy to schedule every other month
  • Strong visibility: brings Rotary’s mission to the public in a meaningful way
  • Built-in partnership: the Red Cross provides the collection team and process; Rotary helps recruit donors and support operations

How Rotary clubs can get started

Rotary District 5495 will help interested clubs connect with the American Red Cross to:

  • select a date and location,
  • coordinate scheduling and staffing needs, and
  • build a simple promotion plan to drive donor appointments.

Clubs ready to explore hosting a blood drive should contact:


Joe Sweeney, Rotary District 5495 Blood Program Leader
Phone: (928) 642-4252 or (602) 935-6910 | Email: rotaryjoe5495@gmail.com

Terry Xelowski, American Red Cross Area Booking Manager
Phone: (480) 369-3043 | Email: terry.xelowski@redcross.org

The American Red Cross supports patients by collecting, processing, and distributing blood products nationwide and relies on community partners and volunteer donors to maintain a safe, stable blood supply.

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