This month, we celebrate The Rotary Foundation — the heart of Rotary’s mission and the engine that turns compassion into action. Every project we undertake, from local literacy efforts to international peacebuilding, begins with the generosity and vision of Rotarians like you.

Just days ago, Rotarians from both sides of the border gathered in Yuma for the USA–Mexico Friendship Conference and Global Grants Exchange. Together, members from many clubs and districts built partnerships, forged friendships, shared project ideas, and committed resources to fully fund 14 global grant projects — an amazing achievement and a new record! Lives will be changed forever on both sides of the border. It was Rotary at its finest — Service Above Self, multiplied through collaboration.

But our work doesn’t stop there.

This year, we’ve embarked on something truly transformational — a campaign to raise millions in new gifts through our Together We Raise, Together We Rise, Together We Thrive initiative. All gifts made since our last District Conference recognition event last May — and before April 15, 2026 — will be celebrated. Our goal: to raise more than $1 million in new gifts to The Rotary Foundation.

Here’s the best part: Everyone is invited to celebrate, but those who make—or commit to make—a new gift of $10,000 or more during that period will be honored at a very special celebration on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Mesa Sheraton Wrigleyville West — the night before our District Conference. This won’t be just another dinner — it will be a night of joy, inspiration, recognition, and unforgettable stories of the lives you’ve touched through your generosity. The program details are still under wraps, but I can promise you this — it will be the event of the year!

Your gift can go where your heart leads — ending polio, bringing clean water, supporting education, building peace, or strengthening our Annual Fund to meet needs wherever they arise. You can give in many ways: a one-time cash gift, appreciated stock, a pledge over three years, naming Rotary as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, a life income agreement, or even by including Rotary in your estate plans.

We are deeply grateful to those who have already given so generously over the years. Because of your past gifts, children have clean water to drink, classrooms have light and books, and families live in safety and peace. You are the Foundation’s heartbeat — the reason Rotary continues to change the world, one act of service and one act of giving at a time.

A special thank-you also goes to Laura Mello, our RI Regional Major Gifts Officer, who spent this past week presenting at clubs and meeting with donors across Arizona. Laura is a tremendous resource and is happy to assist with any questions — large or small — as you explore how best to make your giving count in ways that are meaningful to you.

Rotary has always been about turning compassion into action. This is our moment to do something extraordinary — to build peace, prosperity, and hope that will outlive us all.

Let’s make sure that when we gather on April 30, 2026, we’re celebrating your name among those who stepped forward to change the world.

Together We Thrive — and together, we make a difference that endures.

— DG Jim Schmidt

It is my honor to announce that Teresa L. Haire has been selected to serve as District Governor for 2028–2029. 

Teresa has been a proud Rotarian since November 17, 2016, and is a valued member of the Rotary Club of Sun City. Over the years, she has poured her energy, skill, and heart into Rotary through many important roles—including Club President, District Secretary, Youth Services Committee Chair, District Administrator, and more. Through these experiences, Teresa has gained a deep understanding of the heartbeat of our District, the unique strengths of our clubs, and the tremendous opportunities that lie ahead.

Beyond her many titles, Teresa is known for her enthusiasm and her heart for family—including her Rotary Family. She is a beloved and trusted leader, guided by the belief that Rotary transforms lives. With wisdom, passion, and humility, she is ready to lead us forward

A graduate of both Rotary Leadership Academy (RLA) and Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI), Teresa exemplifies Rotary’s values of lifelong learning, fellowship, and servant leadership.

Jim Schmidt
District Governor 2025-26

Chris Dunham of the Rotary Club of Mesa has been selected as the Rotarian Rookie of the Month for October 2025.

Since joining the club, Chris has truly embodied the Rotary spirit of “Service Above Self” and has quickly become an integral part of the community.

From the very beginning, Chris has been a consistent presence at club meetings, taking on the role of greeter each week. His warm smile, welcoming handshake and genuine enthusiasm set the tone for every gathering, helping both longtime members and guests feel at home. This simple, yet powerful act, has created a stronger sense of connection within his club and has reminded Rotarians of the importance of hospitality in service.

A group of Rotarians from District 5495 left for Brisbane Oct. 4 to meet old friends and make new ones through a Rotary Friendship Exchange.

This was a return visit, after six District 9640 Australians visited Arizona in October 2024. Mary and Mike Zongolowicz from the Rotary Club of Sun City, Candace and Andy Tomlinson and Jacque and Dennis Price from the Prescott Rotary Club, and Katheryn and Dennis Tuberty and Wendi and Barry Lancy from the Prescott Frontier Rotary Club were hosted by clubs in Murwillumbah, Grafton, Lismore, and Gold Coast. 

The Arizonans hiked rainforests, visited museums, encountered animals in a sanctuary, learned about alternate power sources, saw kangaroos in the wild, climbed steps to a pinnacle point on the ocean, and observed local sights. The group learned about Aussie Rotary projects such as wheelchairs crafted from bicycle frames, a weekly sidewalk BBQ breakfast, a mobile health unit for men’s health checks and education, a refurbished public park, view benches along the riverbank, and a cafe that served meals while providing a social gathering place for people displaced by severe flooding in 2022.

The RFE group gave presentations highlighting District 5495 and club projects at five Rotary club meetings, exchanging the traditional banners and good will. Friendships and memories from this trip will last forever.

The Laughlin Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winners of its 28th Annual Community Achievement Awards, held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Aquarius Casino Resort inside the Pavilion.

Presented by the Laughlin Chamber and hosted in partnership with Golden Entertainment – Laughlin, this year’s black-tie gala honored outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations whose leadership, service, and dedication make the Colorado River Region a better place to live, work, and thrive.

The Rotary Club of Bullhead City was well represented at the event, as several of its members were award winners or finalists for an award:

Chris Morgan received the Humanitarian Award for his leadership roles with the Mohave County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue team and Bullhead Regional Food Bank (which he founded and now chairs).  The Food Bank served more than 40,000 individuals in 2025.

Loke Lau Brigoli was named as a finalist for the Communications Award for her role as owner of her own DJ/KJ business (founded in 2008).  She also co-hosted Cameron Broadcasting's "The Knack 107.1" morning show.  Music is Loke's passion.

Amanda Melander was named a finalist for the Entrepreneur Award representing Voodoo Cove restaurant. (known for their creative meals and fun dining experience).  Voodoo Cove is a proud sponsor of many events in our community.

In addition, the Rotary Club of Laughlin won the Community & Social Service Organization Award, and the Laughlin High School Interact Club won the Outstanding Youth Group Award.

The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes is honored to support Gila River Indian Community Casa Blanca School.  Members have supported the school through AWIM (A World in Motion) jet car mentoring/competitions, library book donations and gifts of lawn picnic tables/umbrellas.  

The Sun Lakes Rotary Foundation 2000's Board President Dr. Elaine Ralls presented the school’s Principal Kim Franklin with a $1,359 check directed towards purchase of library books.  RCSL Rotarian Debbie Bailey has ordered 70 books and gifted them directly to the school.

Additionally at a recent RCSL meeting, Andrew McBride, Director of Engineering at Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority, presented the school’s principal a check for $500 and RCSL gifted another $500 to be directed toward purchase of two lawn picnic tables and umbrellas.  Principal Kim was excited for school’s children to be able to read new books at the new lawn tables on a beautiful fall day. 

Thanks to Ottawa University so much for allowing the Surprise & Sun City West Rotary Club to host the 2025 Meals of Hope Event in October at Ottawa University in Surprise.  In 2.5 hours, we exceeded the event’s goal and packed appropriately 25,657 meals or 89 boxes for the Valley View Community Food Bank.