Together We Thrive — A Moment of Gratitude, A Momentum for the Future
As I reflect on the past week, I find myself overwhelmed—with gratitude, with humility, and with deep appreciation for what we have accomplished together.
Our District Conference and the Together We Raise Celebration were more than successful events. They were powerful expressions of who we are as Rotarians—people of action, of generosity, and of heart.
Together, we raised over $7 million for The Rotary Foundation.
None of us knew until the moment of the big reveal… and when it came, we were all simply blown away.
That number represents hope. It represents clean water, disease prevention, education, peacebuilding, and opportunity—impact both here at home and across the globe—for people we may never meet, but whose lives will be forever changed because of what you chose to do.
But even more than the number, I am in awe of how it happened.
It happened because you showed up. With your time. Your talent. Your generosity. And your willingness to give—each in your own way, within your own circumstances.
To every volunteer, every organizer, every donor, every performer, every attendee — thank you!
What you created was extraordinary.
The Future Is So Bright…
One of the most powerful moments of our conference came as we turned our focus to the future — our youth.
Interact. RYLA. Youth Exchange. And on to Rotaract.
When we truly listen to them, one thing becomes clear:
The future is so bright… we’re going to need to wear shades.
I had the privilege of spending personal time with several of these young leaders, and I was struck by their insight, their courage, the reach of their dreams, and the depth of their commitment to making a difference.
Some will move on to new places, new careers, even new districts—but their impact does not leave with them. Their stories stay with us. Their energy inspires us. Their example challenges us to be better and continues to shape who we become.
Exceeding the Moment
This year, we set a bold goal: 250 impactful service projects entered into the Service Project Center in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
Together, we didn’t just meet that goal—we blew past it with over 350 projects.
That’s not just achievement. That’s a movement.
We have united as a district around things that truly matter—serving our communities, strengthening our Foundation, collaborating with civic and community leaders, and expanding our impact both locally and globally.
Now… We Build Forward
As we move into these final months of the Rotary year, our work is not slowing—it is evolving.
This is the moment for every club to:
Align around 3-year rolling goals
Empower and support incoming leaders
Preserve the traditions that give us strength
And embrace the innovation that will carry us forward
Because Rotary is not something we simply maintain.
It is something we build. Something we grow. Something we pass forward — stronger than we found it.
A Final Thought
Rotary creates something rare in this world.
It brings good people together— to serve with integrity, to grow in purpose, to build meaningful connections, and to live lives filled with impact and fulfillment.
What we have experienced together over these past months is proof of what is possible.
And the most exciting part?
We are just getting started.
Rotary Connections be offered May 30 in Anthem
District 5495 will offer all three sessions of the new Rotary Connections (formerly Rotary Leadership Institute) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 30 at Anthem Community Center, 3701 W. Anthem Way, Anthem.
Cost is $65 and most clubs will cover a member's cost to attend. Cost includes continental breakfast, lunch and study materials.
Rotary Connections is made up of three one-day Sessions to give you an overview of what Rotary is and what it does worldwide. Its goal is to create ENTHUSIASM for Rotary and show the enormous potential of Rotary service and how with knowledge and excellent leadership in clubs, the world will benefit.
District Conference Portrait Photos available online
Those of you who attended our 2026 District Conference may have stopped by Wayne General's portrait booth in our House of Friendship. All portrait photos are now available online in the Photo Albums folder on the District Website. Click on the link below to access the folder. All photos can be easily download to your computer. Thank you Wayne!!
Using AI: What Members Need to Know AI tools can help you brainstorm ideas, draft communications, and run your clubs, but they also come with risks. We’ve developed clear guidelines so you can use AI responsibly while protecting our brand.
Contact Angela Donna Lopez, Supervisor of Membership Growth and Experience | Zones 25B, 26 & 27 | Member and Participant Experience, for information. Click Here to set up a meeting.
Two NAU students have revived the Rotaract mission in Flagstaff.
Rotaract is a network of young-adult service clubs affiliated with Rotary International. There are more than 10,000 such clubs worldwide, with most based in universities.
Sophia Brown is president of the club, with classmate Hugo Garcia Duran serving as vice president. Both have been driving forces in bringing back Rotaract, which has not been active on campus for several years. The Flagstaff Rotary Club, the sponsoring organization, is very excited about this initiative.
“Our Rotarians are looking forward to working closely with the NAU Rotaract Club to mentor and support their activities and service projects,” Flagstaff Rotary Club President Mike Williams said. "Our two clubs share the goals of exchanging ideas with community leaders in and near Flagstaff, developing leadership and professional skills, and having fun together through service.”
Sophia, an English major from Prescott, was a member of Rotary's Interact in high school, serving on the Interact District Council and as president of her school's club during her senior year. Interact clubs are run by youths 18 and under.
“Rotary really changed my life,” she said during a presentation at a recent Flagstaff Rotary Club meeting, “and now I want to share that opportunity with others.”
Sophia has nearly a dozen prospective members lined up for NAU Rotaract. Starting this fall, the club will fully begin its focus on community service, leadership development and professional networking.
The Club is open to NAU students who are committed to serving the Flagstaff community and creating lasting connections between the club and local and worldwide organizations. To learn more, visit @rotaract_nau on Instagram.
Sessions explain district leadership opportunities
Interested in Rotary district leadership? Join us for an open and engaging Q&A session to learn more about leadership opportunities within the district team.
This is a unique, intimate conversation where you can ask questions, share ideas, and learn anything you’d like to know about serving in district leadership. We’d love to discuss the many ways you can get involved and make an impact through Rotary service.
Come connect, explore opportunities, and discover how you can be part of the team!
It’s the time of year when all Rotary Club are refining their club budgets for 2026-27. District Treasurer Lucinda General recommends that you visit the district website to access various planning tools available to you. Watch the PowerPoint and use all of the hyperlinks to access additional Rotary International dues. Stated plain and simple are the two annual per member dues amounts: $110.60 for Rotary International and $88 for District 5495.
Visit the district home page and click on “Resources” in the blue bar menu at the top of the page. Under “Resources,” click on “Club Treasurer Tools” to find:
Dave Evans has been named District 5459 Rotarian of the Month for May.
Dave is a long-time Rotarian and a valuable member of the Peoria North Rotary Club. For many years a member of the Peoria Rotary Club, Dave joined Peoria North when the two clubs merged a few years ago.
Dave is actively involved in every facet of the club. A member of the Board of Directors, Dave consistently volunteers for all club service projects – including the Prom Closet, stuffing supply boxes for the homeless, assisting at the food bank and more.
But Dave’s true passion is supporting the youth in our community, and he is the co-chair of our club’s Student of the Month program. Before Dave joined our club, Peoria North presented Student of the Month awards at two of our district’s high schools. Since taking over the program, Dave has worked closely with PNRC President Darlene Eger and with the Peoria Unified School District and today we celebrate Students of the Month at all 10 PUSD high schools.
Dave works with the schools to arrange a quarterly celebration where students are recognized and provided small stipends from the club, as well as a certificate showing that a wheelchair has been presented in their name to a disabled person in Mexico. At each program, the host school’s student culinary department provides breakfast for the club and parents.
Jennifer Garrett of the Rotary Club of Verde Valley has been selected the District 5495 Rotary Rookie of the Month for May.
Jennifer joined the club in March 2025 and is currently the club's Youth Services/RYLA chair.
According to Club President Dino Viotti, Jennifer shows great enthusiasm and initiative, contributed fresh new ideas and energy to club projects and has been involved in several club projects. Her actions demonstrate a commitment to “service above self.”
She assisted with the delivery of school supplies to the Clarkdale-Jerome School and with local food-packing events. She is actively involved in youth services, spearheading the club's RYLA Committee. She organized meetings with both students and parents.
She also presented to high school students at Sedona Red Rock Junior High School in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Sedona Village and is in the process of creating a mentorship program at West Valley Sedona Elementary School.
I wanted to share that we still have a few remaining spots for delegates at Jr. RYLA, our leadership camp for middle school students (current 6th–8th graders).
Jr. RYLA is an impactful experience where students build confidence, strengthen leadership and communication skills, and form meaningful connections with peers from across our district. It’s a program we care deeply about, and we’re working to ensure as many students as possible have the opportunity to participate.
The application deadline is May 15th. If you know a student who would benefit—whether through your school, your network, or even your own family—I encourage you to share this opportunity with them. I’ve attached a flyer for easy forwarding.
If you’d like to learn more about the program or its impact, I’m always happy to connect and answer any questions.
The Rotary Club of Sedona Village is proud to announce that it awarded $6,415 in summer camp scholarships to several local families. This benefits nine students from SRRHs and SRRJH. Scholarships were awarded up to $750 each which allows students to attend overnight camps or weeklong extensive training.
Students will be attending a variety of camps including NAU Sports and Music Camps, Sedona Dance Academy, and Los Angeles Joffrey Ballet School.
Anya Huard, recipient of a scholarship to Sedona Dance Academy expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you so much for this opportunity. I am infinitely grateful.” Roxanne, mother of student, Harper Holland, exclaimed, “Thank you for this great news. We appreciate what the Village Rotary Club does for our community.”
The Rotary Club of Sedona Village’s dedicated youth services committee has a proven track record of working for the benefit of area youth. Rotarian Holly Johnson and the Summer Scholarship Team organized this year's scholarship program.
A Village Rotary Club donor and the Sedona Sister Cities Association are also funding a local student, Fernando Quisumbing, to attend the Sister Cities International Leadership Summit in Washington DC.
Verrado Rotary Foundation supports local food bank
The Verrado Rotary Club and the Verrado Rotary Foundation extend their deepest gratitude to every attendee, donor, and volunteer who helped make Gathering Buckeye III an extraordinary success. Your generosity, energy, and commitment transformed this event into something truly meaningful for our entire community.
Because of your support, we were honored to present a $100,000 check to All Faith Community Services Buckeye Food Bank. This contribution is far more than a number—it represents meals, stability, and hope for families who are facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
This gift will help the Buckeye Food Bank:
Provide thousands of additional meals to households struggling with food insecurity
Expand access to fresh, healthy food options for children, seniors, and vulnerable adults
Strengthen emergency support programs that keep families afloat during crises
Ensure that no one in our community has to choose between paying a bill and putting food on the table
Your involvement—whether through time, talent, or financial support—directly improves the lives of those who need it most. Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate Buckeye, one act of service at a time.
Thank you for standing with us, for believing in this mission, and for making a lasting difference in our community.
Rotary Club of Sun Lakes holds annual golf tourney
The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes 32nd Annual Golf Tournament was held March 8, 2026, at Sun Lakes Oakwood Country Club. RCSL is confident that its fundraising goal of $25,000 will be exceeded by a comfortable margin.
RCSL extends gratitude to members and Golf Committee, volunteers, donors, 144 golfers, 50-plus dinner guests, Cottonwood Country Club staff, and ball drop, auction, wine pull, and raffle winners.
Event Chair Ed Anderson states the funds raised over 32 years have supported hundreds of charities and children in the Chandler Unified School District. RCSL current projects include: over 100,000 dictionaries given to third graders; Sun Lakes Sew-N Sew partnership; MANA House, P.A.W.S.S. and other veteran services projects; electronic recycling project; valley senior living projects; food banks; Welcome to America Project; Gila River Community School Library; CUSD STEM mentoring and competitions; and student and teacher essay contests, leadership camps, and scholarships/awards. RCSL has completed over 25 service projects since July 1, 2025.
Building futures together: Rotary, PVCC partnership
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.”
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.
Rotary Club of Scottsdale supports student success
From its beginning in 1954 the Rotary Club of Scottsdale has been dedicated to Scottsdale student success. For the past 72 years the club has awarded scholarships to Scottsdale’s graduating high school students, enabling and encouraging them to pursue their further education and skills development.
Scottsdale Rotary recently sponsored Jazz in the Courtyard at Coronado High School at noon. As students had lunch, they also enjoyed live jazz by William “Doc” Jones and his band. Five students of the Coronado Jazz Band were invited to join with these professionals, making the event even more special. It was a fun day to be at school.
A few days later, Rotary sponsored lunch and an essay awards ceremony at Coronado High School. Attending were thirty English class students who had submitted essays on the moral value that best guides and defines who they are. Students had written essays on respect, empathy, ambition, honesty, the Golden Rule, being a better person, and treating others with dignity.
Rotarians read and selected eight finalists. Community leaders chose the top six who received cash prizes and certificates of achievement from Cornado Principal Melinda Splitek.
In the Fall of 2025, Rotarians and school district administrations conducted a Future Ready conference at Chaparral High School. Participating were 450 students who selected and attended classes on resume building, dressing for success, and entrepreneurship, as well as engineering, architecture, construction, psychology, and hospitality careers. This focus on mentoring students by Rotary continued this spring. Rotarian Tom Mayer chaired a panel discussion by Rotarians on real estate, entrepreneurship, presentation skills, and networking to a Coronado dual-credit class with Scottsdale Community College.
The club members are currently preparing to interview graduating seniors for its annual scholarship program. Some $70,000 of scholarships will be available in fields such as the arts, performing arts, engineering, vocational training, first responder training and athletics. The scholarship winners and their families will be recognized at a weekly Rotary meeting in May.
Scottsdale Sunrise Rotary's April service project was to help at the Welcome To America Project. Members greeted and took home items to recently arrived refugee families. They went to three different apartment complexes and spent time in each families' home. The families were from Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Myanmar. It was a wonderful experience for all.
Scottsdale Sunrise was one of two Rotary Clubs to participate in the project. The club was joined by members of the Rotary Club of Sun Lakes.
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.
