As we close the chapter on 2025 and step into a brand-new year, we do so with hope, gratitude, and anticipation for what lies ahead. A new year invites reflection—but even more importantly, it invites intention.
So I’ll start with a simple question:
What will you do today, tomorrow, this week, and this year to strengthen your club, grow Rotary, and increase the joy and happiness of every member?
Rotary thrives when people feel connected, valued, and energized by purpose. When we work together, we enjoy Rotary more. When we focus on each other, we increase engagement. And when we lead with heart, we naturally invite new friends to experience the fellowship and service that make Rotary so special.
This year, our district and club leadership teams are grounding our work in a powerful leadership framework from Begin With WE by Kyle McDowell—the 10 WE’s. These principles remind us that Rotary leadership is not about position, but about behavior, trust, and shared responsibility.
WE do the right thing. Always. Even when it’s difficult. Especially when it’s difficult. In Rotary, we are grounded by the Four-Way Test. It helps us determine what is right and ensures that what we do is truthful, fair, builds goodwill and better friendships, and is beneficial to all concerned. It isn’t always the easiest path—but it is the one that earns trust, strengthens relationships, and inspires others to rally behind us consistently and authentically.
WE lead by example. Our actions speak louder than any agenda or goal. If our behavior is worth replicating, others will follow.
WE say what WE’re going to do—and then WE do it. Trust is built through commitment and follow-through. Rotarians depend on one another. We don’t let each other down.
WE take action. Taking action and making a mistake is acceptable. Being idle is not. Innovation requires courage, and courage requires psychological safety. When people feel safe, they take bold steps forward.
WE own our mistakes. We are not judged by our missteps—but by how quickly we correct them and whether we learn from them. Mistakes are human. Growth is intentional.
WE pick each other up. Strong teams lift one another, creating space for authenticity, creativity, and connection. No one succeeds alone in Rotary—and no one should feel alone.
WE measure outcomes, not activity. Busy does not always mean effective. If something does not meaningfully contribute to impact, it deserves thoughtful examination.
WE challenge each other—diplomatically. Healthy teams question the status quo with respect and data, not opinion. Every Rotarian has a responsibility to help us be better.
WE embrace challenge. Growth never happens in comfort zones. When challenges are grounded in experience and facts, they are not personal—they are opportunities.
WE obsess over details. Details matter. A lot. They are the difference between average and excellent—and excellence is what our communities deserve.
As we begin this new year, let’s recommit ourselves to leading with WE. Let’s focus on creating clubs where people feel inspired, supported, and proud to belong. When we do that, service multiplies, membership grows, and Rotary’s impact deepens.
Together, WE will thrive—in our clubs, in our district, and in the lives we serve.
Happy New Year, Rotarians! Let’s make it a great one—together.
Next Rotary Leadership Institute January 17 in Mesa
District 5495 will hold its next Rotary Leadership Institute 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. All three sessions of RLI will be offered.
The event takes place at Benedictine University, 225 E. Main St., Mesa, 85201. Cost is $65 and most clubs will cover your cost. Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch and study materials.
First time attendees, please select Session I. Others, select Session II or Session III based on what you have already completed
RLI is a world-wide organization that some refer to as Rotary’s “College of Knowledge.” RLI touches on “everything Rotary” and is not a “leadership” course to become an officer of your Club. RLI 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.
Curt Ward has been selected District 5495 Rotarian of the Month for December in recognition of his exceptional dedication, longstanding service, and leadership within Rotary.
Curt has proudly served Rotary for more than 35 years, beginning with the Marshalltown Rotary Club (1990–2014) and continuing with the Gilbert Rotary Club since 2014. His commitment to Rotary’s mission is evident through his extensive leadership roles, including Club President, Club Secretary, and Club Foundation Chair. He has also served as our district Bylaws Committee Chair.
Beyond club leadership, Curt has been deeply committed to youth service as an Interact Advisor at Perry High School, helping mentor and inspire future leaders. His generosity and dedication to The Rotary Foundation are reflected in his recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow through PHF+4.
Curt also strengthens Rotary by sponsoring new members and fostering lasting relationships across clubs and communities. He consistently exemplifies the Four-Way Test and the principle of Service Above Self.
For his tireless service, integrity, and positive impact, Curt Ward is truly deserving of recognition as Rotarian of the Month.
Christina Hubbard has been named the December Rotary Rookie of the Month for Rotary District 5495.
Since joining the Rotary Club of Verrado in April 2025, Christina has wholeheartedly embraced the role of Rotarian—attending meetings, participating in projects and socials, and stepping into leadership positions.
Christina was instrumental in revitalizing the long-dormant Verrado High School Interact Club, which now features a faculty advisor, a functioning board, and 12 engaged members. Through her leadership, 10 Interact members and their friends packed meals at the club’s recent Feed My Starving Children event in Buckeye.
Christina also volunteered to develop and implement a red badge program to help new members integrate into the club and the Rotary community. Christina was also elected to fill a vacancy on the club’s the Board of Directors in August, 2025.
Balancing these contributions as a single mother and full-time Accounting Controller, Christina truly exemplifies “Service Above Self” and has shown the talent and drive to be a Rotary leader.
The District 5495 Charitable Fund is entering a new phase of growth, capability, and relevance—one defined by modern technology, ease of use, and a renewed commitment to serving every club, regardless of size or structure.
At the center of this momentum is President Stephen Phair, who describes the latest developments as a strategic leap forward rather than incremental change.
“This isn’t about keeping up—it’s about setting the pace,” Phair said. “We’ve fundamentally redesigned how clubs can engage donors, raise funds, and execute service projects. Online fundraising is the most exciting update to date, and it’s a game changer.”
Digital-First Fundraising: Built for How People Give Today
The Fund now supports online fundraising platforms, fundraising via text message, and QR-code–based giving, allowing clubs to meet donors where they already are—on their phones and online.
“If giving isn’t easy, it doesn’t happen,” Phair said bluntly. “We’ve removed friction. Whether it’s scanning a QR code at an event, donating online, or responding to a text, the barrier to entry is gone.”
These tools are designed to complement traditional fundraising, not replace it—giving clubs flexibility and scale without complexity.
Strategic Partnerships Expand Capacity
Key partnerships have positioned the Fund for long-term success and credibility. Agreements with TechSoup, Goodstack, and the Phoenix ToolBank provide clubs access to discounted technology, corporate giving opportunities, and tangible project resources.
“These partnerships add leverage,” Phair explained. “They stretch every dollar further and convert good intentions into real-world impact.
Built by People Who Do the Work
Phair emphasized that progress hasn’t happened in a vacuum. The evolution of the Charitable Fund reflects sustained effort by a committed leadership team.
The Board of Directors—Colleen Coons, Jackie Harrington, Tom Hutchinson, Rex Townsend, Greg Okonowski, Mike Stohler, and Pat Kruger—played a hands-on role in guiding policy, compliance, and execution. Advisors Joan Smith and Rob Schafer provided governance and strategic oversight to ensure the Fund remains both accessible and accountable.
“This is a working board,” Phair said. “These people showed up, rolled up their sleeves, and stayed focused on the mission. None of this happens without that level of commitment.”
Designed for Every Club—No Exceptions
One of the most significant shifts is inclusivity. The Charitable Fund is now structured so any club can use it, even those that already operate their own 501(c)(3).
“We are not competing with clubs—we’re empowering them,” Phair said. “If your club has its own nonprofit, great. If you don’t, we’ve got you covered. The Fund is a tool, not a constraint.”
This flexibility ensures clubs can choose the model that best fits their needs while still benefiting from shared infrastructure and best practices.
Something for Everyone
From grassroots fundraisers to large-scale service projects, the Charitable Fund now offers a full spectrum of support.
“Bottom line: we’ve built something for everyone,” Phair concluded. “Easy to use. Professionally run. Scalable. If a club wants to make an impact, the Charitable Fund is ready to go.”
With modern tools, strong leadership, and a clear value proposition, the Charitable Fund is positioned not just to support service—but to amplify it.
Together We Raise: District 5495 launches a bold campaign for The Rotary Foundation
Mark Your Calendar!
Together We Raise: A Campaign of Vision, Unity, and Legacy
Rotary District 5495 | Major & Legacy Giving Campaign Celebration Event — April 30, 2026 Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West (The evening before the 2026 District Conference)
A Night to Celebrate the Power of Giving
Rotary District 5495 has proudly launched Together We Raise — a bold and inspiring campaign to raise millions of dollars in new gifts to The Rotary Foundation (TRF).
From January 1, 2025, through April 15, 2026, Rotarians, clubs, and friends of Rotary will join hands to make transformational gifts that sustain Rotary’s life-changing work across the globe and right here in Arizona.
This is more than a campaign — it’s a movement of hope, generosity, and shared vision for a better tomorrow.
Celebrate Generosity That Changes the World
Join us for an unforgettable evening of recognition, fellowship, and inspiration as we honor those whose giving is shaping Rotary’s future.
Donors who make or commit to $10,000 or more in new gifts or legacy pledges during the campaign period will receive special recognition at this extraordinary gala.
Enjoy uplifting stories, heartfelt recognition, and a spectacular evening of surprise entertainment that will leave you inspired
Together We Raise. Together We Serve. Together We Thrive.
D5495 is proud to have had three amazing peacebuilders selected since November of 2021.
Think of someone you personally know, or in your social and professional network who are working in humanitarian areas, or any of Rotary’s 7 Areas of Focus (locally, nationally, or overseas), already has a bachelor’s degree, and would be interested in a master’s degree or Professional Development Certificate. And these are fully funded! Our D5495 committee can assist you and them in this process.
Please go to the D5495 website’s Peacebuilding TAB and click on the Peace Fellowships links to share information with your clubs as well as others who might benefit from this amazing opportunity. Or reach out to Tony Cerato at tcerato@aol.com.
Rotary Club of Sedona Village supports local families
The Rotary Club of Sedona Village brought holiday cheer to local families through its second annual holiday gift-wrapping event, supporting families in the Village of Oak Creek and Sedona’s Hope House.
Village Rotarians purchased and wrapped approximately 50 age-appropriate gifts, based on suggestions provided directly by program recipients. The effort ensured that children and families most in need would receive thoughtful holiday presents.
The event was led by Rotarian Holly Johnson and combined service with fellowship. Members gathered for a cheerful evening of gift wrapping followed by a potluck dinner hosted by Gary and Tracey Thie.
The holiday gift-wrapping project is part of the Rotary Club of Sedona Village’s ongoing commitment to community support, alongside its work in youth programs, food security, veterans’ services, and local nonprofit partnerships.
Rotary Club of Red Rock fulfills wishes for students
Making a list and checking it twice. That’s the mission of Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks and its merry band of shopping elves this holiday season.
Partnering for the second consecutive year with Sedona Oak Creek School Unified School District and its Winter Wishes project, Red Rocks Rotary is providing much needed items for 10 students selected by the district to be in the program. This year’s students that Red Rocks Rotarians will be shopping for range in age from pre-kindergarten to tenth grade. The boys and girls each complete a “wish-list” for the school district that includes clothing, shoes, an item for school use and a personal item. Wanted items included sneakers, backpacks, water bottles, toys and mechanical pencils.
Stacy Smith the SOCUSD Registrar and coordinator of the Winter Wishes program received the initial two gift bags packed with items furnished by the Rotary club on December 11. Smith expressed appreciation for the continued partnership with Red Rocks Rotary.
Red Rocks Rotary treasurer Donna Hawk said that the club has spent an average of $2,800 per year on the program for the past 13 years. “The funds have come from both the club’s fund-raising efforts and from contributions from the individual club members. It’s always one of our favorite annual ways of giving back to those in need in our community”.
Members of the Scottsdale North Rotary Club participated in the Good Neighbor Holiday party at the Foothills Food Bank’s new facility on December 12 by serving hotdogs and providing fruit to nearly 600 people. The neighbors were provided toys, blankets, boots, socks and special snack bags along with other thoughtful gifts. All had fun!
We received a very nice thank you letter from the Foothills Bank:
———
Dear North Scottsdale Rotary,
We are so grateful to have received your generous donation of four $50 gift cards, as well as the many items from our Amazon Wish List! Your support will make a big difference for families in our community this holiday season.
Attached is a formal acknowledgment of your donation for your records.
Thank you again for helping us bring joy and support to our neighbors!
The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes extends congratulations to Sun Lakes resident Peter Meade who was named RCSL’s December 2025 Rotarian of the Month. Since joining RCSL in October 2016, Peter has served as Club President, serves leadership roles in club’s annual golf tournament, as well as, leads club’s technology support, PolioPlus campaigns/raffles and upcoming activity emails. He participates each year in Healing Veterans motor-cycle rides and monthly delivers Splash newspapers. Peter is an RI Foundation Major Donor.
