Join District Governor Michelle Holcomb and your fellow District 5495 Rotarians to celebrate our achievements in 2024-25 at the “Conference of Clubs” to be held May 1-4 at the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in Fort McDowell.
This year’s district conference will focus on the theme “Rotary Means Business: Investing in our communities, our youth and ourselves.”
The conference kicks off May 1 with a fundraiser at Saguaro Lake for The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona. The conference continues May 2-3 and ends with golf on May 4. Cost for the two-day full conference is $300.
A link to the full conference agenda for the conference is copied below and includes a number of great speakers, programs, break-out sessions and lots of fun! Highlights include:
* A TRVFA fundraising Dinner Cruise on Saguaro Lake on Thursday, May 1.
* Council on Legislation 10 a.m. Friday, May 2.
* Christopher Zambakari, a Rotary Peace Fellow and "Lost Boy from Sudan" speaking at noon Friday.
* Foundation Dinner Celebration 6 p.m. Friday, featuring President's Representative Scott Rainey.
* Fun and Games on the Courtyard at 7:45 p.m. Friday.
* Former NFL quarterback Danny White is the keynote speaker at dinner 6 p.m. Saturday.
Rooms at the We-Ko-Pa Resort are $129 per night through April 10, then increasing to $199. RV parking is available. To book a hotel room, click on the following link:
'Week of Service' planned
for Earth Week, April 16-22
District 5495, in conjunction with district 5500 is conducting its fifth annual Rotary Week of Service, April 16-22, 2025 -- Earth Week.
This year we are asking each assistant governor to coordinate with the clubs they serve to come up with one service project for that group of clubs. As we have 16 assistant governors, in theory, we would have 16 regional projects during April. This method will allow for larger projects and collaboration of clubs within a geographical area.
Understanding that clubs may have other activities planned for this week, flexibility is key but an emphasis around mid- to late April.
District Governor Michelle Holcomb visited the NBC Channel 12 studios on March 31 to appear on a news segment promoting the Peoria North Rotary Club's annual Prom Closet service project.
Michelle and Past District Governor Bret McKeand (a member of Peoria North) were interviewed by Channel 12 news anchor Tram Mai.
Michelle and Bret shared news of the history of the Prom Closet and dates for the project's final weekend, as well information on Rotary.
The Prom Closet is a service project that provides formal wear for high school teens attending their proms. Gowns, suits, tuxedos, shoes and more are provided at no charge.
The event takes place March 29-30 and April 5-6, 2025. For more information, visit www.thepromcloset.com.
Save the Date: Mexico-USA
Friendship Conference planned
This conference, now in its 25th year, is the ideal way for your club to get involved in a Rotary Foundation global grant. Open to all Rotary clubs and districts, you’ll have the chance to experience fellowship at its finest with clubs from Mexico and Arizona, plus we will work on getting global grants funded in this unique project-focused event.
This year’s friendship conference will be held October 31 thru November 3 in Yuma, Arizona. Additional information -- registration, cost and accommodations -- will be released at a later date. Stay tuned to this page for additional information.
District 5495 has had requests from Rotarians that had to miss the Grants Training to have a makeup session. We are doing one last session at 5:30 PM on April 10 via Zoom. Below is the Zoom link.
The district is preparing a "Celebration of Life" -- a tribute to those Rotarians we've lost over the past three years -- that will be presented and shared at this year's District Conference.
We are asking clubs to share with us the names and photos of those who have passed 2022-2025.
Rotarians in D5495 are involved in amazing work, all of which contributes to achieving Peace. D5495 Rotary Clubs and Rotarians are invited to nominate one or more fellow D5495 Rotarians for the 2025 “Champion for Peace" award to be presented at the 2025 District Conference by DG Michelle Holcomb..
The deadline for all nominations is April 1.
This annual award is presented to a fellow Rotarian who exhibits “an enduring commitment to peace.” Champion for Peace recipients are selected by members of the D5495 Peacebuilders Network committee.
Past recipients include Chuck Fitzgerald (2018), Kevin Pitts (2019), Nancy Van Pelt (2020), Tony Cerato (2021), Dr. Ruth Tan Lim (2022), Elizabeth Mahoney (2023) and Craig Wilson (2024).
Your nominee’s commitment to peace may be demonstrated through actions that build or strengthen the conditions for peace, or they may be directly categorized as a “peace project.”
Click on the link below for more information and a downloadable/fillable nomination form.
World Immunization Week -- April 24-30 -- is supported by Rotary International and your End Polio Now /Polio Plus leaders. It is not too late to plan an event that can also promote Polio Plus!
Vaccines are one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Over the last 50 years, essential vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives. That’s six lives a minute, every day, for five decades.
In these 50 years, vaccination accounts for 40% of the improvement in infant survival, and more children now live to see their first birthday and beyond than at any other time in human history! Measles vaccine alone accounts for 60% of those lives saved.
The future of immunization means not only reaching millions of children who have never received a single shot, but also protecting babies from malaria and RSV, pregnant mothers from tetanus, and young girls from HPV. Hard-won gains in stamping out diseases that are preventable through vaccination are in jeopardy. Decades of collaborative efforts between governments, aid agencies, scientists, healthcare workers, and parents got us to where we are today - a world where we’ve eradicated smallpox and almost eradicated polio.
This year’s banner, “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible” aligns with Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus and with the Polio Plus program philosophy
The Rotary Club of Verrado will hold its “Gathering Buckeye II—A Chuckwagon Feast to Serve our Community,” 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Nardini Manor, 5601 South Jackrabbit Trail in Buckeye.
The primary beneficiary of revenues will be The All Faith’s Community Service and Food Bank— serving Buckeye and Goodyear.
Early bird tickets are $225 individually, or table of six for $1,200. Ticket price includes a remarkable Chuckwagon BBQ Feast, a fun-filled evening of music from local Buckeye band Highway 85, plus silent and live auction.
Online auction starts March 28, 2025 at noon. Sponsorships are also available. Any questions direct to Doug Bredow, doug.bredow@gmail.com
Scottsdale North fundraiser supports local charities
The Rotary Club of Scottsdale North will have its annual Fundraiser, PARTY FOR A PURPOSE, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 5 -9 pm at the Grayhawk Golf Club’s Fairway House.
Join us to party and dance to the music of the Young Country Band. There will be heavy hot d’oeuvres, open bar for wine and beer, as well as silent and live auctions, wine pull, raffle and much more.
Rotary Club of Sedona Village offers summer scholarships
The Rotary Club of Sedona Village is offering Summer Camp Scholarships for summer youth programs. Four or more Scholarships, valued up to $750 each, will be awarded to students grades 6 through 11 who reside in Sedona and/or are currently attending a Sedona school. The scholarships are for programs that will enrich a student’s abilities and interests whether it be in music, drama, leadership, art, academic, sport or other.
Select the Summer Camp Scholarship tab. The application process also includes telling why you would like to attend camp plus submitting a 2-to-5-minute video where the student demonstrates their abilities and/or tells of their passion in the subject of the enrichment camp they would like to attend. Also, a letter of recommendation is required from a teacher related to the subject of interest of the camp.
Don’t delay! Deadline for the application, video and teacher recommendation is April 15 and should be emailed to president@SedonaVillageRotary.org. Send any questions to the same email address. The applications will be reviewed and scored by a panel of Rotary Club of Sedona Village members.
Scholarship recipients will be announced by April 30 and scholarships will be sent directly to the program the student indicates.
April is a special month for our Rotary Club of Sun Lakes (RCSL). RCSL, chartered on April 22, 1986, celebrates 39 years of service within the Sun Lakes Community.
RCSL was conceived in 1985 when Chandler Rotarian Andre Felix put an advertisement on the Sun Lakes Club House Bulletin Board to see if anyone was interested in attending a Rotary meeting at the Palo Verde Country Club. Rotarian, Wayne Johnson, had just moved to Sun Lakes responded. Wayne and seven other Sun Lakes retirees met with Andre and decided there was a need for a Rotary club in this fast-growing Sun Lakes Community.
After working with the Arizona Rotary District 5510 and Rotary International, final approval was granted and RCSL was charted as a Tuesday morning club with 15 members. Allan Gustafson was elected the Charter Club President. Over the years RCSL, has become known as the “Education Club” because of its youth projects, teacher recognition, and scholarships provided for K-12 education, vocational education, and higher education.
To learn more about RCSL, visit www.sunlakesrotary.com and our Facebook page. Come for a visit and join us as people of action.
RC of Sedona Red Rocks hosts annual golf tournament
Sedona Red Rocks is hosting its 23rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Sedona Golf Resort on Saturday, April 19. It is the longest running tournament in Sedona.
Over the years, the event has brought in thousands of dollars for the club's youth-oriented projects and programs. Participants can open their day with an awesome Bloody Mary from the resort's bar then head to the driving range to knock out free range balls during warm up.
On course contests for both men's and ladies' long drive and close- to-pin skills earn trophies along with the first and second place teams. Players can also buy into a chance at Splash for Cash which is an on-course chipping challenge with the winner splitting the pot with the club. A delicious lunch buffet follows the round. The day closes out with the event's famous fast and fun raffle with prizes including rounds of golf at local courses, premium liquor and wine, golf apparel and dining certificates.
Rotarians from throughout the District are invited to join in. Registration for a foursome is $600 which includes a deluxe swag bag and lunch.
Kristy Armijo was inducted Wednesday March 5, 2025, as the new Winslow Rotary Club President. Jessica Atha Cox was on hand for the Swearing in Ceremony. Jessica has been the President of the Winslow Rotary Club for the last 2 1/2 years. Thank you, Jessica!
Applications now open for Rotary Peace Fellowships
Please help us add to the amazing list of more than 1,800 Rotary Peace Fellows in more than 140 countries who have been awarded the Rotary Peace Fellowship and are still doing important work to improve the lives of others.
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is a program within The Rotary Foundation. It is fully-funded at no cost to our Rotary Clubs or Rotary Districts. Only 50 Master's Degree applicants are selected each year, and D5495 has had 3 applicants selected since November 2021.
Think of someone you personally know, or in your social and professional network who are working in 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. Our 11-member strong D5495 committee can assist you and them in this process.
The application process runs from February 1 - May 15, 2025.
Help us find qualified candidates here in Arizona, as well as in other areas of the world. Please go to the D5495 website’s Peacebuilding TAB and click on the Peace Fellowships/Peace Center links to share information with your clubs as well as others who might benefit from this amazing opportunity.
Action groups host talk: Adapting to a Changing Climate
The WASH Rotary Action Group is working with the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) to promote their upcoming webinar.
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Join us for a crucial conversation on climate adaptation with Christiana Figueres, a leading voice in global climate policy and architect of the 2015 Paris Agreement and Rotary International President Elect Mário César Martins de Camargo.
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This event will explore the actionable strategies to navigate fires, floods, and extreme weather. Register today to engage, learn, and help shape a resilient future. Can’t attend live? Register anyway to receive the recording! Don’t speak English? No problems. Closed caption translation is available.
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Press for more information.
Ten members of the Rotary Club of Scottsdale North attended the Rotary Club Leadership Academy on March 8 at Paradise Valley Community College.
Interact District Governor provides update on activities
I am thrilled to announce that the Interact District Conference of 2025 was a huge success!
The 12th conference to date, this IDC went wonderfully; from engaging and fun breakouts to empowering and heartfelt speakers, all tied in with the sharing of ideas, knowledge, stories and successes. To top it off, the picturesque setting of red rocks in Sedona made it all the more a great experience. Thank you to everyone who helped plan, organize, and facilitate the conference, you all made it so fantastic! And thank you to everyone who was able to attend. These events would never happen without interested and excited Interactors eager to come and participate!
In other news, our Crutches 4 Africa Ambassadors and their Team Advisors have been revealed! Congratulations to Victoria Arias, Candace Basham, Hugo Garcia, and Lilly Hellman on the Mexico Team, as well as Derrick Boateng, Isabelle Brown, Amyla Buckhannon, Piper Rietz, and Ceiba Sherman on the Kenya Team! Thank you for your commitment to the Crutches 4 Africa Project, and for all of the time and effort you will no doubt put in to make this project a continued success.
Along those lines, there are still ways for your club to help support this project! This can be done through collecting mobility devices for our next shipment from nursing homes, local thrift stores, or even garage sales! Also, fundraising is greatly appreciated as well! Doing things like walkathons, restaurant fundraisers, and bake sales is a great way to get involved! The collection of devices and funds are both so important for this project to continue, and all help is welcome!
In addition, please continue to kick off the Interact Global Schisto Project in your clubs! This project is growing quickly, and we are excited to see it come to life in each one of your communities. Remember, all you need for this project is a jar and some Life Saver candies; and with just two dollars, anyone in your community, school, or club can save a life! We have high hopes that this kids helping kids initiative will have the capabilities of saving so many lives, and we are grateful for your participation and support!
Robert Wertz, District 5495 Peacebuilders chair, continues his series of 'Ripples of Peace' on the District website. Remember: Every act of service is an act of peace!
Rotary Club of Sun Lakes (RCSL) named Sun Lakes resident David Ouradnik its March 2025 Rotarian of the Month. David currently co-chairs the 2025 Club's Golf Tournament and has co-chaired past tournaments. David has earned the Rotary International Foundation's Paul Harris designation in recognition of his philanthropic gifts to Rotary local and international service projects. Dave supports service projects both at RCSL and his former Fargo North Dakota Rotary Club.
In the photo, from left, February 2025 Rotarian of the Month Dick Meyer and RCSL Club President Peter Meade present the Rotarian of the Month plaque to Davi Ouradnik March 2025 RCSL Rotarian of the Month.
Presidents-Elect from clubs throughout District 5495 joined District Governor-Elect Jim Schmidt at this year's Southwest Presidents Elect Training Seminar held Feb. 20-23 at the LAX Marriott in Los Angeles, Calif.
In all, 11 districts -- and over 802 Rotarians -- participated in Southwest PETS, the largest multi-district PETS held in the United States!
Click the link below to visit a photo album and slide show of photos depicting our district's participation at this year's PETS!
The Rotary Support Center is an easily accessible first point of contact for Rotarians, donors, staff, and others to help answer questions in English, French, and Spanish. Staff is available to answer your questions about almost anything, including Rotary's website, TRF and grants, donor contributions, point transfers, reports, invoices, and so much more. Business hours are 8 am to 5 pm Central Time, Monday through Friday. You can reach the Support Center toll-free at 1-866-976-8279 (1-866-9ROTARY) or by email at rotarysupportcenter@rotary.org .
