President Kayla Mudge opened the meeting, Dave Dacus led the Pledge of Allegiance and gave a thought-of-the-day. Today’s raffle was won by Tara Dacus. She did not draw the Ace of Clubs, so the large pot carries over.
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The final Mesa West Rotarian of the month for this Rotary year was awarded to Chuck Flint. Next, Anise Carroll Covarrubias was presented with her corrected Interactor of the Year plaque. Then, Kayla Mudge was presented with her finished Emerging Leader of Distinction award. Both of these awards had to be finished after the District Conference due to issues with the trophy shop.
At today’s meeting, we celebrated President Kayla Mudge’s Rotary year by having several members share club activities and successes from the past year.
- John Pennypacker shared that our club has donated over $35,704 to the Rotary Foundation and averaged $270 donated per member. He also presented Bryan Goetzenberger with his Paul Harris+3 pin.
- Ed Koeneman shared that Mesa West has provided support to Interact clubs, Rotaract clubs, Rotary Exchange students, and has provided scholarships to Westwood High School students.
- Anise Carroll Covarrubias talked about the Aster Aging Glamour Gala, which was a memorable event for all.
- Sophia Brown talked about the Interact Ambassador program which sends Interact students to Mexico and Kenya on mobility-related service projects. Additionally, the students learn about local culture, fundraise, and help collect mobility devices.
- Polly Cady shared the effect that our club has on Rotary Youth Exchange students and on peace & understanding around the world.
- Deb Koeneman shared memorable portions of the Life Skills Project, when over 60 students learned practical skills that will be useful in their lives.
- Steve Ross talked about Mesa West’s legacy of helping raise money for the local Salvation Army by ringing the bell each year between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Colleen Coons shared Mesa West’s impact on homeless, guardian-less high school seniors. Mesa West assigns one-on-one mentors, provides school supplies, and provides resources. The impact is that these students graduate from high school when they otherwise might not have, and they have the confidence to move into their adult lives with a better chance of success.
- Andy Bradford rounded out the presentation with a list of our other service opportunities, such as Aspire Academy, Mesa Police Department Halloween event, school supplies and books for senior centers and orphanages, bedding for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and collecting food for various food banks.
Next, Jim Erickson led the formal induction of our new club president, Connie Bunyard, along with her board. And finally, Ed Koeneman led a presentation honoring Kayla’s year as club president, including trivia questions, anecdotes, photos, videos, and in-person & guest video commentary.