The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona (TRVFA) is being flexible in order to continue serving students seeking grants to fund their vocational education studies.Dan Messersmith, TRVFA President, recently reached out to Bob Zarling, Mesa West Vocational Service Chair, asking that he interview Adrianna by phone or facetime to determine if Mesa West would be willing to sponsor a $2,000 grant for her to study at the East Valley Medical School to become certified as a Phlebotomy Technician. Following the interview, Bob wrote back to TRVFA stating, "Adrianna would be a dedicated student working to better her family’s life. She went back to school for her GED. She has family support and believes education is the path to a better future. Currently she is working at a valley tomato growing and packing facility screening workers for symptoms of the corona virus as they report for work. She is aware of the current risk and long-term potential risk within the medical profession under the social climate caused by the Covid19 crisis. After the interview and and carefully considering her application overnight, I would like to approve her application."
For the benefit of those who might not be aware, agreeing to sponsor Adrianna's studies does not obligate Mesa West to any financial commitment. Clubs are asked to interview TRVFA grant applicants to determine if the student has realistic probability of successfully completing the program and finding satisfaction in the vocation they will be studying to enter. Clubs are also asked to stay in contact with the students they sponsor and develop lasting relationships. In normal circumstances the interviews are timed before or after a meeting so the scholar can meet members of the club and get a feeling for Rotary.
The deadline for making tax credit donations to TRVFA for the 2019 tax year remains April 15 even though the filing deadlines for both state and federal tax returns has been extended to July 15, 2020. Donations will be gladly accepted throughout the year, but after April 15, can only be used to offset state income tax obligation for the 2020 tax year. In 2017-18, Mesa West Rotary Club's members the highest giving group of club members in the state, giving a total of $11,825 to TRVFA. We dropped to $6,583 in 2018-19. So far, in 2020, Mesa West member giving already totals $6,375. We have three months to try to again lead the state. If you are in a position to help, CLICK HERE to donate online. If you prefer to mail your donation, CLICK HERE to download a donation form to send with your check.