Message from Zones 33 & 34 Director Patrick Eakes:

Friends:
 
I appreciate your concern and prayers as communities across zones 33 and 34 try to survive the next few days before starting the long recovery following Hurricane Helene.
 
We have established a fund where those who would like to assist recovery efforts by making a donation can do so via online payment, mailed check, or wire transfer. Information to make a donation is at https://www.rizones33-34.org/disaster-relief/ . I have also attached a QR code. That code will take folks to the same web page. Our zones’ organization is a 501(c)(3), so donations are generally tax-deductible, although Beth would be very upset if I didn’t add the caveat that donors should check with their tax advisors. 
 
We are collecting these funds at a zones level. I will ask district leaders, in cooperation with club leaders, in the most affected areas to submit requests for funding to a group of seasoned leaders (many with significant disaster relief experience) who I will appoint. This group will make recommendations to me to approve grants that will support the efforts of volunteers by providing equipment, tools, storage, mobile storage, etc. Our hope is that our donations can amplify the efforts of volunteers, which seems like a solid Rotary type of approach. When we can, we will leverage district grants and RI disaster relief grants (if/when they become funded again) to further maximize our impact.

Thank you again for your many texts, phone calls, and caring about the residents affected by Helene. 

Patrick

Patrick Eakes is the Zone Director in Zones 33 and 34 - where those who where most impacted by Hurricane Helene are located.  Clicking on the image, the link within his message or using the QR code below will take you to their zone website's giving-opportunity to support relief and recovery.

 

"Relax in the intimate setting of Modern Moments, located at Val Vista Drive and East Baseline Road in Gilbert. Your dinner ticket includes island-inspired appetizers, a sumptuous luau dinner, haupia for dessert, and a drink ticket for beer, wine, or one of our signature island cocktails. Enjoy mesmerizing performances by the Royal Islander dancers, featuring graceful hula and high-energy fire dances, all set to live music.

"The evening will also feature an exciting array of auction items, including travel experiences, balloon rides, beauty treatments, golf packages, and more. Mega Events Auctions will ignite the night with opportunities for you to make a meaningful impact on our youth, who will be sharing their inspiring personal journeys.

"Bring your aloha spirit and experience a Hawaiian adventure like no other, all while supporting a cause that transforms lives through education!"

If the QR code in the image does not work, CLICK HERE or on the invitation to go to the event registration site.

• Chad Reid was introduced as a potential member who would like to combine his Toastmaster activities with Rotary.
• Clem Leslie, a local attorney, was introduced.  Jay would like to invite local business owners/professionals to come in and talk briefly about their business.  
• Polly Cady introduced Gary Whitehall from the Sedona Rotary Club.  They met Gary at RLI.  He wanted to attend so he could take ideas back to his own club.

• Liz Paulus contributed $20 for her new twin grandbabies.
• Colleen Coons was happy Connie Bunyard was at the meeting and thanked Connie for making three McKinney Vento blankets.  Son Hee Williamson is making ten more.  Colleen was very happy she had been invited to visit Justin Hart at Just-In Time Moving to receive a $4,000 check for our McKinney Vento Program.
• Chuck Flint contributed sad dollars because he had not won the raffle.
• Don Boucher contributed sad dollars.  He had withdrawn from active participation in Rotary during the last quarter after the June passing of their two good friends and extended family members and the passing of Sharon's mother in August.  He contributed happy dollars because he was back in attendance.  He and Sharon had returned Tuesday from a trip to LA where they visited their son, daughter-in-law, and their three children which included the newest arrival Madison Ashlee, born 09/18 at a weight of 10lbs, 5ozs.  On Saturday, he was able to complete his annual Federal firearms qualification (HR218) at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Weapons Training Facility and visit with former colleagues.
• Harry Grossman was happy to announce a win by the Cardinals.
• Polly Cady was happy to see so many guests.  She said RLI was fun.  Dick Myren and Deb Koeneman from our club club were both in attendance.  Andy Bradford plans to attend the next one which is planned for November 16.
• John Pennypacker contributed to urge members to hold the microphone near their mouths when speaking.  He was happy because his grandniece had recently given birth to twins - a boy and a girl.  They each weighed less than two pounds when they were born two months early.  They are home now and doing well.
• Don LaBarge contributed.  He had camped at Greer for two weeks.  He recently sold his business and had been overwhelmed.  He enjoyed the Westwood High School students who borrowed his trailer to decorate for the homecoming parade.  
• Chad is happy for the future.  He said Toastmasters International formed an alliance with Rotary International in 2019.  COVID got in the way.  His hope is for a stronger future for both organizations through bringing the alliance to fruition.
• Dick Myren contributed for his traditional joy of he and honorary member Rod Daniels being associated with the Ace of Clubs.  He asked to be billed for $100 for his Paul Harris account to celebrate his and Sandy's anniversary Saturday and Sandy's birthday on the 20th.  As the elder statesman of the club, he said he found RLI interesting.  He suggested any member who has not gone should do so - the club pays for it.  He said Polly does a great job running it with Allan's help.
• Jay Paulus contributed $2 to celebrate a planned burger burn the Benedictine University Rotaract plans to hold to recruit new members.  Currently, they only have five members in their club.  He also pledged $50 to celebrate his and Liz' 23rd Anniversaty October 6.
• Warren Williamson said he had recently contributed to the Annual Fund to celebrate his and Son Hee's 18th anniverary Monday.  He went on to say that Son Hee is a handwork expert.  Colleen Coons wanted to learn how to be as creative as Son Hee.  Colleen asked about the source of the word "crochet."  Son Hee explained it was a french word meaning "hook."  With that new knowledge, Warren explained that his wife is teaching Colleen how to be a hooker.

• Soup to Nuts Service Project October 5 at the home of Pam Cohen.
• Week Without Violence contest winners to be honored October 5 at MCC at 1:00 PM
• Jeanie has come up with a Member Handbook to be introduced at Soup to Nuts.  CLICK HERE to download your copy.  It is available in the Member Resources tab on our club website:  mesawestrotary.org.
• There will be no meeting at the hotel October 10.  There will be an open house at the main library in Mesa at 10 a.m. to introduce the Virtual Reality headsets donated to the library by Mesa West Rotary.  Lunch will follow the open house.
• On November 15, the hotel will not have room for us.  John Pennypacker has arranged an offsite meeting opportunity.
• On October 15, the annual Child Crisis Lunch For Love will be held at the Biltmore. Mesa West Rotary has a table.  Check with Pam Cohen to see if any seats remain available.
• Ray Smith has announced that the annual Guaymas Hearing Project will take place November 6-9.  He says he has ten volunteers from our club who will be providing logistical support for the project.
• Connie Bunyard reminded members that our club is a member organization of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce.  She said their is an economic development bus tour planned for October 9.  It will begin with a breakfast at EVIT.  She said there were just a few spots left.  Interested members could visit the Mesa Chamber website to sing up.  She said there are many ways to get involved.  Once a month, there is a Taste of Mesa event.  There is a morning coffee once a month.