This is just a small representation of the Rotarians and guests of Rotarians who were out to watch the Cubs play the Padres Friday March 21.  The weather was pleasant and the friendly conversations were awesome!  Rotarians from as far away as Kingman were present for the fun, food, and fellowship!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASU Edson Entrepreneurship+Innovation Institute and The Mesa West Rotary Club Present the Igniting Innovation Venture Challenge to Support Young Entrepreneurs.

It was recently announced to the public that the Mesa West Rotary Club, in partnership with ASU J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute (Edson E+I), is thrilled to announce the community pitch competition, Igniting Innovation Venture Challenge. This event is designed to empower young local entrepreneurs by providing a platform for them to pitch innovative business ideas that address community needs and drive sustainable impact in the creative technology industries. The Challenge is the culminating event for the 3-month Innovation Series being hosted by Edson E+I at The Studios @ Mesa City Center.

The Igniting Innovation Venture Challenge will feature a panel of esteemed judges, including successful entrepreneurs, investors, government and business leaders, who will offer mentorship, guidance, and funding for promising ventures. This exciting event showcases the spirit of innovation in Mesa and ASU, highlighting ventures that have the potential to transform the local  economy and inspire the next generation of business leaders.

"We’re excited to bring the Igniting Innovation Venture Challenge to our community," said Gerald Paulus, President of the Mesa West Rotary Club. "Our Theme This year within our District, is “Rotary Means Business” and this initiative aligns with our commitment to fostering young entrepreneurship, local economic development and supporting innovative thinkers. By giving young entrepreneurs a stage to present their ideas and learn from experienced professionals, we’re helping them turn their visions into reality." Applications will open on January 27, 2025 and close on February 21st 2025.  https://entrepreneurship.asu.edu/e_i_events/

The Igniting Innovation Venture Challenge in person event will take place on March 27, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm  at The Studios @ Mesa City Center. Aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to submit their applications by February 21st 2025. Selection criteria include the originality of the business venture and demonstrate that income is already being generated, the feasibility of the business plan, and the potential for growth and community impact.

In addition to the opportunity to pitch their ideas, selected entrepreneurs will benefit from:

"We have created a supportive, inclusive environment where young entrepreneurs can thrive," said Kristin Slice, Director of Community Entrepreneurship, Edson E+I. "Our goal is to empower participants with the knowledge, resources, and confidence they need to succeed in today’s competitive business world."

Registration for the event may be found here and applications may also be found there. Community members are encouraged to attend to support local entrepreneurs, and witness firsthand the innovative ideas shaping our community.

 

For more information about the Venture Challenge, including application details and registration, please visit Edson E+I’s event page. For additional information about the Innovation Series, please visit https://specialevents.asu.edu/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=825684&. For questions, contact Edson E+I at info.studiosmesa@asu.edu

 

CLICK HERE or on the image to download the event flyer

 

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-
RED CROSS (1-800-733-2757 or visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor 

code:  rotarymesawest.

 

If you prefer to use a QR code to make your appointment, here you go:

 

CLICK HERE or on the image to download the event flyer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, April 19, 2025

9:00 a.m. 'til 11:00 a.m.

Midwest Food Bank

725 E Baseline Road, Gilbert, Arizona

 

Members are encouraged to invite family and friends to join us for this activity.  Each participant should register.

CLICK HERE or on the image above to register to participate in our club's Rotary Week of Service project

 

Midwest Food Bank generally has opportunities for adults, families, and teens.  Specific age requirements or limitations can determine on the type of task assigned.  It's best for younger volunteers (under 18) to be accompanied by an adult.

 

Parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged.  Please plan to arrive early so everyone can be in place to receive instructions promptly at 9:00 a.m.

 

 

District Governor Michelle Holcomb did a great job of promoting the Rotary license plate that is now available when she made her official visit to our club September 26.  Mesa West Rotary members often lead the way.   We want to encourage our members to get their plates purchased so we can be known for having the highest percentage of members displaying the Rotary license plate on their car(s).  To that end, we have two incentives to offer:

CLICK HERE or on Michelle's photo to go to the order form on the MVD website, scroll down alphabetically and get yours ordered.

Well, maybe NOT the shirt off your back, but instead some old t-shirts out of the back of your closet.  

 

Westwood Interact Club will again be making dog chew toys for a couple of animal shelters where the Paws For Peers program rescues and trains dogs to work as therapy animals with teachers within Mesa Public Schools.  .They make these dog toys out of old t-shirts.  So, dig way back into your closet, or that drawer where all your old stuff is, and bring a shirt or two to lunch at one of our Thursday meetings this September.

As most of you know, Arizona has a very unique state tax credit program.  If you pay taxes to the state of Arizona, you can specify where your tax dollars go (state taxes only).  These instructions are for your reference only.  Please consult a tax prep professional with any specific questions about state tax credits.

There are many different nonprofit organizations that AZ recognizes as authorized recipients of these tax funds.  Mesa West sponsors the Interact Club at Westwood High School, and they are a qualified recipient of these tax credit funds in the Extra Curricular Activities (ECA) category.  Here's how you can donate up to $200 as an individual or $400 as a couple filing jointly and deduct that amount from your state tax burden.

Go to https://westwood.mpsaz.org/page/eca/ and click on the link to pay on the district's website. 

Or go straight to https://mpsaz.sites.thrillshare.com/o/mpsaz/page/pay-donate  in lower right, click on Pay Online

If you have children currently enrolled in Mesa Public Schools, you can use your existing login information.  Otherwise, it's easy to setup a guest account.

Once you are logged in, select 'Items At All Schools' under the 'Shop/Donate' list on the Home page.

On the next page select 'High Schools', then select 'Westwood High'

Select the link for 'ECA Tax Credit', and then 'Programs G-K' on the following page.

Interact - ECA is under code 8646.  Enter a dollar amount in the box, and click the Add button.  That dollar amount should then appear in your cart (highlighted in green at the top of the page).

You can then proceed to the Checkout process and pay with a credit card.  You will receive a receipt that you can print out and save for when you do your taxes.

Thank you for supporting Westwood Interact and all of our youth programs.