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Program - Law Enforcement Torch Run - Mike Burnett John Pennypacker introduced Mike Burnett as an individual with a 26 year history in law enforcement, a former Rotarian, a husband, dad, and proud papa. Mike is the Director of Law Enforcement Torch Run with Special Olympics Arizona. Many people are aware of Special Olympics as an opportunity for those with developmental disabilities to compete with others with similar challenges, have fun and be embraced to celebrate their success. The law enforcement torch run was an idea born of a police chief in Kansas who wanted to raise the awareness of the need to support Special Olympics. Mike got involved even though the only running he did was to the donut shop. The first run raised $340 which was more than they expected, and this sparked a more concerted effort to see how the success could be leveraged. It has grown into a global law-enforcement effort. He said it is the largest grass roots fundraising effort to date, raising over $904,000,000 in 40 years. Last year $43,000,000 was raised in North America. Mike said in normal years, $1.1 to $1.2 million is raised in Arizona. Last year during COVID only $340,000 was raised in our state. He said there is an informal association of 140 law enforcement agencies in the state partnering together. When he says "law enforcement professionals," he is not just speaking of officers, the numbers are large because support staff also participate in supporting this cause. For the athletes, participation not only provides a fun social opportunity and allows them to explore new challenges, at the events, they have the opportunity to get free health benefits including free vision, hearing, dental and podiatrist screenings. Over the time Mike has been involved, he has seen public schools become more inclusive through the "unified" program. Participating in Special Olympics gives the athletes and their families opportunities and understanding about how to access to better health, education and social service benefits. Their opportunities to learn, grow and develop confidence is improved. Many are able to enter the workforce and interact in society as a result of their participation. Mike said that Special Olympics is infectious. He has seen it transform grumpy old cops. He said there is a special dance team of cops that cheers the athletes on during competitions. The Torch Run team effort goes on thoughout the year. - Hand out medals at events
- Raise Awareness
- Raise Money
- Tip a Cop events
- Pan Handling at Restaurants with the wait staff.
He talked about an "over the Edge" fund/awareness-raising event where participants repel off high rise buildings. It costs $1,000 to enter and 150 or more participate each year He said it is a great way for law enforcement to get out from under the negative microscope and commit their time and energy in a visible positive project. The department of corrections allows inmate fundraising to support Special Olympics as part of a restorative justice program encouraging positive participation in society. Volunteers are always welcome. Groups can organize Tip a Cop events The age of Special Olympic athletes can range from five through late forty's. President Dan asked Mike to sign a children's book to be given to the Children's Hospital in his honor to thank him for his presentation. Mike can be contacted at Mike@Special OlympicsArizona.org. CLICK HERE to visit their website.
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President Dan Coons called the meeting to order, first introducing himself, then reciting the 2020-21 Rotary International Theme - Rotary Creates Opportunities. He then recited the Rotary Vision Statement:
Chuck Flint invited Toni Farmer-Thompson to come to the front of the room for a special recognition. There are a few ways an individual can become a Paul Harris Fellow. $1,000 must have been donated to The Rotary Foundation. That amount is often donated 100% by the person being recognized. In other cases, that amount has been given by another person who has elected to transfer some of their recognition points to enable the recognition. In many cases, someone donates recognition points to help another person reach their first or next Paul Harris level. Toni accepted her pin and certificate, becoming a Paul Harris Fellow for the first time. Toni was very pleased, indicating the recognition was a wonderful, surprise gift. 
These are the numbers so far this year (as of a week ago). At the time this was published, it had been 21 weeks since the most recent case was reported. So far this year only one case in each of the two remaining endemic countries - Afghanistan and Pakistan.
One of the ways you can see time marching on in Rotary is that each year a new Rotary International Theme is seen on banners, pins, website, newsletters, etc.
Mesa West Rotary Foundation, Inc. is the funding and fundraising arm of our own Mesa West Rotary Club. It is a 501(c)(3) charity. We have had successful sponsorship campaigns the last few years enabling us to spend our energy on service rather than on holding fundraising events. Charitable grants that we get involved with are funded through our charitable foundation, Our signature Gift of Hearing Project in Guaymas Mexico is funded through this foundation. Scholarships are awarded annually to Westwood High School Students (the high school where Mesa West Rotary sponsors an Interact Club). Funds are used to support a variety of activities in four of the Rotary Avenues of Service:
