Service Projects:
- Thirteen Rotarians and friends packed 50 diaper bags with necessities, and enjoyed a very informative tour of the Homeless Prenatal Project’s facilities led by HPP founder Martha Ryan. A few days later, the diaper bags were handed out to mothers-to-be and new mothers at HPP baby showers.
- Over 30 Interactors, Rotarians, family members, and friends joined the Institute on Aging to visit facilities and homes of shut-ins to sing Christmas carols. This happy event brought smiles to many faces.
- Rotarians and friends joined the Celebrity Bell Ringing event on Union Square to raise money for The Salvation Army. Having staked out the best spot on the Square, our team had great success – especially when Major Raymond Erickson-King (Human Services; The Salvation Army) and his band played for the holiday shoppers.
A visit from the Sheriff: San Francisco Sheriff Vicki Hennessey talked about what has been going on with the Sheriff’s Department as they deal with overcrowding and antiquated facilities. As always, she was personable and informative.
Support for The Rotary Foundation: Congratulations to these members for achieving new levels of Paul Harris Fellowship recognition!
- Paul Harris Fellowship +2: Bill Poppen (Banking Management; MUFG Union Bank), Lisa Stark (Video Production Services)
- PHF+3: Ben Lam (Banking Services; UBS Financial Services)
- PHF+5: President-elect Rhonda Poppen (Grant Writing; GRANTdog)
- PHF+8: President John Mathers (Management Consulting; eVo Associates)
Holiday Luncheon and Annual Meeting: More than 125 Club members and friends enjoyed another festive holiday luncheon at the Westin Saint Francis Hotel.
Between several rounds of random gift-giving by Melissa Galliani (Media Sales; Cumulus Media) and Carla Walter (Higher 
Education; Argosy University), Past Club President and PDG Eric Schmautz (Banking Management; Wells Fargo Bank) presented a Presidential Citation from Rotary International to Immediate Past President David Dye (Management Consultant; Retired), four new members were inducted by 
District Governor Ron Gin (see more about them below), and Rick Harrell (Veterans Services; Heroes' Voices) recited a delightful poem about a Haight Ashbury Christmas Eve before leading us in a joyous round of singing. And we were all as excited as young children when Santa made a surprise appearance, bringing goodwill and cheer to all.
Education; Argosy University), Past Club President and PDG Eric Schmautz (Banking Management; Wells Fargo Bank) presented a Presidential Citation from Rotary International to Immediate Past President David Dye (Management Consultant; Retired), four new members were inducted by District Governor Ron Gin (see more about them below), and Rick Harrell (Veterans Services; Heroes' Voices) recited a delightful poem about a Haight Ashbury Christmas Eve before leading us in a joyous round of singing. And we were all as excited as young children when Santa made a surprise appearance, bringing goodwill and cheer to all.Club members approved all nominees to open Board positions by acclamation at the annual meeting segment of the luncheon. Congratulations to these new and returning Board Members:
- Rhonda Poppen (Grant Writing; GRANTdog): Club President 2018-19
- Casey Blair (Foreign Equity Trading; Feis Options): President-elect
- Dan Joraanstad (Financial Management; Retired): VP, Membership
- Sacha Shashi (Nimbus Systems): VP, International Service
- Kathryn McCall (Attorney; Sideman & Bancroft): VP, Local Community Service
- Carla Walter (Education; Presidio Graduate School): VP, Development
Best Wishes to all members of the Rotary Club of San Francisco for a wonderful holiday season and a terrific new year!