President MARK started our meeting by reminding us of Covid protocols and led us into a moment of silence for the people of the Ukraine.
He then brought member TOM CAMPBELL up to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance and had us all sing along to “America the Beautiful”. Of course Sgt. At Arms KHRIS DODGE joined in on the keyboard.
It was then MITCH PISIK'S turn to inspire us and inspire us he did starting off with the late and great Betty White, at 99 years old, almost 100; we can all agree that she left us too soon. We all should hope that everyone hopes that we all left too soon. Let us all strive to live by the Seven “G’s”: A Good Guy, A Generous Friend, a Good Family Man or Woman, A Genuinely Inspirational Leader, Gregarious, Gracious, and a Person who Gives Back.
SAA KHRIS DODGE introduced our guests, and there were a lot thanks to the March Madness Competition. Hopefully the Madness continues through April and we have a full house with prospective members.
Then our very Own KURTIS DAWSON introduced us to and thanked our meeting sponsor; Swaim Associates LTD. Phil Swaim spoke of the wonderful work the Rotary Club of Tucson does for the Tucson community.
Now that RICK ROSE is back, we have our fabulous, recorded intros by Matt Russell, who introduced us to Magdalena Verdugo, CEO of the YWCA. Magdalena is the first Latina leader in the organization's 104-year history. She spoke of the YWCA’s efforts to empower women of all backgrounds and help develop their skills and support their efforts to start their own businesses. The YWCA provided financial support to minority/women owned businesses during the pandemic through grants. Thanks to that support these businesses were able to keep their doors open during the difficult economic times of the past two years.Magdalena signed the book “You Are a Girl Who Can Do Anything” that will be placed in our Make Way for Books library.
The wonderful CHARLOTTE HARRIS shared another RCOT History moment with us. Talking about the two times the one and only Paul Harris came to Tucson and visited our club. Rotarian Monty Butler invited him in 1929 and again in 1941. What a tremendous honor to have him at our club twice.
BRUCE RICHARDSON then shared about a recent visit to our Nation’s Capitol where Paul Harris has a medallion along the Extra Mile, a pathway that recognizes and honors volunteers.
KHRIS DODGE has started a new raffle, (un)fortunately the 10 of clubs was pulled but, ROBERT O’BRIEN won the raffle drawing, YAY ROBERT!
On to announcements: DAVID LOVITT is the most recent addition to “Irv’s Fly Fishing Fund; he was captured swimming with Sharks! President MARK announced if you are interested in helping displaced refugees from the Ukraine, consider donating to ShelterBox. He also announced on 3/30 there is a Replacement Mixer at Proof. Signups are on the website under Upcoming Events. CLIFF BOWMAN gave us the Match ups for March Madness…. It is ON!! Bring potential members to meetings throughout March and into April. Let’s make this great club even greater!
Tune in next week when our Keynote speakers will be Col. Sandra Wilson and Col. Jason D. Dickinson from the AZ Air National Guard.
President MARK then ended the meeting with a toast!
