Our newest member!

Chelsea Saunders, the Unit Director of the Arlington Boys and Girls Club, is our newest member!  She was proposed by DJ, and she will share a business membership with DJ.  Her mentor will be Jennifer H.  WELCOME CHELSEA!

Lee and Miss Vicky's 2026 Challenge Updates

As Lee and Winston work their way north through Canada to raise awareness of Rotary's efforts to eradicate polio worldwide, they are giving frequent updates.  They can be found on the Raise Rotary website by clicking HERE.

A momentous Holiday Greetings to all!  With today’s $3,500 from a generous, as yet anonymous donor, AND a donation from Miss Vicky’s home Rotary Club of Arlington, The Miss Vicky 2026 Challenge tops $75k! This “unlocks” the second of four (did I say four?) $25k challenge checks.  Yes!  Just in time for the Christmas and Holiday celebrations, Miss Vicky has locked in her “Treasure Chest” a fourth “Canadian Challenge” check for $25,000!  How about that?  When our matching goal reaches $125k, the Canadian Challenge Check will be unleashed, totaling $150k for PolioPlus!  Then, it’s off to the Gates Foundation for their 2:1 match: $450,000!

Thanks to all for your support, and December Holiday Greetings to all. 

Winston and Lee”

 

Arlington Community Foodbank

Food Security Helps All Areas of Focus

At our November 13 meeting, Carla Rankin, the executive director of the Arlington Community Food Bank, shared insights on the critical food insecurity situation in Snohomish County, highlighting the impact of SNAP and EBT cuts. Last year, the food bank served over 25,000 households and 115,000 individuals, including a 12-year-old boy living alone. They distribute over 1 million pounds of food annually, with a budget nearing $4 million. Carla emphasized the importance of fresh food and the role of 300 volunteers. The food bank also supports local farms and has a community garden that harvested 15,000 pounds of produce. They are preparing for future emergencies and rely on community support and strategic planning.

Scouting America

Chris Otter, Scout Executive

We heard from the Scout Executive for the Mount Baker Council at our meeting on October 30.  Chris joined the Council staff officially on July 5, 2025.  He has been the Director of Field Services in the Chief Seattle Council.

Sponsor Recognition Lunch Meeting

The Annual Great Stilly Duck Dash is a successful fundraising event thanks to the generous community sponsors and raffle ticket sales by club members.  The Club held the sponsor appreciation luncheon on August 21^st at Bonefish Grill, celebrating the 37^th anniversary of this community event.

Sponsorship Chair Jola Barnett and Chris Nussbaum representing Gold Level Sponsor Newell Corporation

The sponsors generously gave $248,000 in cash and in-kind support. The club dedicates half of the sponsorship revenue to the high school scholarship program, which has awarded fifteen $5000 scholarships to Arlington, Weston, and Darrington High School Seniors for college or vocational training. The rest of the money raised goes back into the community as grants to nonprofit organizations like Arlington Food Bank, the Boys & Girls Club, Stillaguamish Senior Center, Youth Robotics, music and drama clubs, The Arlington Education Foundation, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Boy Scouts, Youth Dynamics, Cocoon House and Kids Kloset.