We made it through the first month of 2025!
 
Thank you to all who participated in raising additional disaster relief funds to help those affected by the LA wildfires. Experience has shown us that this was only the beginning of the assistance that will be needed. Kim Stone, from the Montecito Rotary club, took a cargo van full of items down to a club in District 5280 last week and reported that the six items that are desperately needed now are: Diapers, Baby wipes, Baby formula, New socks, New underwear and Dog food. If you are interested in donating items and/or have a place where donations can be collected, please let me know.
We all received the emails from DG Sherry Sim after the Camarillo fire about the need for coordinated role in disaster relief in our district. Graham Sharp has stepped up to be the liaison with the Rotary Disaster Aid USA (DAUSA) program. He started connecting with other local organizations such as VOAD and Engineers Without Borders, and reconnected with Houston DAUSA group in which he was involved. I look forward to the role Sunrise can play in this critical support to our community.
On a happier note, I hope you RSVP’d for the 40th anniversary party. The Hospitality Committee has been working hard to put together a fun evening that will be both a reflection of the past and an inspiration to move forward. I can’t wait!
May you find Rotary moments that make you smile throughout the month!
Yours in Service,
Ellen