If you are attending in person, we ask that you usethis link to make a reservation by April 6, 2026.
Debbi Elliott-Griffith is Vice President of Development for the Battleship Texas Foundation, where she leads strategic fundraising initiatives to advance the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability. She oversees donor cultivation and stewardship, grant development, and special projects supporting operations and educational programs, while actively engaging the community to strengthen awareness and support.
With extensive experience in development, corporate relations, and large-scale event management, Debbi previously served in the Mayor’s Office of Special Events in Houston, leading sponsorship development, strategic partnerships, and major civic initiatives. She has contributed to high-profile events including the Astros World Series Championship celebrations and parades, Super Bowl LIVE, and Houston’s FIFA World Cup bid. Known for her expertise in strategic communications and event execution, she successfully manages projects from concept to completion, aligning stakeholders and delivering impactful results.
Invocation
Paul Koester
Regional Director Workplace Wellness
Christus Southeast Texas Health System
Pledges
Joe Evans
Executive Director and Juvenile Interventionist
ReVision SETX and IEA
Introduction of
Guests
Ainsley Thompson
Marketing Manager
Beaumont Convention and Visitor Bureau
Introduction of
Speaker
Brad Brown
Retired Senior Vice President
First Financial Trust
Please volunteer for Head Table responsibilities through the
Board of Directors at 11:30 AM- Foundation of SETX
29
Youth Day
The Executive of the Year Banquet is scheduled to take place on April 16, 2026, 6:00 p.m., at the MCM Elegante Hotel in Beaumont. This event serves as a significant occasion to recognize and honor an exceptional executive who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and achievement in the field of sales and marketing. We are thrilled to announce that this year's Executive of the Year award will be presented to Mr. Robert Turner, President of JK Chevrolet-Subaru. Mr. Turner’s dedication, innovation, and exemplary performance have undoubtedly made a significant impact in our community and beyond.
Join us for an evening to celebrate the many accomplishments of Robert Turner, President of JK Chevrolet-Subaru, and honor his legacy in the Golden Triangle business community.
Meal Ticket Details:
Individual Tickets: $100
Rotary Club of Beaumont Member Ticket: $75
Sponsorship Opportunities Below:
To purchase tickets or a sponsorhip, please click HERE.
Our 1.2 million-member organization started with the vision of one man—Paul P. Harris. The Chicago attorney formed one of the world’s first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on 23 February 1905 as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member.
In the initial years of the organization, Rotarians learned about one another and the various diverse professions of the members by meeting in the offices, factories, businesses and firms of the club members. How about doing as one of the original members did back in the early 1900s?
No meeting at the Elegante on April 22, 2026
Where will YOU attend YOUR meeting? Spots are filling up!
The April meeting of the Rotary Club of Beaumont was held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 – No foolin’ !
The noon meeting was called to order by Club President Uliana Trylowsky. Joining Uliana at the head table were
Ainsley Thompson providing the Invocation, Gigi Mazzola leading in the pledges to the flags, and Andrew Edwards for introducing our many guests.
Announcements:
*Uliana offered a “thank you” to Steve Shoemaker for the community service project partnering with J K Chevrolet to distribute a 100 trees.
*Gigi informed the club that “Rotary Goes to Work” will be held on 4/22.
*Michael Perez reminded everyone of the “Executive of the Year” event honoring Robert Turner on 4/16.
Tim Sudela introduced today’s speaker: Bishop David Toups. David was installed as the bishop of the Diocese of Beaumont in 2020. He was ordained as a priest in 1997, received his doctorate in 2004, has held many positions across the country and is the author of 3 books. He can be heard every morning via most of the area’s radio stations with his daily broadcast “For the Good” based on his special scripture of Romans 8:28.
Bishop Toups spoke about this being “Holy Week” and described the Passover/Last Supper, at which Jesus washed the feet of the twelve disciples – washing the feet of those who were called to serve Him. He explained that Good Friday is a time to sacrifice for the common good, and that Jesus’ prayer was one of forgiveness for those who were crucifying Him.
Bishop Toups also gave a report on Kelly High School and the improvements the school has made. The enrollment is up and all the teachers have masters degrees. Before ending, Bishop Toups responded to a question about the violence in the community. He emphasized the importance of family and faith, suggesting that a return to the dinner table and worship could help foster peace and unity in society.
President Uliana announced that as an appreciation for Bishop Toups being today’s speaker, that the club will make a donation to Rotary International on his behalf. Next week’s speaker will be Debbie Elliott-Griffith with the Battleship Texas. The meeting was adjourned after recitation of the 4-way test.
