Step Forward Day

We invite you to join forces with the Rotary Club of Houston Skyline and make a lasting impact on the community by collaborating with us on the 2023 Step Forward Day. This powerful event, taking place on September 16, 2023, at the Texas AIDS Memorial Garden in Houston's Third Ward, presents a unique opportunity for Pepperdine alumni to come together with Rotarians and contribute to a meaningful cause.

For over a decade, Pepperdine alumni have collaborated with Rotarians in Houston on Step Forward Day, demonstrating the power of collective action and service. This year's project holds special significance as we aim to restore and enhance the Texas AIDS Memorial Garden, the "the earliest public AIDS monument in the U.S.," a place that narrowly escaped destruction this year. The Step Forward Day service project will involve installing the foundation for four memorial gateway pillars, repairing stonework around Houston's oldest manmade bioswale, enriching the soil, marking tree and plant species with identification tags and signage, and engaging in general landscaping activities. Additionally, we will offer family-friendly bike tours of the Columbia Tap Trail, allowing participants to explore the beauty and history of the area.

By partnering with the Rotary Club of Houston Skyline, you will not only contribute to the preservation of an essential community asset but also have the opportunity to be recognized for your commitment. Once the new gateway pillars are installed, memorial plaques will commemorate the invaluable contributions of Houston Waves and the Rotary Club of Houston Skyline. Step Forward Day is an embodiment of the Pepperdine spirit of service and community engagement. As alumni from all five of Pepperdine's schools, your participation will further strengthen the bonds between Waves and create a lasting legacy of positive change.

Mark your calendars for September 16, 2023, from 9am to 2pm, at 5504 Ardmore Street, Houston, TX 77021, and be prepared to roll up your sleeves for a day of service and fellowship. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who visit the Texas AIDS Memorial Garden and honor the memory of those affected by AIDS. Let's come together, make a powerful impact, and inspire others to join us in creating a better future.