Welcome to our Club!

Service Above Self

Wednesdays, 6-7pm
Regular meetings on Wednesdays. 1st Wed. of the month is the Board meeting. 4th Wed. is Happy Hour!

Meetings and service project locations vary by week. Please check the calendar for locations.
We are much more active on Facebook. Like our page: https://www.facebook.com/FivePointsRiNoRotary/
Denver, CO 80205
United States

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Meet our President-Elect: Jazmin Montano

Join me for a nice chat with our President-Elect, and let's get to know her a little bit better:

Rotary: Name, and what you like to be called:

Jazmin: Jazmin. I respond to Jaz, but never Jazzy!

R: Where are you from?

J: I was born in CA, spent 8 years there, moved to Colorado Springs until I was 22, then I moved to Denver.

R: What do you currently do for work?

J: I’m currently assistant managing and bartending at Sassafras American Eatery in Capitol Hill. It’s an upscale brunch joint serving an elevated Southern cajun inspired menu with lots of from-scratch cocktails and home cooking. I’m hoping this is a smooth segue into owning my own restaurant or cantina someday.

R: How long have you been a Rotarian?

J: This is my 3rd year in July.

R: Why did you join Rotary? What positions have you held so far?

J: I was asked to join by my boss back when I was working in the insurance industry. The financial industry has a long standing relationship with Rotary. My membership was originally meant to be a networking endeavor, but I fell in love with the service and fellowship. I immediately was named secretary my second week in attendance. The following year I became Programs Director. Now I’m president-elect!

R: What is your favorite Rotary activity you have done so far?

J: The fundraiser we do at the end of every year with Roll Denver – where we get to roller-skate in costumes.

R: How do you see your next year developing as Club President?

J: This is my first time in a leadership position and I just started in restaurant management as well so I am trying to learn as much as I can about being an effective leader. The members we have in our club right now is by far the most organized and enthusiastic group since I started and I’m really excited to see what we can do.

R: What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?

J: I would like to take up indoor wall climbing.

R: What skill would you like to master?

J: Public speaking - I have a rambling problem...

R: What would be the most amazing adventure to go on?

J: I would love to go to every state in America. I know there is really interesting stuff right here in our home country and I have only seen a handful of states.

R: What takes up too much of your time?

Re-organizing my sock drawer...and just about everything else in my life.

R: What do you wish you knew more about?

Geography and world politics.

R: What was the best book or series that you’ve ever read?

J: I love everything by David Sedaris and Toni Morrisson. I’m also a total softy and am a sucker for the Griffin and Sabine series.

HANGING OUT WITH BESSIE'S HOPE

Posted by Samantha Chan on Feb 20, 2017

(Image Source: Texas Will & Trust)

More than half of nursing home residents never receive any visitors. Let that sink in... never. Humans by nature are social creatures which is why we can all easily empathize with how troubling this fact is.

Last Wednesday, several of our Five Points Rotary Club members had the privilege of volunteering with Bessie's Hope, a program with a mission to enhance the quality of life for nursing home and assisted living elders by bringing generations together in mutually rewarding relationships.

On this special evening, we honored the nursing home residents with a much-desired connection. We sang songs, played games, gave warm hugs, and made genuine human connections. The residents regaled their long history with Denver, their previous careers, and even their current struggles and achievements.

While our intention was to volunteer and to give our time and support, in the end, it was clear we were the ones who really received an invaluable gift.

WELCOME NEW MEMBER, RYAN!

Posted by Samantha Chan on Jan 30, 2017

Welcome new Rotary Club of Five Points Cultural District member, Ryan Allaire!

Ryan is a Colorado native that once upon a time found his way to sunny California. While having fun in the sun can't be beat, he's somehow managed to find his way back home and now lives in Denver.

We can't be more happy for his return and we're glad to call him a fellow member of our group. Please say hello to Ryan and give him a warm Rotary welcome!

(Our Co-President, Therese making it official!)

(Group pic. Welcome Ryan!)

TOUR OF THE WOMEN'S BEAN PROJECT

Posted by Samantha Chan on Jan 23, 2017

Looking for a heart-warming cause to occupy an otherwise cold January day? Then look to the Women's Bean Project, "A nationally-recognized social enterprise that offers a transitional job in gourmet food manufacturing and handmade jewelry assembly designed to provide women immediate income, arrange support services to overcome barriers to employment, and teach the job readiness skills needed to get and keep a job."

We had the privilege to tour the Women's Bean Project facility where we toured the warehouse, learned about the history of the building (an old firehouse!), and shopped for tasty treats. But more importantly, we learned about the Women's Bean Project's mission - to empower chronically unemployed women with job training so that they can successfully find employment after the program.

(Women's Bean Project Tour Host, Stacy)

(The Upstairs Storefront)

(Old Firehouse Lockers Converted to Employee Lockers)

(Milena Shopping for Some Yummy Eats!)

The mission is powerful; the women's stories are both gut-wrenching and awe-inspiring, and the products for purchase is of the utmost quality. It was a lovely and soul-fulfilling experience that we can't recommend enough. Come by the Women's Bean Project to shop its store and/or schedule a tour of your own to learn even more about this wonderful project.

To learn more about the Women's Bean Project, visit https://www.womensbeanproject.com/

Copy of UGLY SWEATER + ROLLER SKATING FUNDRAISER

Posted by Samantha Chan on Nov 22, 2016

Save the date party people because the Rotary Club of Five Points Cultural District is hosting an Ugly Sweater Party (with option to roller skate) on December 16th from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. – just in time for the holidays!

This marks our 4th roller skating fundraiser to help #EndPolioNow, Neighborhood DPS Schools, Shots for Tots & Teens Immunization Clinic, Heart and Hand Center, Resource Area for Teachers (RAFT) Colorado, St. Francis Center, The GrowHaus, cityWILD, and so many more great causes and organizations!

Purchase your ticket now for event entry, free door prizes, complimentary skate rentals, and fun games & contests. This is a 3-hour private party where food & drinks will be available for purchase with lively music bumping all night.

The event is 21+ and the cost for entry is $15 plus free skate rental if you purchase tickets online, or $20 at the door plus $5 skate rental (or bring your own skates/blades).

All admissions and proceeds from the event benefit aforementioned charities and organizations.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ugly-sweater-party-five-points-cultral-district-rotary-club-tickets-28748125417?aff=ehomecard

MILE HI + FIVE POINTS ROTARY TOY DRIVE

Posted by Samantha Chan on Nov 28, 2016

Booze, brews, laughs, and toys.

In partnership with the Mile Hi Rotary Club and The GrowHaus, we'll be taking toy donations for GrowHaus's annual holiday toy drive this Wednesday evening.

All toy donations go towards GrowHaus's Winter Festival toy drive, where 586 children have signed up to receive toys!

You can help make this holiday a merry one by purchasing a toy for a child and bringing it with you to Blue Moon Brewery (Rino location), this Wednesday, 6-7pm. See you there!

UGLY SWEATER + ROLLER SKATING FUNDRAISER

Posted by Samantha Chan on Nov 22, 2016

The event is 21+ and the cost for entry is $15 plus free skate rental if you purchase tickets online, or $20 at the door plus $5 skate rental (or bring your own skates/blades).

All admissions and proceeds from the event benefit aforementioned charities and organizations.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ugly-sweater-party-five-points-cultral-district-rotary-club-tickets-28748125417?aff=ehomecard

Speaker: Rebecca White From CDOT

(Image Credit: WestWord)

Rotary of Five Points Cultural District proudly welcomes speaker, Rebecca White. White, Central 70 Communications and Government Affairs Manager, Colorado Department of Transportation, will be joining us tomorrow evening to discuss Colorado Transportation matters.

Topics from art murals along the highway stretch, to CDOT construction plans, to re-channeling graffiti energies are all on the table for discussion.

Hear what’s in store for Colorado’s transportation and community efforts and come prepared with any questions you may have for our speaker!

HOW ATTENDING OUR FOOD TRUCK PARTY DIRECTLY HELPS LOCAL PROGRAMS LIKE HEART & HAND

Posted by Samantha Chan on Sep 13, 2016

Our Back That Truck Up food truck party is coming soon… Sept 24^th to be exact! Join us to enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, live music, and heartwarming feels as proceeds directly support local Five Points programs - programs like Heart & Hand, a local afterschool program established in 2010.

Founded by Nikki Cady, Heart & Hand (H&H) aims to close the opportunity gap for all children, regardless of circumstance. Cady passionately believes that by providing a nurturing, safe, and positive environment where role models and mentors are actively involved, children can enjoy the same opportunities as their more privileged peers. With Heart & Hand’s involved approach, children can thrive and realize their full potential for a bright and vibrant future. This is an especially important focus during the back-to-school season where children often struggle to secure school supplies.

Enter Heart & Hand. At the beginning of each school year, an adoption program occurs where Corporate and Individual Sponsors can adopt a family where gifts, grocery cards, and a fully stocked backpack are provided to all H&H families. The mission of this program is to prepare H&H youth for a successful start of school. To ensure they have the same tools as their more affluent peers and to eliminate the opportunity gap they may otherwise feel. Thanks to strong ongoing community support, this program has successfully helped over 500 people every single year.

In addition to the back-to-school adoption program efforts, there are also daily endeavors by H&H throughout the school year. Students from 15 different schools in the community come to the Heart & Hand Centers afterschool every weekday to deservedly delight in a hot-served meal and to participate in a variety of academic learning, creative expression, physical activity, and social-emotional workshops. Beyond on-site services, every student is sent home with a backpack full of groceries every Friday. Because ensuring full bellies seven days a week is a 24/7 initiative for Heart & Hand.

But the good doesn’t stop there. On top of focusing on the children’s well being, H&H also pays special care and attention to the families. At the Family Resource Center, H&H provides parents with a variety of referrals, Emergency assistance funding, and general support. Special occasions and holidays are not forgotten as grocery gift cards for Thanksgiving and Christmas are provided. During Christmas, Corporate Sponsors and Individual Contributors participate in H&H’s Christmas adopt a family program, where families are provided with gifts and grocery gift cards.

Heart & Hand is a wonderful, life-changing, community-supported program that Five Points Rotary is proud to partner with. We are excited to imbibe, dance, and laugh the night away at our upcoming food truck party, but even more so, we are excited to be contributing to such an important community program. You too can join in on the fun simply by attending our food truck party!

A Personal Thank You From Heart & Hand:

Without the community support, we would not be able to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. We would particularly like to thank Five Points Rotary Club, Lockton Company and Saunders Construction for making our Back to School Backpack and Supplies such a huge success. We would also like to thank Emily Henderson at Liv Sotheby's Reality for all of your time and support in making our Christmas Program bring so many smiles to our families at Christmas for the past 4 years!

SAVE THE DATE - BACK THAT TRUCK UP IS COMING!

Posted by Samantha Chan

"Back That Truck Up" food truck party coming Sept. 24th, 2016. Proceeds support students in NE Denver. Come eat and drink for a good cause!

Hey, Foodie Friends -

Mark your calendars for September 24th as the Five Points Rotary brings you another fun-filled night of YUM. Meet us in the lot next to Black Shirt Brewing Co. from 4-9pm.

Foodies, do-gooders, family, and friends alike are all welcome to join. Come imbibe in drinks, food, live music, games, and more!

Proceeds will fund our programs supporting students in NE Denver. Please join us to eat and drink for a great a cause.

RSVP and share with friends: bit.ly/backthattruckup

Back to the 80s Fundraiser

Posted on Feb 20, 2016

The Rotary Club of Five Points will host Back to the 80s - an indoor food truck party from 6-11pm on Saturday, April 2 at the Glitter Dome, 3600 Wynkoop St. 80216. This free event will feature food trucks, live music, local artists, and craft drinks. Proceeds from the event will sustain Rotary's community engagement programs including the Shots for Tots and Teens clinic, the Books for Nooks literacy program, RAFT teacher events and more. Please join us to celebrate the incredible support of our local businesses and community these past 6 years!

http://bit.ly/80sfoodtruckparty

Winter 2016 Club Highlights

Posted on Feb 19, 2016

We are over halfway through the 2015-16 Rotary year, and during this busy year our members, old and new, have truly embodied this year's Rotary theme: Be a Gift to the World. This week we took a club field trip to visit the St. Francis Center, which serves an average of 800 people a day. Members will be collecting items from their wish list over the next month to help sustain the incredible services they provide 361 days a year to those struggling with homelessness.

In the past few months we've held two teacher events at RAFT, introducing teachers to the classroom kits, materials and classes available and presenting them with gift cards. We've served dinner at the Denver Rescue Mission, raised money for Rotary's End Polio Now eradication program, gathered gifts for Heart & Hand's Adopt-a-Family holiday program, and helped distribute e-readers loaded with books to kids in after school programs through the Cherry Creek Rotary's Books for Nooks program. We've continued assisting Denver Health at the monthly Shots for Tots and Teens low/no cost immunization clinic every 4th Saturday in the Elyria Swansea neighborhood. For the 6th summer, we'll promote youth leadership by funding two local junior high and high school students to attend Young RYLA and RYLA.

We've hosted great speakers, including André van Hall, current Rotary Club of Denver President and official Curiosity Investigator who inspired us to take chances and focus on what's possible. Ginnie Logan and Irina Cortez from Big Hair, Bigger Dreams deeply inspired us with their mission to offer meaningful and relevant leadership and job experiences to African American high school girls. In March, our Rotary Secretary and Director of Finance and Operations at AfricAid, Mike Wright, will present on his recent summit of Kilimanjaro with young women from Tanzania who are part of the Kisa Project.

This year we have also increased our focus on collaboration. We'll be participating with our four other near-downtown-Denver Rotary Clubs at the 45th Annual People's Fair and hosting a young professional's networking event with Stapleton Rotary. We'll contribute funds toward Denver Mile High's Nepal Women's Empowerment grant, focused on income generation training on computer skills, herb farming, weaving and Lapsi candy making.

Please join us for a meeting, service project, or happy hour to learn more about how your passion to serve and give back can be fulfilled through Rotary. And be sure to celebrate with us on April 2 at our Back to the 80s Food Truck Party and Fundraiser! We have lots more in store for Five Points...

December Open House at RAFT

Posted on Dec 01, 2015

The Rotary Club of Five Points is hosting a December open house for educators at RAFT Colorado. This is a free event! We'll have hors d'oeuvres and drinks, and we have 15 $25 RAFT gift cards to give away to attendees to use toward a one-year membership or for existing members to use for kits and supplies. Please join us to learn more about this incredible resource!

Please note: finding RAFT can be a little tricky! If you are coming from downtown Denver (heading north on Steele St.), before 39th St. on your left you will see a large glass building (Eastside Human Services) and a sign for Fireplace Warehouse. Turn left (west) into the driveway and drive past and around the glass building to the brick warehouses behind it. Head to the left and DO NOT park at the first RAFT sign. You are looking for the second sign. The entrance is up the stairs.

Movember Rolling for Rotary Fundraiser

Join the Rotary Club of Five Points Cultural District and ROLL Denver on Friday, November 20 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. for our 3rd roller skating fundaiser to #EndPolioNow! ROLL Denver transforms the EXDO Event Center (1399 35th St. 80205) into a roller rink once a month, and you can enjoy twice the fun at our 3-hour private pre-party. We will have food & drinks available for purchase and great music to roll to. There will also be a silent auction with awesome local items to bid on.

The event is 21+ and the cost for entry is $20 plus free skate rental if you purchase tickets online, or $25 at the door plus $5 skate rental (or bring your own skates/blades). If you want to keep the party going, you are welcome to stay for the main ROLL Denver event from 9pm - 1:30am. This month's theme is Mustache Ride, so break out your best mustache (real or not)!

Proceeds from the party will support the programs of our Rotary Club and Rotary International's End Polio Now campaign, which has already reduced polio worldwide by 99%. NOTE: For those who buy tickets prior to the day of the event, we will have a check-in list when you enter.

PURCHASE TICKETS: http://bit.ly/rollingforrotary3

Teacher Appreciation Event at RAFT tonight!

Posted on Oct 14, 2015

Educators, don't forget that today is our teacher appreciation event at RAFT Colorado! RAFT staff will be on hand to give tours, and we'll have wine & hors d'oeuvres to snack on. Learn about this incredible resource and meet other educators. See you there!

Aug 22 Farmers Market and Silent Auction at The Big Wonderful

Posted on Aug 01, 2015

It's our second year at The Big Wonderful! Join our club and the kids from the Gilpin Summer Garden Program for for a benefit to promote urban garden education. In addition to all of the great food, fashion & drinks available at The Big Wonderful, we'll have a farmers market, a silent auction, booth games, and freshly delivered Palisade peaches (see story below). Bring your family, friends and dogs to celebrate back to school time!

If you would consider donating an item for the silent auction, please email 5pointsrotary@gmail.com. Thank you!

Peach Sale 2015

Posted on Jul 31, 2015

It's that time again - the wonderful summer tradition when Colorado Rotary clubs sell amazing Palisade peaches. Peach sales are due Wednesday, August 12 and this year you can order them online! Click here to purchase your order, or fill out the form and email to 5pointsrotary@gmail.com, indicating how you'll be paying for them. Peach pickup will be on Saturday, August 22nd and you can pick them up in LoHi OR even better, at our Farmers Market and Silent Auction at The Big Wonderful (see above). Hope to see you there!

Spring and Summer Service and Fellowship

Posted on May 14, 2015

The past three months have been a whirlwind of service for our Club members! We have visited with seniors at the Franklin Park Retirement Community through the Bessie's Hope program. We worked with Bessie's Hope to bring seniors and students together to promote constructive problem solving through the Peaceful Schools Program. We prepped and served dinner at the Denver Rescue Mission soup kitchen. We helped kids stay healthy and in school at the Denver Shots for Tots and Teens immunization clinic, and helped the community-at-large stay healthy by volunteering at last Saturday's 9Health Fair at CEC Middle College. Members attended the District 5450 Conference and hosted a booth at opening day of The Big Wonderful, promoting our club and helping Gilpin Montessori Public School volunteers sell water to raise money for their school garden.

We work hard but we are also looking forward to some great social events this summer! The six clubs in our area (Area 1) are planning a fellowship bicycle ride, a tent at the Moonlight Classic, and a night out at a Rockies game. We will set up our booth every 2nd Saturday at The Big Wonderful to continue connecting to the community, and have some fundraising events in the works.

We'd love to see you at our meetings and events. Check the calendar list here and transform those thoughts of serving your community into reality.

February Happy Hour at our new location

Posted on Feb 12, 2015

In January our Rotary Club moved to a new meeting location in Five Points. The Downing Street Grill generously offered a very comfortable room behind the main restaurant so that we can socialize from 5:30 - 6pm and hold our regular meeting from 6pm - 7pm (and enjoy $7 burger/beer night after the meeting if we choose!) We are welcoming other Rotary Clubs and the community to join us at our February Happy Hour on Feb. 25th starting at 6pm. Join us for great food & drinks, networking & socializing. And skeeball, yeah!