We’ve kicked off the new Rotary year with enthusiasm, generosity, and plenty of meaningful moments. July reminded us how powerful it is when we come together to serve others, grow as leaders, and light up our community with kindness and purpose.
July Highlights
We opened the year on July 9 with our inaugural meeting, and it was a full house! We celebrated our fresh start with Rotary sugar cookies, great conversations, and a renewed sense of connection. It was the perfect way to set the tone for a year grounded in fellowship and impact.
On July 16, we had two special moments:
We honored Daniela O’Con Zehnder with a Paul Harris Fellow for her extraordinary contributions to our community through the Cosumnes Services District and the Thirteen Fold Foundation.
We also welcomed the wonderfully entertaining and deeply inspiring Jean Irwin Hatfield, who spoke about education for the deaf with both heart and humor.
Our July 23 meeting featured Jack Blanks, past president of the South Sacramento Rotary Club, who shared the incredible work of the BBH Foundation in delivering international eye care. That day, we also collected a box full of eyeglasses for the Lions Club—a simple, meaningful act with global impact.
🎉 We also celebrated the Gorgeous Grandmas in our club with a few fun surprises and well-deserved recognition. Their wisdom and spirit brighten our Rotary family in so many ways.
On July 26, several of our members were up and out before sunrise to participate in the Optimists’ Kohl’s Back to School Shopping Spree. Kids received $200 in clothing, a backpack full of school supplies, extra goodies, and a pancake breakfast—a wonderful hands-on service opportunity that directly supports families in our community.
We capped off the month with a relaxing joint social on July 30 with the Rotary Club of Elk Grove at Rotary Grove in Elk Grove Park. The weather was just right, the food was great, and it was the perfect chance to enjoy each other’s company outside of our regular meetings.
All of these efforts align beautifully with Rotary’s July focus on Women’s and Children’s Health, and they remind us how service can take many forms—big and small, quiet and loud, early morning and midday.
And we didn’t stop there—throughout the month we also:
Collected school supplies for xHope, thanks to Monica Patel’s leadership.
Manned a booth at the Run for Independence to share the Rotary story and connect with community members.
Attended the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce Mixer, where we connected with local business leaders, promoted Rotary, and strengthened community ties.
🔸 Looking Ahead: August – Membership & Club Development Month
August is all about strengthening our club and sharing the gift of Rotary with others. It’s a great time to bring someone new into the fold—and we’re making it fun, too!
Bring a Friend Contest
Each time you bring a guest to a meeting this month, you’ll receive:
250 Paul Harris Points
A small gift
The chance to help someone find their Rotary home
Start thinking now about who you are going to bring to the club in August. Let’s Ignite the Spark in others and Unite for Good by growing our club, expanding our reach, and welcoming new energy into the room.
Thank you for a fantastic July—your dedication, warmth, and spirit are what make Laguna Sunrise shine.
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