Rotary providing funds for Ukrainian humanitarian crisis
In response to the deepening Ukrainian refugee crisis, The Rotary Foundation Trustees have prioritized contributions made to its Disaster Response Fund until April 30, 2022 to support disaster response grants for Rotary districts affected by these events. These expedited disaster response grants can be used to supply water, food, medicine, shelter, and clothing. All four Rotary Clubs of Sedona and the Verde Valley contributed over $9,100 to the response fund. Club members are also making individual contributions.
The United Nations estimates 10 million refugees have fled Ukraine. Rotary clubs in Europe and around the world have stepped up their relief work, some working on the ground to help displaced families. If you would like to contribute to Rotary's Disaster Response Fund, please go to https://my.rotary.org/en/disaster-response-fund. You can make your donation as a Rotary member or guest. With your donation, we can support communities and help rebuild lives during this tragic time. Thank you!
SAC’s next Celebrate Sedona is 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 6 in the upper parking lot. The event features live music by Secret Handshake, food trucks, wineries, and live demonstrations by local artists. The event will also celebrate the people of Ukraine. Participants can make donations to support humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people. And don’t miss SAC’s new art show Home Show: Birdy Style. David Simmer said artists from all over have created bird homes for the show. Isabel Simmer has worked with the children's librarian at Sedona Public Library in creating a whole in-tree display of children's versions of nests. Club volunteers are asked to be there 2:30 to 3:30 to help set up and by 4 p.m. to welcome guests. If you can volunteer please contact David at dsimmer9@gmail.com.
Take action for working families on Arizona Gives Day
This Arizona Gives Day (April 5-6) we invite you to take action for working families locally. Your donation will help improve the quality of life for working families, children, and older adults. Your gift will help support the following programs: The Hope House of Sedona, which will provide temporary housing while families get back on their feet and find permanent housing. Families can stay days and up to six months; West Sedona School’s before-and-after-school program for its students to help their working parents; and mentoring and financially supporting a returning-aged student who wants to pursue a vocational-technical degree at Yavapai College and get a job locally to support his/her family. The club continues to support older adults through Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition, young children through Verde Valley Imagination Library, which provides free books to children ages 0-5, and leadership activities and scholarships for high school students. The club also holds quarterly community suppers at St. Andrews Church open to food insecure families and individuals.
The club's Foundation Director, David Simmer (far Left), awarded Paul Harris Fellow pins to Holli Ploog and Jim Bradley. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. PHF awards are given to Rotarians for every $1,000 they donate to the Rotary Foundation. Jim received a PHF plus 3 award and Holli Ploog a PHF plus 2 award. The Rotary Foundation transforms gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. To donate go to https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/rotary-foundation.
Save the Date - Rotary Week of Service April 16-24
Save the date for this year's Rotary Week of Service, April 16-24. Join the club for its quarterly highway clean up on 89A on Saturday, April 16. Volunteers will meet at 8 a.m. across 89A from Red Rock High School in the recycling lot by Yavapai College. For more information contact Gary Karademos at garakara@esedona.net. You can also join all the Sedona and Cottonwood Rotary Clubs and take a hike, or go for a walk in Sedona, Village of Oak Creek or Cottonwood during the week and collect trash. Weigh what you collect, snap a picture or selfie and send to lindaclark@vvcaregivers.org. Let's work together and clean up our community!
Dates to Remember
April 6--Celebrate Sedona at Sedona Arts Center. Outdoor Event is 4 to 6 p.m.
April 9--Club Leadership Academy, 9 to 12:30 p.m. on Zoom. For officers, committee chairs, and members.
April 12--Regular Club Meeting, 12:30 p.m. Sedona Public Library, Speaker: Michael Jacoby, Rotary Vocational Foundation.
April 16-24--Rotary Week of Service activities (see above).
April 16--Club's Highway Cleanup. Meet at 8 a.m. across from RRHS and Highway 89A in the recycling parking lot.
April 19—Club Social, Vino Di Sedona, 5 p.m. For members, spouses, and prospective members.
April 26—Regular Club Meeting, 12 noon at Sedona Public Library, Speaker: Sandra Gardner, J.D.
