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People. Service. Community. | ||
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 District Leadership Gathering – Empowering the next Generation”
On Monday, February 9, more than 50 Rotary leaders gathered at the warm and welcoming Rotie Wine Tasting Room in SODO for our Mid-Year Leadership Gathering — and what an evening it was. A mix of current and future club presidents and district governors mingled with current and future AGs, alongside an inspiring mix of RISE program graduates, and several PDGs. The room buzzed with conversation, laughter, and that unmistakable Rotary energy that reminds us why we do what we do. | ||
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 March – Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Month
Every month, Rotary shines a spotlight on one of the areas where our global network creates meaningful impact. In March, that focus is Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) —one of the most fundamental building blocks of healthy, thriving communities. Access to clean water and safe sanitation is something many of us rarely have to think about in our daily lives. Yet for billions of people around the world, it remains a daily challenge. According to global estimates, more than two billion people still lack access to safely managed drinking water, and even more live without adequate sanitation facilities. | ||
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 Drag Queen BingoListed in this issue · 2026-03-13 Join us for a fabulous night of Drag Bingo hosted by the Rotary Club of Des Moines & Normandy Park! Proceeds support Highline Schools Foundation and Waterland Pride. Get ready for a fun-filled evening of laughter, prizes, and entertainment. Friday, Mar. 13, 6 p.m. at Normandy Park Cove Purchase Tickets here. Costumes recommended but not required. Drinks and light refreshments available for purchase. Silent auction during the event. | ||
 Hearts & WineListed in this issue · 2026-03-20 Enjoy an evening where generosity, community, and impact come together featuring: • A wine tasting reception (beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages, too) • Entertainment • A delicious dinner • An inspiring program and live auction Purchase your tickets today at https://www.harvestagainsthunger.org/hearts-wine-2026 | ||
 Spring Spritz Garden GalaListed in this issue · 2026-03-21 Join us for the **Rotary Club of Kent Escapades Dinner Auction** 📅 **Saturday, March 21, 2026** 🕔 **5:00 PM** This is more than a fun night out — it’s a night where we raise real dollars for real impact in our community. Here’s what’s in store: 🍽️ **Plated dinner** 🛍️ **Two silent auctions** 🎤 **One live auction** 🎟️ **Raffles** 🍰 **Dessert Dash** …and more surprises throughout the night! **Why Rotary matters** Rotary is where service turns into action. It’s neighbors helping neighbors — supporting kids, families, and local programs that make Kent stronger. | ||
 The Big TasteListed in this issue · 2026-04-12 The Big Taste is back for another incredible year and we’re popping bottles in a brand-new location! Join us Sunday, April 12 from 4:00–7:30pm at Block 41, a trendy, spacious venue in the heart of downtown Seattle’s Belltown, for an evening made for mingling, sipping, and discovering new favorites. Enjoy an incredible lineup of beer, wine, cider, spirits, and plenty of N/A options, all under one roof and all for a great cause. | ||
 Day Out for AutismListed in this issue · 2026-04-18 Join the Washington Autism Alliance (WAA) for our “Day Out for Autism” event, a family-friendly celebration with fun activities for all ages! The event promotes acceptance and inclusion while raising funds to support improved access to care and effective services for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities across Washington State. Event Highlights • Sensory – Sensitive Fun Fair for children, adolescents, and adults • Autism Resource Fair • Optional 3K Walk/Stroll Your Way • Live Entertainment Volunteer signup link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E044CABA92BA2FC1-54820431-dayout#/ | ||
 18th Annual Grape Escape at Pickering BarnListed in this issue · 2026-05-06 Pour back into Issaquah with the perfect night out – one that gives right back to our beautiful community. 🎟️ GrapeEscape.EventBrite.com Hosted by the Rotary Club of Issaquah, the 18th annual Grape Escape is a food & wine event like no other, featuring unlimited pours from Washington vintners & distillers and delicious bites from local restaurants all evening. Whether you’re looking for date night idea with big heart or are planning the perfect night out on the town with friends, Grape Escape is not to be missed! | ||
 RISE – Cohort 6Listed in this issue · 2026-09-10 2026 Registration opens May 1 and ends August 21. This 11-week virtual and in-person professional series integrates cutting edge leadership best practices with Rotary principles. Kickoff: Sept 10 at 6pm in Seattle Virtual Sessions: Sept 24, Oct 8 and 22, Nov 5 and 19 at 5pm Speed Networking Event: Oct 14 from 5pm to 7pm Graduation: Dec 3 at 6pm. | ||
 Ignite Your Rotary Spirit in Walla Walla: April 16–19, 2026Historical conference · April 16–19, 2026 Get ready to experience Rotary like never before at the 2026 District 5030 Conference, themed “Ignite Your Rotary Spirit,” taking place April 16–19 at the historic and elegant Marcus Whitman Hotel in Walla Walla, Washington . This year’s conference is more than just a gathering—it’s a celebration of purpose, connection, and inspiration set against the backdrop of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most charming destinations. A Destination Worth the Journey Nestled in the heart of southeastern Washington, Walla Walla is a town that blends small-town warmth with world-class appeal. | ||
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 Serving Locally, Impacting Globally: My Rotary Journey
This year marks ten years since I became a Rotarian. I was first recruited by my boss to join Rotary Downtown in La Crosse, Wisconsin, which set me on a rewarding leadership journey back to Seattle, joining University District Rotary Club, becoming a committee chair, club president, and now Assistant Governor (AG) supporting four clubs: University District, University Sunrise, Fremont, and Ballard. Along the way, Rotary has taught me invaluable leadership and collaboration skills that have enriched both my personal and professional life. Some may wonder what does an Assistant Governor do? | ||
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 Bowling for Bloodworks with alot of LOVE!
Beloved long time member, Walt Schroeder , passed away in January 2024. A member of Rotary for over 40 years, Walt’s fun loving and generous spirit touched the hearts and lives of many over the years. As tribute to him and his heart for Service Above Self, the Rotary Club of Federal Way awarded the Walt Schroeder Bowling Trophy to the team with the highest combined score this past Saturday, February 14. | ||
 Ways to Keep Active and Engaged, and ❤️ Aging!
In early February, the Rotary Club of West Seattle hosted a presentation by Age Friendly Seattle , an initiative to make the greater Seattle area a great place to grow up and grow old. Given that the average age of Rotary members worldwide is 58–62 years old, and many clubs have a median age in the 50s and 60s, we can benefit from the information they provided. Throughout Seattle and King County, huge investments are made in programs for children and youth, laying a solid foundation for learning and providing the services and supports young people need to succeed. | ||
 Hearts & Wine: A Harvest Against Hunger Tradition
Join us for the 13th annual Hearts & Wine — Harvest Against Hunger’s signature fundraising event and an evening where generosity, community, and impact come together. For over a decade, Hearts & Wine has brought supporters together to enjoy exceptional wines (beer, whiskey, and non-alcoholic beverages, too), a delicious dinner, a dynamic live auction, and inspiring stories from partners who are strengthening our hunger relief system. This year, we celebrate 13 years of shared commitment to ensuring every family has access to fresh, healthy produce. | ||
 Jayapal Visits West Seattle Rotary
Tuesday, Feb. 17, we were honored to host a presentation by the Honorable Pramila Jayapal, who represents Washington’s 7th Congressional District (most of Seattle and many surrounding communities) in the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Jayapal is the first South Asian American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and one of the few naturalized citizens serving in Congress. She is a leading voice on immigration reform, health care, workers’ rights, and economic justice, and is the lead sponsor of the Medicare for All Act and the author of several major pieces of progressive legislation. | ||
 Rotary Club of Edmonds Rolls Up Its Sleeves at the Seattle Furniture Repair Bank
The Rotary Club of Edmonds recently partnered with the Seattle Furniture Repair Bank for a hands‑on service work party, the kind of project that blends community impact, sustainability, and good old‑fashioned teamwork. The Furniture Repair Bank is a nonprofit with a powerful mission: revive unwanted furniture and provide it to families in need , reducing waste, supporting climate goals, and strengthening local communities. That alignment with Rotary values made this collaboration a natural fit. Our club brought a team of 13 enthusiastic Edmonds Rotarians , ready to get to work. | ||
 Sammamish Rotarians help to protect lakeshore integrity at Sammamish Landing
On February 18, members of the Sammamish Rotary rolled up their sleeves to help restore the shoreline at Sammamish Landing , planting native vegetation to support the health of Lake Sammamish’s ecosystem. Sammamish Rotarians Gary Tornquist, Iden Zaima, and Marilyn and Mark Guthrie joined fellow volunteers in placing a variety of native plants along the waterfront. The effort is part of an ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship in the City of Sammamish, helping to stabilize the shoreline, reduce erosion, and create habitat for local wildlife. | ||
 BBRC has been busy!
The Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club has been busy in the first half of this Rotary year. Several of our members have just returned from Antigua after 13 days installing Wi-Fi networks and other IT equipment in schools across the island as part of the “Improving Education Through Technology” project, a Rotary International initiative. This is the 17 th consecutive year that BBRC has led this trip, which included 16 students from Newport High School and members from BBRC, Bellevue Eastside, and Kirkland Rotary clubs, as well as the Rotary Clubs of Antigua. | ||
 “I’d never turn down homemade cookies”, or Simple Messages We Share
A new Rotarian as I am — just one year since my induction — I have already had the privilege of meeting remarkable people with shining eyes across our Rotary district. Every time I gather with my BERC club or visit another chapter, I grow. As a person. As an empath. As a human being. There is so much shared knowledge and generosity at every meeting that simply being present in the unique ambiance of Rotary magic uplifts everyone involved. And today, my story is about the magic of a simple message. One of many. | ||
 What’s Happening with the University District Rotary Club Membership Engagement?
The Membership Committee of the University District Rotary Club has been hard at work strengthening connections, deepening engagement, and ensuring that every member feels welcomed, valued, and inspired. Mentorship: A Stronger Start for New Members One of our most exciting initiatives is the addition of a dedicated Membership Committee mentor for each new member. This personalized approach ensures that no one feels alone when joining our Rotary family. What does mentorship mean? It means: Guidance and Support – Helping new members navigate meetings, projects, and club traditions. | ||
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 New Member Introduction: David Sarju
To understand David and how he sees the world, you have to look at where his story began. David was born in the West Indies to parents from two very different cultures. This foundation taught him early-on to adapt and see possibilities in different settings. That adaptability was essential because his childhood was defined by movement – from Barbados to Los Angeles as a young boy, to Texas and Edmonton. He eventually landed in Oregon where he attended the University of Oregon and earned a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | ||
 Sammamish Rotary Sets Record with New Member Inductions
Historic New Member Induction Sammamish Rotary has achieved a club milestone by admitting four new members simultaneously, marking the highest number of new members inducted at the same time in the club’s history. Annual Volunteer Engagement Each year, the Club organizes volunteers to assist at their Christmas tree lot. Athletes for Kids Youth Mentoring contributes by sending high school athletes to help load trees onto cars, while other volunteers handle cashier duties, deliveries, or serve as greeters. The Rotary Service Above Self motto has resonated with many, inspiring volunteers to become members themselves. | ||
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 Remembering Rotarian Kay Cook: October 25, 1942 – February 8, 2026
Our Rotary family lost one of its most dedicated and beloved members, Kay Cook . Kay joined the Kent Rotary Club in 1989 and maintained perfect attendance at club meetings for most of her Rotary life—a true testament to her deep commitment to Rotary fellowship and service. She was one of the most active members of the club, serving as Club President and for many years on the Board of Directors . Kay was a mentor to many in the club and was affectionately known by members as “Mama Kay.” | ||
 John A. Rasmussen: September 14, 1949 — February 3, 2026
John A. Rasmussen of Shoreline, WA died February 3, 2026 at the age of 76. Paula, his wife of 54 years, was at his side. He fought multiple cancers courageously for 3 years with the help of professionals at Fred Hutch and UW Medical Center, but ultimately lost the battle. (https://www.funerals.coop/obituaries/john-rasmussen) John was born in Seattle in 1949, to Isobel (Grann) and John F. Rasmussen, and attended public schools in the city. He earned his B.A. in Economics at Carleton College in Minnesota. | ||
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The Pulse Rotary District 5030 · People of Action Archived issue · March 2026. Article summaries reflect the WordPress content available when this archive was rebuilt. Events and offers may have ended. Visit Rotary District 5030 |
