This week we had a rather impressive meeting. We started out with David Rosenfeld leading a rousing cheer with Rose Mary Regalbuto and Dr. Bill Buxton adding his vibrato. Donna Byrd and her Birthday Committee celebrated Rotarian birthdays which was a sweet deal.
When I asked all the Lawyers present for council on how much the fine should be for a Lawyer member of our club who was declared “Most Loved Lawyer for 2023 in Santa Monica” it was suggested $1,000.00 then $500.00 finally the fine was leveled on Lisa Alexander for $100.00 and all the Lawyers attending our meeting were asked to share in paying her fine.
Karin Wallerstein presented a Community and Youth Grant to “Drive By- Do-Gooders” a Not-for-Profit Agency that drives by, and shares needed food and water with unhoused individuals. The agency’s founder, Lycia Naff received the grant. Naff says she can only do so much, Drive-By Do-Gooders can’t help everyone transition out of homelessness, but what she can do is hand out water, body wipes, and string cheese. It’s hydration and hygiene to the heart of the homeless and we don’t have any agenda. It’s just pure giving said Naff.
Past President Tom Larmore headlined our Scholarship Program with other members of his committee, including Kathy Shepard, Susan Annett, Jennifer Gordon, and Ann Greenspun.
Scholarships Awarded
Tom Fox Scholarship to Skylar Arce – $2000.00
Russell Hart Scholarship to Keira Yanez – $2000.00
Russell Hart Scholarship to Vicente Martin – $2000.00
John English Scholarship to Vivian Sandoval – $2000.00
Clyde Smith Scholarship to Ilyan Kajai – $2000.00
Harding Larmore Kutcher & Kozal Scholarship to Norah Cichowski – $2000.00
Citizenship Awards
To Ava Brara of Lincoln Middle School – $250.00
To Nalani Olivares of John Adams Middle School – $250.00
To Deneya Ahmed of Crossroads Middle School – $250.00
To Moxie Ewen of New Roads Middle School – $250.00
For good reason, this meeting was one of the most well-attended meetings of our Rotary year with fifty members and thirty-seven guests in attendance.
Presenter: Genevieve Riutort, President & CEO
Westside Food Bank’s mission is to end hunger in our communities by providing access to free nutritious food through food acquisition and distribution, and by engaging the community and advocating for a strong food assistance network.
