President's Message

As Rotarians, we are reminded time and again that connection is at the heart of everything we do, whether we are breaking bread, sharing ideas, or joining hands in service. Each meeting gives us inspiration from one another’s company. Last week, we had the pleasure of hearing from our fellow Rotarian Adam Taylor, who guided us into the world of international development finance and how innovative approaches like blended finance are shaping a more sustainable, equitable future. His work embodies Rotary’s spirit of global partnership where vision meets action, and where one conversation can spark change across borders. Thank you Adam!

Paul Harris-We also horned Richard Andrew with his first Paul Harris pin and certificate, congratulations!

 This Thursday's Club Meeting- For anyone who wants to celebrate Halloween and wear a costume, Kurtis will be holding a contest to pick the best costume. I have mine! Prize is a $25 gift certificate to Trader Joe's. We will also be rolling up our sleeves for a special community service project led by Lalo, creating handmade heartfelt Thanksgiving cards for our wonderful senior citizens. The cards will be delivered later by our members on Nov 13th at the senior citizen home. Please see flyer below and contact Community Service Director Monica Trepany to RSVP.

RYLA Guests-We have some wonderful guests who will be joining us. Min Jee Gales & Alina Miranda are both juniors at El Segundo High School and MdR Rotary’s first sponsored students to RYLA. They will be at the meeting on Thursday to tell us about their exciting experience.

Masquerade Club Fundraiser tonight! We still have some tickets available for the wine dinner and you can purchase them at the door tonight. See flyer below or reach out President Elect Nancy Voss.

MdR Hat Photo Contest- Check out the Photo Contest this week at the very bottom of this newsletter for some Halloween fun and the winner of last week's contest!

Have a great week and see you all tonight and Thursday night! 

Happy Halloween everyone!

With My Sincere Gratitude

Tracey Thompson Busa
President, Marina del Rey Rotary

_________________________________________________

Global Grant Workshop – Echo Park in person

Nov. 08, 2025 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  

Presenters will explain the global grant template found in the RI Grant Center from creation of the grant to the authorization tab. We will cover each step involved in writing the grant from the beginning to submission. We ask participants to bring their iPads or laptops to login to my rotary.org for a “hands on” experience. This workshop is sponsored by the Filipino Rotary Club and District Foundation Committee. Sign up at: rotary5280.org

Ignite The Spark: Creative Ways to Engage Members – Zoom Meeting

Nov. 08, 2025 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.  

Make your new members feel like VIPs from day one! This fun and interactive session will give you practical, ready-to-use strategies to roll out the Rotary red carpet, engage members early, and keep them connected for the long term. You’ll discover how to:

• Create a meaningful and memorable induction experience
• Build connection with welcome kits, mentors, and early engagement
• Get new members involved in service, fellowship, and leadership opportunities
• Foster a sense of belonging that leads to retention and lifelong membership

Join us and walk away with fresh ideas to inspire, connect, and retain your newest Rotarians! To receive Zoom link sign up at: rotary5280.org

El Salvador Humanitarian Donation Drive

In lieu of registration fees for our November 6 Social Hour + Harbor Cruise

As part of the Marina del Rey Rotary Club’s upcoming humanitarian service trip to El Salvador, we are collecting essential donations to support families, schools, and children in need.

Please bring any of the following items to our November 6 Club Social Hour:

Sanitary Supplies – soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine hygiene products
School Supplies or Books – notebooks, pencils, crayons, reading materials
Health & Wellness – condoms, children’s vitamins, first-aid basics
Tennis Shoes – new or gently used

Your donations will be packed and delivered personally by our Rotary team during the El Salvador Humanitarian Trip (Nov 12–16, 2025).

Collection Point: Bring all donations to our Social Hour & Harbor Cruise on Thursday, November 6 at 4:30 PM.
In lieu of registration fees, please give from the heart 

Upcoming Dates:

• Oct 27th Wine Dinner Fundraiser for our Club.
• Oct 30th Club Meeting Service Project & Halloween Costumes
• Nov 1st  District Celebration- Aboard USS Iowa- Sold Out!
• Nov 6th Club Social- On the Voss’s Boat- Bring items for El Salvador
• Nov 8th Global Grant Workshop-Echo Park- In Person
• Nov 8th The Spark:Creative Ways to Engage Members-Zoom
• Nov 11th  Board Meeting
• Nov 12-17th El Salvador Humanitarian Trip
• Nov 13th Service Project-Senior Citizen   
• Nov 15th Rise Against Hunger Club Service Project with District 5280
• Nov 20th Member Only Club Assembly
• Nov 27th Happy Thanksgiving (Dark-No Meeting)
• Dec 4th Holiday Kick Off-Free To Be Me Dance
• Dec 9 Board Meeting- last one for 2025!
• Dec 11th Holiday Party!
• Dec 18th TBD
• Dec 25th Christmas- No Meeting & Jan 1st New Day- No Meeting
• See You Next Year!