Dear Rotarians,
We have out-of-this-world news to share, literally!
The Marina del Rey Rotary Club is officially making history, we will be the ONLY Rotary Club in the world to have our name on the MOON!
You might be wondering, how is this even possible? Well, it all started with our incredible first keynote speaker of the new Rotary year, Joel Busa.
Joel wowed us with a fascinating and inspiring presentation on the history of space exploration, from the early days of NASA to the next lunar missions.
And here’s where it gets amazing…
Joel leads the coding team for the Lunar Modules that are landing on the moon, and as a special gift to our club, he’s including our club’s name in the database for the next Lunar Module launching next year!
That’s right Marina del Rey Rotary Club is going to the MOON!
But that’s not all…
Joel also surprised us with a genuine NASA Apollo 11 patch, for each of us, a meaningful and historic keepsake which I didn’t know about prior to his coming.
And here’s the fun twist: I Googled what happened on July 24th before the meeting. Guess what?
July 24, 1969 was the day Apollo 11 splashed down in the Pacific Ocean after Neil Armstrong’s historic moonwalk. Total (cosmic) coincidence! Our members got a kick out of that.
A huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to Joel for flying in all the way from Houston just to be with us, share his passion, and give our club a gift we’ll never forget. We are beyond honored.
Marina del Rey Rotary Club…shooting for the stars and now landing on the moon!
This Week’s Keynote Speaker:
Dave Bader from the Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC)
Dave Bader is a leader in the field of marine mammal health and conservation.
MMCC is the only organization authorized by NOAA to respond to marine mammals in distress along the entire Los Angeles County coastline—from Malibu to Long Beach, Catalina Island, and at sea. Located in San Pedro, their rehabilitation hospital is open seven days a week, and since its founding in 1992, MMCC has treated over 10,000 marine mammals.
MMCC’s mission is to inspire ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, education, and research.
Their vision is a healthy ocean ecosystem where people and marine life thrive together.
Let’s give Dave a warm Marina del Rey Rotary welcome this week!
Remember- Sunset Cruise Fundraiser – August 28
Our much-anticipated Sunset Cruise Fundraiser is just around the corner!
This is our Club’s largest fundraiser of the year!
Get your tickets online and invite friends, family, and co-workers—this event is sure to sell out.
You won’t want to miss the boat!
Scroll down and click the ticket button below for more information.
Tickets: $250
Includes:
• Scenic harbor cruise aboard FantaSea Yacht's The Dandeana
• A-list catering
• Drinks, music, dancing
• Raffle, auction, and tons of fun!
How Can You Help?
We’re seeking:
• Sponsorships
• Raffle Items
• Auction Items
Please contact Kurtis Sundblom or Tracey Thompson Busa if you can contribute!
Celebrating Our Rotarians!
We started a new tradition in our club last week. Each month we are celebrating our wonderful Rotarians' birthdays!
It’s a joyful way to recognize and honor the incredible individuals who make our club so special.
Introducing the District’s First Fellowship Night!
Friday By The Bay
Join us for a joyful evening of Rotary fellowship by the water!
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with members from other clubs, enjoy great company, and celebrate the spirit of Rotary.
When:
Friday, August 16
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where:
Fisherman’s Village
13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey
We’re especially proud that our very own Debra Fixen, Jill Peterson, and other amazing members of our club are helping make this night a success!
For more details and to purchase tickets, visit:
www.Rotary5280.org
Let’s make memories, build friendships, and kick off a new tradition together and we hope to see you there!
Looking forward to seeing you all Thursday night!
With appreciation,
Tracey Thompson Busa
President, Marina del Rey Rotary
2025–26
