Dear Rotarians,
What an inspiring and joy-filled week we have had! As President, I am always proud of our club, but there are moments when I feel that unique essence of what truly defines us and that is kindness.
Board Meeting: We began the week with our Board of Directors meeting. I am so grateful to Bonnie, Nancy, Kurtis, Helena, Monica, Joe, and Peter for the creative ideas they are bringing forward for our club. Your dedication, team spirit and enthusiasm are uplifting. I highly encourage our membership to join one of these committees.
- Nancy Voss – Club Service Committee
- Kurtis Sundblom – Social Media Committee
- Helena Goto – Foundation Committee
- Monica Trepany – Community Relations Committee
- Peter Smyth – Membership Committee
Thursday’s Club Meeting: Another highlight of the week. Congratulations to Joan Shaver- July Rotarian of the Month. Her kindness and willingness to go the extra mile for our club has been a bright light for us all.
We also celebrated Bonnie Cullinan and Gail Brooks for their contributions over the years to the Paul Harris Foundation. Their generosity enables Rotary to do great work around the world.
Boys & Girls Club Sailing Program: The sailing counselors gave us an update on the very successful summer season of the sailing program. Over 2,000 kids attended and they hope to increase it to 3,000 kids next summer. The program does continue on Saturdays through the year. This is the sailing program we are fundraising for on Aug 28th, along with our Foundation projects!
Glenn Hemanes Craft Talk: Glenn opened his heart and invited us into his life, sharing about his family, his dedication to nonprofit organizations, and his commitment to Rotary. He also gave us a glimpse into his exciting new career adventure, reminding us of the positive impact that de-cluttering can have on our lives. Thank you Glenn!
First District Fellowship: We enjoyed an incredible amount of fellowship and fun at Fellowship Friday by the Bay. More than 40 Rotarians from amazing clubs across our District joined together right here in our backyard at Fisherman’s Village. Our wonderful District Governor Alex Parajon was in attendance, along with several past and future District Governors, which made the evening even more special.
We also had unexpected surprise, Stefan Perchinkov President of the North Macedonia Rotary Club (Southeast Europe) and his fiance were visiting LA and found the fellowship on the district website and joined us. Stefan just founded his club in March 2025. They had a great time and remarked how welcoming our club and others were to them.
A huge thank you goes to District Fellowship Chair Pooh Malakul and her Co-Chair Koy Jaiyong for creating such a fantastic event. A heartfelt thank you as well to our very own Debra Fixen and Jill Peterson for coordinating the details that made the evening shine. From the tour of the Marina del Rey Historical Society Museum, to the beautiful marina cruise aboard the Hornblower water taxi, to the incredible dinner at La Marina Trattoria and complete with thoughtful swag bags, they even coordinated a beautiful sunset for us! And thank you to all of our club members who attended and shared in this wonderful evening, you each helped showcase the essence of kindness from our Club.
This week:
We are at Coco Beach on Thursday for another MdR Happy Hour coordinated by our Club Service Committee Director and PE Nancy Voss. Jill Peterson is taking the lead and we can’t wait!
Coco Beach-404 Washington Blvd, Marina del Rey. Time:5:30-7:00pm
District Annual Picnic: Another opportunity for a ton of fun, especial with the cardboard boat races! It’s a day of fellowship in the sunshine at the Seaside Lagoon in Redondo Beach. Please register online at the district website: rotary5280.org
Please contact: Peter Smyth for coordination and any questions.
Remember Sunset Cruise Fundraiser – August 28th
10 days until Our Sunset Cruise Foundation Fundraiser on
August 28th!
We have already raised over $50,000 in sponsorships, which is incredible! Thank you to all of our sponsors who are supporting this wonderful event!
If you haven't bought your tickets yet please do so by Friday, August 22nd.
This is our Club’s signature fundraiser benefiting both our Rotary Foundation and the amazing Boys & Girls Club Sailing Program and right now, it’s the only event fueling our Foundation so we can continue the impactful work we do all year long for our local and global communities.
Thank you Debra Berman, Debra Fixson, James Fawley, Helena Goto, Julia Anderson and Nancy Voss for already bringing in some auction and raffle items. Thank you all who have bought tickets.
Please see below flyer for more information.
Contact- Kurtis Sundblom and Tracey Thompson Busa with any questions.
*Check out the photo contest at the bottom. I have a surprise for you.
A contest with in the contest!
Looking forward to seeing you all Thursday for Happy Hour!
With appreciation,
Tracey Thompson Busa
President, Marina del Rey Rotary
2025–26
