Dear Rotarians,
Another Great Week at Marina del Rey Rotary!
This past week was truly memorable.
Dave Bader from the Marine Mammal Care Center gave a heartwarming and inspiring presentation about their rescue and rehabilitation work for marine mammals. One Rotarian even said it was in the top five best talks he has ever heard!
Thank you, Dave, for the incredible work you and your team do for our beloved marine animals.
First District Breakfast of the New Rotary Year:
Bonnie Cullinan, Gail Brooks, Joerg Rose, and I attended 5280 District Breakfast.
District Governor Alex Parajon and his team hosted a dynamic and uplifting meeting at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. In true Superhero fashion, they delivered an inspiring session full of energy and vision for the year ahead.
It was also wonderful to reconnect with fellow Rotarians and share ideas for collaboration.
Special Thanks:
A heartfelt thank you to Rotarian Debbie Sue Miller for coordinating and hosting an unforgettable experience for the Boys & Girls Club behind-the-scenes tour of LAX International Airport!
The kids were thrilled to explore the inner workings of one of the world’s busiest airports, learning how everything comes together to keep travelers moving safely and smoothly. Their excitement and curiosity made the day truly special!
This Week: A Double Feature On August 7th!
1. National Night Out – Our First Service Project -Thur. Aug 7th
Join your fellow Rotarians as we participate in National Night Out with the LA County Sheriff’s Department.
Come meet our local law enforcement, connect with the community, and represent Marina del Rey Rotary!
For more information see below flyer.
(Please note: This is the same day and time as our Club meeting so please talk to Monica Tarpey on timing.)
2. Marina del Rey Rotary Meeting & Keynote Speaker -Thur. Aug 7th
While some members are at National Night Out, we’ll also host our regular club meeting featuring keynote speaker Scott Culbertson, Executive Director of Ballona Wetlands Conservancy.
Scott will share insights on the unique mosaic of habitats that make Ballona Wetlands a vital ecosystem for birds and wildlife. His presentation will showcase the beauty and biodiversity right here in our own backyard.
Look For This Week:
Our Foundation Director, Helena Goto has prepared a survey about the potential El Salvador Humanitarian Trip that she and her committee are working to coordinate for our members. Please take a moment to complete it when you receive it, your feedback will help us bring this meaningful project to life!
Remember – Sunset Cruise Fundraiser – August 28
24 days until Our Sunset Cruise Foundation Fundraiser on August 28th.
We’ve already raised over $25,000 in sponsorships, which is an incredible start but we’re not done yet. We need all hands on deck!
Our goal is bring in $65,000! We are a fourth of the way to our goal!
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.
This fundraiser is in “Service” to our Club. Service can take many forms and the biggest service we can offer this month is making this fundraiser an unforgettable success.
Thank you Debra Berman, Debra Fixson and Nancy Voss for already bringing in some auction and raffle items. Thank you all who have bought tickets. Our friends from Beverly Hills Rotary are purchasing their tickets and many more within our community.
Here’s how you can help:
Raffle & Auction Items:
Got a gift card, bottle of wine, unique experience, or fun item to donate? We’ll take it all! Every item helps boost our fundraising and adds excitement to the evening. Minimum of $100 each.
Sponsors:
We still have room for more sponsors! Opportunities start at just $500, with perks like year-round logo placement on our club sails, social media shout outs, and more. Know a business that might be interested? Let’s talk!
Buy Your Ticket & Bring a Friend:
Don’t wait we are capping this event at 80 guests, and spots are filling fast! This is a night of delicious food, open bar, dancing, and spectacular Marina views all for a great cause.
Please see below flyer for more information.
Introducing the District’s First Fellowship Night August 15th!
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. Please see flyer below for information.
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!
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
