Saturday Breakfast Keynote Speaker

District 5280 Governor Albert Hernandez is no stranger to hard work and perseverance. Having grown up in a low-income community, number five of eleven brothers and sisters in a single parent household, he had to take on many responsibilities at an early age.

He attended Camp RYLA as a high school junior and recognized that he had something inside him to help others in need. The following year, he returned as a counselor to give students the same experience he was fortunate enough to receive.

Albert joined the Rotary Club of Burbank Noon at the age of 19 where he remains active.

Albert is CEO of Home Again Los Angeles, a nonprofit homeless service agency committed to helping homeless families with children to move into shelters and work towards securing permanent housing.

The District 5500 Conference of Clubs is October 18-19 at Casino del Sol in Tucson. You can register here. 

Kaoru arrived in late July from the Takahama Club in District 2760.  
He is enrolled in some fascinating classes at Sabino High School where he's on the swimming team.
His host mom grew up in his city, although neither family knew the other. 

Now is the time to recruit students for the 2025-26 academic year. Please reach out to your local high schools for students who will grow, mature and be the next generation of leaders. There are ideal ambassadors in southern Arizona. Let’s find them and give them an opportunity to “build peace one student at a time.”

Applications for the 2024-45 academic year and summer 2024 short-term exchanges are on the District website (https://rotaryd5500.org/page/rotary-youth-exchange). Contact Cindy Dooling at youthexchangeofficer@rotaryd5500.org if you have any questions.  

A YEAR OF INSIGHT INTO THE ROTARY FOUNDATION 

Each week we'll share a short message about The Rotary Foundation, its programs, and how it uses your support for service projects that change lives around the world. 

Let’s start with the words of Paulo V.C. Costa, the 1990-91 Rotary International president: 

“The Rotary Foundation is truly Rotary’s most precious jewel, for it transforms our most daring dreams into the most splendid realities.” 

Thank you for supporting the Foundation and its work. 

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Plan an Event for World Polio Day

• End Polio Website: https://www.endpolio.org/world-polio-day-resources#event
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC):www.cdc.gov
  Look for “Global Polio Vaccination"
• Polio Global Eradication Initiative: www.polioeradication.org
  Search for “News Category: World Polio Day”
• World Health Organization: www.who.int 
  Search for “World Polio Day” 
• A comprehensive checklist for planning any event can be found here: https://www.endpolio.org/sites/default/files/event_planning_guide_en_1.pdf

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Deadline: October 29

The long-term application process for the 2025-26 academic year is open to all southern Arizona students. The long-term exchange application deadline is October 29.

Please reach out to your local high schools for students who will grow, mature and be the next generation of leaders.
Click here for a downloadable flier that can be distributed to local high school students. 

Two Informational Zoom Sessions: September 25 or October 22 from 6:30-7:30pm
Contact Cindy Dooling, District Chair, at youthexchangeofficer@rotaryd5500.org and request the Zoom link.

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Deadline for reservations: September 19

Over 80% of the rooms we blocked at Casino Del Sol Resort are already booked.

The cutoff date for room reservations is September 19, but we may fill up before then. The King bedded rooms are sold out in both towers; rooms with two double beds are still available. 

There is another large group in at the same time and the resort always sells out. Please make your reservations soon so you won't be disappointed.

Click here for reservations.

Thursday, September 26, 5pm

Join our Zones 26 & 27 Rotary Public Image Coordinators for a free zoom session to learn how to use the updated Rotary Brand Center and new Rotary tools on Canva.

Take your Rotary branding to the Next Level!

Click here to register.

These graphics are yours to use for your club's promotional materials, or for inspiration. 

Saturday Luncheon Keynote Speaker, October 19

An independent financial planner for over 25 years, mostly with CASCO Financial Group, Alan’s goal is to “Lift Others and Make a Difference”. He enjoys helping clients find their unique pathway to financial success.

Alan is notably active in the community. He is the past District Governor for Rotary International District 5495, past President of Upward Foundation, brining services for medically fragile children, past Cycling Sports Director for the California Special Olympics and founder of the cycling venue. He is a former US Cycling Federation Coach, helping beginning and intermediate cycling enthusiasts.