The Rotary District 5500 LA Disaster Service Project stands as an outstanding example of the strength of Rotary’s commitment to service and community support, especially in times of need.

Through the leadership of dedicated individuals like Joe Puett, Wendy Guyton, Marcos Ramirez and Robert Miller, this initiative quickly came together, and the photos of the truck filled with donations speak volumes about the collective effort and coordination of Rotarians across the district. Their leadership and tireless work set the stage for what has become a powerful example of Rotary’s ability to mobilize resources in response to disaster.

Significant and heartfelt thanks go to Rotarians Robert Miller and Mike Mills from the Casa Grande Club. Robert organized the transport of funds and resources, and Mike drove the truck to Los Angeles. Their efforts, along with the support of their families, exemplify the selflessness and dedication that Rotary members demonstrate in their pursuit of helping those in need.

When the truck arrived in LA, PDG Hank Huisking and her husband Peter were there to meet it, providing a warm and welcoming reception for the generous donations. Their presence underlined the heartfelt gratitude and unity within the Rotary community as they received the much-needed supplies to support the disaster response.

Beyond the tangible donations, the success of this project highlights the incredible financial contributions made by individual Rotarians, as well as the clubs and regions coming together to amplify their impact. Many clubs have stepped up by sending checks, and regional collaborations have taken this effort even further. For example, the Green Valley and Valle Verde clubs, at the Spaghetti Spree event, challenged all the clubs in their region to raise $10,000, which shows the power of collective action and friendly competition to achieve a common goal. Similarly, the Mountain Empire Club’s Community Dinner raised over $2,500 for the cause, demonstrating how even smaller events can generate meaningful support for disaster relief efforts. And the San Luis Frontera club is currently conducting a community-wide fundraising campaign for this cause.

What makes this project particularly special is the way it allowed Rotarians to respond in multiple ways, directly connecting with their own families, friends, and communities who may have been impacted by the disaster in LA. The ability to mobilize quickly, whether through financial contributions, fundraising events, or direct physical aid like the truck delivery, underscores the versatility of Rotary’s service model. It’s clear that the disaster affected not just those in LA, but also those who have ties to the area, creating a sense of urgency and solidarity that propelled this project forward.

Read More

ShelterBox USA is supporting the communities affected by the recent fires in LA County.

By working in partnership with the Rotary Districts (5280 and 5300) in the affected areas, ShelterBox USA will match all donations to the fund up to $100,000.

Donations to this fund will be designated for the emergency relief and recovery efforts for the LA Wildfires and will be administered by Rotary Districts 5280 and 5300 in Rotary Zone 26.

Click here to donate. 

 

Read More

ShelterBox USA is supporting the communities affected by the recent fires in LA County. By working in partnership with the Rotary Districts 5280 and 5300 in the affected areas, ShelterBox USA will match all donations to the fund up to $100,000. Donations to this fund will be designated for the emergency relief and recovery efforts for the LA Wildfires and will be administered by Rotary Districts 5280 and 5300 in Rotary Zone 26.

Please, donate at ShelterBox LA-Fires-Relief-Fund to help get up to $200,000 donated to the LA-area Rotary Districts for their wildfire relief efforts- we give half, ShelterBox gives the other half!

Learn more about Rotary District 5280.

Learn more about Rotary District 5300.

Read More