S p e c i a l
1 2 - p a g e
P u l l - o u t
S e c t i o n
Rotary Club of Westchester’s
Memorial Day Weekend! Thursday, May 23 to Tuesday, May 28 • 9 a m - 7 p m For the past 64 years, the Rotary Club of Westchester has been promoting literacy in the community. Join us this year as we celebrate our 64th Annual Westchester Rotary Book Sale from Thursday, May 23rd through Tuesday, May 28th in the Ralph’s parking lot at Sepulveda and Manchester in Westchester from 9am-7pm daily. It has become a tradition in Los Angeles, with hundreds of people attending & thousands of books available. This year we have a lot of great and rare books that were donated, and the genres include art, biographies, American classics, history, fiction, reference, travel, self-help, and so much more. In addition to selling used books, there will be a separate section where we will be hosting a Scholastic Book Fair! Our goal is to offer children a large selection of books so that they might find their next favorite book and promote summer reading for K-8th graders. On Saturday, local firefighters will be reading to children starting at 11:30am. The funds raised will be used to support our Club’s annual community and international service projects which include: End Polio Now, Vision to Learn, Clean Water Projects, Safe Place for Youth (SPY), Scholarships, Teacher Grants, Shopping Sprees for Disadvantaged Children, 1736 Family Crisis Center, and the Extreme Makeover Project.
May 23, 2019 rotary Club of westchester – Special Advertising Section PAGE 17
R o ta r y C l u b o f W e s t c h e s t e r
Welcome!
Rotary Connects the World
Greetings from the Rotary Club of Westchester, the friendliest club! If you are new to the area, we welcome you to a great and very special community! The Westchester Rotary Club is a diverse club comprised of members who live and/or work in the area. We were founded in 1950, around the time that families were moving into the area postWWII. Our rich history is something that inspires us to continue to serve the community, especially as it changes. We are committed to serving our community and this special edition features some of the work that we do. You’ll find that we are a very active club,
with more than 30+ projects that we participate in throughout the year both locally and internationally. We hope that you will be inspired to join us in our journey to building a strong and healthy community. What is Rotary International? Rotary International is one of the most sustainable organizations in the world, where community leaders, influencers and innovators meet regularly to get to know each other to form relationships, and through that, work on projects to build healthy and strong communities locally and internationally. Rotary International connects 1.2 million
members in more than 32,000 Clubs, in 168 countries and makes substantial contributions through Rotary’s service programs, to the quality of life at home and around the globe. The Rotary Foundation programs offer opportunities to form international partnerships that help people in need worldwide. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about us. To our friends, we thank you for your generous support, trust and commitment — we are inspired by what we achieve together! Yours in Service, Darlene
Darlene Fukuji, incoming President, Rotary Club of Westchester
Rotary Club of Westchester:
Service is what Rotarians do. We change the lives of others in need. Rotary gives our members the ability to make a difference and provides an exclusive benefit to our members to follow their passion for helping others. Rotary empowers our membership to dream large in addressing needs in local and international communities. From literacy and peace to water and
health, we are always working to better our world. Through our friendships and professional connections, we’re able to get things done! Join the Rotary Club of Westchester Wednesdays at 12:10 pm at the Crowne Plaza LAX Hotel. Visit our website to learn more: www.rotary-westchester.com u Stefanie Fujinami, Brett Sifling, Elizabeth Carter, Tori Hettinger at Rotary Club of Westchester’s Holiday Party
Rotarian Beer Fest Fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Foundation
Spring Fundraiser By Viktorija Joga
Cozette Vergari and Richard Moon at Rotary Club of Westchester Annual Fundraiser, March 2019
The 2019 Rotary Club of Westchester Annual Fundraiser was held at the Hyatt Regency LAX on March 16, 2019. With a theme of “Get Down n’ Derby!” the goal this year was to raise monies for the nonprofit Westchester Rotary Foundation. The dinner event recognized the “Citizens of the Year”, Eden Garcia-Balis and the Airport Marina Counseling Service, for their support of the community, providing affordable, community based mental health services, and training mental health therapists. Nearly 120 guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while comparing their fine millinery created for the evening, reminiscent of the Kentucky Derby days. The masterful emcee was Rotary’s very own Geoff Maleman of Maleman Ink, who entertained with his personal stories of Rotary yesteryear! Former District Governor Cozette Vergari started off the evening program conducting the 2019 Reverse Drawing Raffle. Warren Bobrow reviewed the Home Makeover Project for this year and Val Velasco wrapped up the presentation with a heartfelt speech on “Why Rotary?” 2018-2019 President Tori Hettinger spoke about the accomplishments of this Rotary Year and 2016-2017 President Christa Ramey delightfully entertained the crowd with personal insights into Eden Garcia-Balis’ life, followed by a heartfelt commemoration of the Airport Marina Counseling Service’s contributions to the community. Erika Puzik, President of the AMCS Board of Directors wrapped up the evening by speaking of the AMCS’ mission in the community. A spirited Live Auction raised additional funds for Westchester Rotary Foundation. The funds successfully raised this year support the Club’s annual community and international service projects that include: End Polio Now, Vision to Learn, Clean Water Projects, Safe Place for Youth (SPY), Scholarships, Teacher Grants, Shopping Sprees for Disadvantaged Children, 1736 Family Crisis Center, and International Service. u
PAGE 18 Rotary Club of Westchester – Special Advertising Section May 23, 2019
R o ta r y C l u b o f W e s t c h e s t e r
Rotarians celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Tori Hettinger, Tiffany Graham, Tom Johnstone, at Make-A-Wish Foundation Headquarters in downtown Los Angeles. Rotary Club of Westchester fundraising activities support Make-A-Wish Foundation.
(left) David Russell, Darlene Fujuki, Dryson Ishii , and Brett Sifling gather at a joint meeting of Rotarians and Young Professionals, Burton Chace Park, Marina del Rey.
Row 1: Valentina Avila and Alessandra Avila, Row 2: Cozette Vergari, Sidney Vergari, Warren Bobrow, Lek Pollard, Ted Grose, Alison Knight, Cindy Williams, Darlene Fukuji, Elbert Khautakoun, Row 3: Joan Tucker, Nanci Edwards, Val Velasco, Edgar Saenz, Melisa Balanon, Nicole King, Row 4: Travis DeLong, Carla Grose, Frank Velasco, Judy Delavigne, Zack Szabadi, John Martillo, Row 5: John Ramey, Christa Ramey, Bob Smith, Bryson Ishii, Tom Johnstone, William Johnson, Rowena Ake, Tori Hettinger, Heather Martillo Row 6: Richard Moon, Renate Hild, Hampton Cantrell
Journey Out
LMU’s A cappella group “On Another Note” performs for Rotary Club’s holiday party, December 2018.
(left) Chipie Chikweke from Jacaranda Foundation, with Otis Instructor David Russell, Rotarian Judy Delavigne, and Dexter Hall. Jacaranda Foundation partners with Otis College’s Creative Action Program to support an orphanage in Malawi.
October 2018: Rotarian volunteers assemble kits for Journey Out, a non-profit organization whose “mission is to help victims of commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking leave a life of abuse and violence, overcome their fears, and empower them to reach their full potential and achieve their goals”. Forward right: Rotary Club of Westchester Incoming president for 2020-21 Tom Johnstone.
May 23, 2019 rotary Club of westchester – Special Advertising Section
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R o ta r y C l u b o f W e s t c h e s t e r
“Back-To-School Shopping Spree” By Esperanza Andrade At the beginning of the school year our Club contacted a school asking for the names of its 20 neediest children. Although this task of identifying these children seemed to be an easy one, the counselor had to choose from the school where 95% of the children qualify for free or reduced meals through the federal lunch program. The children were selected based on each family’s situation which ranged from health issues, loss of parent, homelessness, or educational challenges. Each family provided the sizes for pants, shirts, shorts, jackets, sweaters, and even shoes. Approximately $100 was spent on each child. On a Saturday following Labor Day,
The Rotarian Back-to-School Shopping Spree Team
twenty children meet their “Personal Rotarian Shopper” at their local Target Store. Parents have an opportunity to meet and have coffee with their school counselor while their child shops with one of our Club members. The shopping lists came in handy when purchas-
ing the right size clothing and shoes. This shopping experience gave each child an opportunity to interact and learn about being a smart consumer of goods by our Rotarians. One child was so excited, “I’ve never shopped for new pants before!”
Some of the family situations included domestic violence, special needs, homelessness, and medical/health challenges. This shopping spree restored their faith in the kindness of others. We all held back tears for this special moment. u
The gathered group of shoppers, parents, and Rotarians for Back-to-School Shopping Spree, September 2018
Congratulations Rotary
28-year member
Management Robert E. Smith 331-1551 & Business Services (310) Fax (310) 331-1552
Homeowner/Condo Associations P.O. Box 91014 Non-Profit Corporations Los Angeles, CA & Associations 90009-1014
Mason &Jilla Shayan
Celebrating Rotary Club of Westchester’s 69 years of service, with thanks and appreciation to outgoing president Tori Hettinger, and a warm welcome to incoming president Darlene Fukuji PAGE 20 Rotary Club of Westchester – Special Advertising Section May 23, 2019
R o ta r y C l u b o f W e s t c h e s t e r
Rotary Connects the World Through International Service By Val Velasco Rotary has no boundaries — we build international relationships, improve lives locally and globally while helping to create a better world to support sustainability, good health, peace and end polio forever. 130 Rotarians and guests traveled together to Peru to visit and participate in 11 projects funded by donations and matching grants. Rotary District 5280 partnered with two Rotary Districts in Peru to fund humanitarian projects in Lima and Cuzco: Hundreds of new wheelchairs were distributed; more than 400 backpacks filled with school supplies by Rotaract were given to children throughout Lima; a mobile dental clinic was equipped to treat 1,000 children who otherwise would never receive dental care; a multi-sensory classroom encouraging development of motor and cognitive skills serving students with disabilities from poverty level families was funded; two sustainable hydroponic gardens were created to generate food and income through the sale of vegetables in two different communities; 60 fog catchers were built to turn fog into potable water in communities where there is no water; the project provided multi-parameter monitors for at-risk babies; purchased Gene Xpert 500 TB screening test kits which allow diagnosis in two hours; supplies to help rehabilitate child burn victims; and provided new instruments for the Children’s Symphony of Peru, who performed for Rotary in a moving and inspirational concert. Working side by side with Rotarians from around the world gives Rotarians the opportunity to take real steps to make a difference in the world. u
Local women preparing food in Lima, Peru.
Rotarians from the clubs of Bellflower, Santa Monica, Westchester, Calabasas, South Bay Sunrise, and Palos Verdes Peninsula visit an historical site of Incan ruins, in Cusco, Peru Lima, Peru. Site of global grant. Shanty town of Magdalena where Rotary is providing fog catchers, tree planting and economic development projects. Pictured in photo are Westchester Rotarians Lek Pollard and Judy Delavigne with local residents.
Lima, Peru. Shanty town of Magdalena. Pictured are Rotarians from Beverly Hills, Torrance, Del Amo, Westchester, Lake Arrowhead, Simi Valley and Wilshire
Lima, Peru. La Molina School. Site of project to give away back packs and school supplies to students. Pictured with students are Westchester Rotarians Lek Pollard and Judy Delavigne
May 23, 2019 rotary Club of westchester – Special Advertising Section
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R o ta r y C l u b o f W e s t c h e s t e r
1736 Family Crisis Center provides shelter and outpatient services By Erica DeBear The Westchester Rotary Club is honored to have had another year working with 1736 Family Crisis Center. 1736 is a Los Angeles nonprofit shelter and outpatient service for domestic violence survivors, runaway and homeless youth, low-income people, and persons in crisis. This past year, our club put together events to bring cheer to the residents of 1736 for Halloween, Christmas, and Easter. Since many of them are in not able to leave out of fear that their abusers will locate them, our events are a great way to bring a sense of normalcy back into their lives. Typically our events consist of family-friendly activities and lunch; Halloween, the kids dressed up in costumes and got the joys of a “normal” Halloween experience with tons of candy (sorry parents), crafts and pizza; Easter involved an egg hunt and Easter-themed crafts. Christmas at 1736 Family Crisis Center is when our club goes all out. It’s a truly rewarding sight. Prior to our event, the Westchester Rotary Club obtains from both children and mothers lists of all the gifts they hope they will receive for the holiday. Due to their circumstances, Christmas can be the time the parents dread the most and we are so grateful to be able to ease some of that stress by providing multiple gifts from wish lists of each child and mother. Seeing the joy on their faces when they open their gifts is so exciting! This coming year, Westchester Rotary hopes to do even more events with 1736. We urge everyone reading this to get involved! u
(front left) Erin Cueto with Camela Cueto, Stephanie Daley, and (far forward) Erica DeBear. (2nd row left) Sariah Archie-Galvan, Nicole King, Tori Hettinger, Bryson Ishii. (3rd row left) Vanessa Galvan, Stefanie Fujinami, Elbert Khautakoun
www.rotariansfightinghumantrafficking.org
PAGE 22 Rotary Club of Westchester – Special Advertising Section May 23, 2019
R o ta r y C l u b o f W e s t c h e s t e r
Rotary Support for Habitat for Humanity
Dog Toys
By Tom Johnstone The Rotary Club of Westchester has a reputation for active involvement in community service projects that help make Westchester the wonderful place it is. Projects this year have included the makeover of the Westchester Townhouse, a Make-A-Wish Foundation Mural Project, support for Westchester Pacific Villages, S.P.Y., Vision to Learn, 1736 Family Crisis Center, Airport Marina Counseling, the Westchester Senior Center and so much more. Beyond the makeover of the Westchester Townhouse, one of our favorite handson projects has been active support for the Habitat for Humanity build in Culver City. Beginning during the summer of 2018, Habitat for Humanity has been constructing homes for ten deserving families adjacent to the 405 Freeway in Culver City. Westchester Rotary is one of a handful of Rotary Clubs that are supporting this effort and members of our club have participated in four different weekends in June, July and October 2018, and February 2019, covering all phases of the construction.
Rotarian Elbert Khautakoun at Dog Toys event Rotarian and Habitat for Humanity volunteer Vanessa Galvan
The beauty of the Habitat builds is that there is something for everyone to do, from painting, to framing, to roofing and siding and insulation. Volunteers work with licensed contractors and learn how to use power tools, adhere to all building codes, swing hammers and have fun! Most of our volunteers have such a positive experience that they can’t wait to volunteer again. Though the first phase of 6 homes is nearing completion, a new phase of 4 homes is beginning so there will be many more opportunities to volunteer! Take the plunge and join us and find out what Westchester Rotary is all about — Service Above Self! u
GREAT PEOPLE DOING GREAT THINGS Keep up the good work. FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT TOWER PIZZA
Westchester Rotary ... Thanks for making our world a better place! XoXo Future Rotarians ... Kaitlyn, Sydney & Ethan Maleman
Rotarian volunteers assemble dog toys from discarded tee-shirts. Rotarian Lek Pollard displays newly created dog toy, August 2019 at WeWork Playa Vista
Jessica Herrera with Daniel Osztreicher assembling dog toys
Jessica Herrera, Erica DeBear, Tori Hettinger with “Cosmo” at Dog Toys event
ROTARY CLUB OF WESTCHESTER Congratulations For Supporting The Community For Over 69 Years!
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May 23, 2019 rotary Club of westchester – Special Advertising Section
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R o ta r y C l u b o f W e s t c h e s t e r
Courageous Citizen Awards
Pageant of the Arts By Cindy Williams The Pageant of the Arts is a combination of four competitions for high school students in the areas of art, dance, music, and speech. Each club in the District can enter one student in each area of competition, and the following students represented the Westchester Rotary Club at the district level:
Courageous Citizen awardees Mark Johnson, Juan Vanegas and Christian Vanegas pose with L.A. County District Attorney Jackie Lacey (center), deputy district attorneys and Rotary Club of Westchester President Tori Hettinger (right). Los Angeles District Attorney Jackie Lacey presented the awards on Feb. 13 during a luncheon hosted by the Rotary Club of Westchester at the Crowne Plaza LAX Hotel. “Here you have people who in many cases risked their own lives to stop a crime or help apprehend the criminal or testify when there could be retaliation. So it restores my faith in human nature,” Lacey said.
• Virginia Villalta won our local SPEECH contest and came in 1st place at the District competition • Syren Leo Hudson won our local ART competition • Matthew Sautter won our local MUSIC competition • Angela Wade, Michael Culpepper III and Jahmil Rising was represented by our club for DANCE at the District competition The local Pageant took place in Venice High School Sophomore Syren Leo February at Artistico School of Dance Hudson won Rotary Club of Westchester’s local at 8939 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite Pageant of the Arts contest, and represented 105, Los Angeles, CA 90045, courthe club as a contestant in Rotary’s District tesy of Linda Ayentes. The District competition. competition took place in March.
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PAGE 24 Rotary Club of Westchester – Special Advertising Section May 23, 2019
May 23, 2019 rotary Club of westchester – Special Advertising Section
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R o ta r y C l u b o f W e s t c h e s t e r
Boots and Badges
Members of the Westchester Rotary club along with officers and honorees from the following agencies: Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Pacific Division, Los Angeles World Airports Police Department, and the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) members are honored at Rotary Club of Westchester’s Boots and Badges event.
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PAGE 26 Rotary Club of Westchester – Special Advertising Section May 23, 2019
R o ta r y C l u b o f W e s t c h e s t e r
Westchester Townhouse Extreme Makeover
Rotary District 5280 Governor Joe Vasquez volunteers at Rotary’s Westchester Townhouse Makeover project.
Three Brownies, a Daisy, and a mom enter the newly renovated Westchester Townhouse
By Warren Bobrow
Volunteers Dee Sitseri and Judy Delavigne at Westchester Townhouse Makeover project.
Rotarian and club president Tori Hettinger volunteers at Westchester Townhouse Makeover project.
volunteers got their hands (very) dirty over two weekends. During Every other year, the the first weekend, we demolished Westchester Rotary Club works what was previously a kitchen with the community to do an exand installed a storage area along treme makeover project. This year, with replacing their cabinets. Then it was our pleasure and honor to some amazing professionals, such work with the Westchester Townas The Kitchen Store, Construction house located at 8501 Emerson Concern, TD Restoration, David Avenue in Westchester. Since Russell (murals), and Rainbow 1945, the Townhouse has provided Carpet did their work. a free space for any youth group to For the second weekend, the meet. It is an amazing community volunteers (including many Townresource and we were thrilled to be house users) then returned to able to shine a bright light on the paint, clean beams, and decowork that they do. rate to make the Townhouse look The project had several goals, AMAZING. This culminated with a including: reveal party where the community and Townhouse users were invited • Updating the bathrooms so that the facility was more ADA to see how the space had been transformed. There was a lot of friendly. tears of joy and excitement around • Create more storage space the “new” Westchester Townhouse! for the many activities at the This project could not have Townhouse. happened without the funds • Spruce things up a bit by restoring a 40 year old mural. raised by Westchester Rotary and generous donations made by the • Making the Townhouse a Drollinger Family Foundation, the more welcoming and funcWilliam H. Hannon Foundation, tional facility for the youth of the Westchester Women’s Club, Westchester/Playa del Rey. and the Rotary Club of Westwood Rotarians and other community Village. u
Rotarian Emily Earhart at Westchester Townhouse Makeover project.
May 23, 2019 rotary Club of westchester – Special Advertising Section
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Thanking the
Westchester Rotary Foundation for changing lives
through its endowment fund and creating a legacy in support of community projects, youth, families and vocational services.
TO MAKE A GIFT to the Westchester Rotary Foundation, please call John Ramey (310) 988-2400
PAGE 28 Rotary Club of Westchester – Special Advertising Section May 23, 2019