PRESIDENT BRUCE JACOBS started off the meeting by inviting new member GANT GEORGE to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance and started us singing “God Bless America” accompanied by our very own KHRIS DODGE.
It was then JIM GARRETT’s turn to inspire us. What inspires you to get out of bed every morning? Well, JIM GARRETT’S daughter Iliana motivates him to. And one can see why after hearing him quote her “Every foster kid is one Adult away from AMAZING”. We too are inspired by Illiana.
A Celebration of Life for Mike DeVries will be held on June 16 at 11am at East Palms Chapel (5801 E. Grant Road)
Cards to send Well Wishes to former member Irene Decker were circulated. She was recently moved into Assisted Living. If you weren’t able to sign the card, reach out, she would love to hear from you.
Sergeant at Arms KHRIS DODGE introduced our guests and we were lucky enough to have seven of the Anderson Family members at the meeting along with our other wonderful attendees.
PAST PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN introduced our keynote speaker:
Today’s program featured Clay Abernathy, Founder of Idea’l Trade Institute. This amazing organization helps develop a skilled workforce of all ages (post secondary) by training them to build tiny houses from the ground up which are then purchased. This program gives these workers the skills they need to become employable licensed contractors while helping communities gain the skilled labor forces they need to thrive and serve the growing populations. What a fantastic program Clay, thank you for presenting today.
We celebrated two birthdays today; GARY OLSEN, two time lightning strike survivor and JIM GARRETT, carrier of the 1984 LA Olympic torch.
SAA KHRIS DODGE announced the winner of the raffle, (not the 50/50) and the winner was…. GENE CASAGRANDE, congratulations.
Lots of announcements that PRESIDENT BRUCE SHARED:
PRESIDENT BRUCE’s Miles for Memories has hiked over 2000 miles so far, almost the entire Appalachian Trail!
We will be carrying on the tradition of the Open Mic Meeting for PRESIDENT BRUCE’s final meeting on 6/21, sounds fun!
Saturday, June 24th is the Change of Administration Party at the Omni Tucson National, please join us when PRESIDENT BRUCE passes the gavel to PE MARGARET HIGGINS. All must sign up on the website under Upcoming Events.
JEANNE ZETAH then introduced our RYE Student Pelayo Alvarez. Pelayo shared with us his journey as an exchange student over the past year; the challenges, the families, the friends, wrestling, tennis state championship and jazz band. He also talked about where he was from; Vigo, Spain and his family. It sounds like this AMAZING young man had a wonderful year thanks to the support of our club and his host families. We hope you come back to visit us. Best of luck on your journey!
ROGER HARWELL had the honor of presenting the Orville McPherson Award to the very deserving JEANNE ZETAH. She has contributed so much to our club, Car Show Ticket Sales, Friday night auction, Centennial Auction, RYE officer, and that is just the tip of the iceberg. Congratulations JEANNE, our club is better because of members like you.
Next meeting on 6/14, PRESIDENT BRUCE will update us on the Car Show Survey Results
PRESIDENT BRUCE then ended the meeting with a toast!
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At our next meeting we will share the results from members that participated in our Car Show Survey. The Tucson Classics Car Show has been our signature fundraising event over the past 16 years. To date we have donated to local charities over $2.4 million dollars.
The following new Active Member applications have been submitted for membership in Rotary Club of Tucson:
JUNE/JULY UPCOMING SCHEDULE: 
The Change of Administration Event, when President Bruce passes the Gavel to incoming President Margaret Higgins, will take place on Saturday, June 24th at the Omni Hotels & Resorts, 2727 West Club Drive, Tucson, AZ 85742. Since this is not a Replacement Mixer, the Member and Guest fee is $75 which will be billed to your account. Registration is available on the website, 
