This very special event happens only once a year and we hope ALL members will come learn about our 14 Service Projects and support our Team Captains. All Rotarians who attend the lunch will have a chance to win a $200 Fleming’s gift certificate. We will also draw for seven amazing raffle prizes. Rotarians who worked on Service Projects for five days or more during the past year will be entered into the prize raffle.
After lunch, you will have the opportunity to visit as many Service Project tables as you’d like. Tables will be set up around the perimeter of the room, manned by the Team Captains who will give you an overview of the project scope and answer questions.
Attending the lunch does not obligate you to participate in a Service Project, but we hope we will pique your interest. Members who do participate find the rewards are grand—not only garnering satisfaction from helping others, but the camaraderie created between members is most rewarding.
Service before Self is Rotary’s motto and it is why our Club has refocused on making a difference in our community.
WELCOME Rotarians announced PRESIDENT ELECT BOBBY LARSON at Wednesday’s meeting. He rang the bell at 12 p.m. to officially get the meeting started then made the announcement on the buffet, we will have fellowship and at 12:15p.have the presentation.
We were led in the pledge and song by Member AUTUMN HUFAULT. Today’s song was “My Country Tis of Thee”.
The Inspirational moment was given by CHRIS EDWARDS. CHRIS shared a great quote about the soul of a city. It’s in the people, in helping others and giving back to the community. Which is just one of the reasons we are all here today.
Sergeant at Arms DAN KALM stepped up to the podium to introduce our guests. Welcome to all Rotarians and guests.
Next PE BOBBY LARSON announced the Cookie Monster for this week. It’s Member JASON GRABOSCH from Foothills Bank. JASON stood up to receive his award of the Cookie Monster Badge and was handed his official Cookie Bag for the leftovers. Thanks for your sponsorship this week JASON!
PE BOBBY LARSON then asked GEORGE LARSEN to step up to the podium to introduce our speaker for today’s presentation, Don Bourn, CEO of Bourn Companies. Don presented slides about the projects Bourn Companies are currently working on that is “Uptown”. These slides offered a visual update on this project, that is the old Foothills Mall. Once completed, this will be a great mixed-use property focused on safety, with residential, commercial spaces along with retail spaces, restaurants and a park. There were a few questions from the audience before presenting Don with our Make Way for Books, book signing “Dig, Build, Excavate” to go into the Library.
Next up were our Rotary Club Birthdays. PHIL GUTT (8/27). A very happy birthday to you!
We have one New Member to introduce this week. PHIL GUTT introduced new member SCOTT TILLEY of TRAK to the club. Welcome SCOTT!
The Raffle and King of Clubs game presented by DAN KALM. King of Clubs card was not drawn. Better luck to all club members next meeting.
Next up…Rotary Announcements:
PE BOBBY LARSON reminded the members the announcements are on each table to view and listed on the website as well as in the Tucsotorian.
PE BOBBY LARSON shared the slide of the Red Badge Selfies for this week, everyone looked great! Remember to take selfies with our Red Badgers. For the next meeting we are back in our normal room, on the other side of the TCC. BOBBY gave a huge congratulations to the members that were a part of the Senegal Global Grants project. It’s quite a feat to be awarded a Global Grant. There is a lot of planning and research that goes into the process. The grant has officially been signed, sealed and delivered! The Grants Committee will meet after next week’s lunch to plan the next steps.
DAVE WHITE gave a quick Car Show update. There are still plenty of opportunities to help sell tickets, be sure to sell, sell, sell when you are out and about too. There are several ways we’ve made it easy for you to create links and share on social media, there are posters, cards and QR codes in the back of the room for you to display and share with your colleagues and friends. The Car Show will be here before we know it.
DIANA MADARAS then announced next week’s meeting will be all about the amazing Service Projects our club participates in. There will be a raffle and those that had participated in 5 or more service projects last Rotary year will be entered into a drawing. A huge thank you to all the Service Project Captains last year. Be sure to attend next week. PRESIDENT ELECT BOBBY LARSON then gave another big thank you to DIANA for taking on the Service Projects. DIANA has really put a lot of work into this.
Last announcement was a Happy Jackson from JASON GRABOSCH. He recently was blessed with the new title of Granddad. Congratulations JASON and family on your amazing addition to the family!
PRESIDENT ELECT BOBBY LARSON closed today’s meeting by thanking all our members and guests for being here today and those watching online. The scholarship cups are on the table if you’d like to donate. Happy birthday to PHIL. Welcome to the club SCOTT.
CHRIS EDWARDS gave the final toast before ringing the bell to adjourn the meeting. Here-here! That’s all folks!
Welcome, new Rotarians — and longtime members who might need a refresher! Whether you joined Rotary to serve your community, make business connections, or just enjoy lunch with fewer spreadsheets, it helps to know whose footsteps you're walking in.
And in Tucson? Those footsteps are covered in desert dust, civic pride, and the occasional saguaro needle.
A Legacy Born in the Roaring Twenties
When the Tucson Rotary Club was founded in 1921, the world was recovering from a war, and Tucson was still figuring out how to be a city and not just a very enthusiastic crossroads.
Early club records were, in their own words, “skimpy and intermittent,” which we interpret as Rotarian-speak for “we were too busy doing things to write them down.” But here’s what we do know: this club hit the ground running.
By 1928, we were already:
Assisting with campaigns for new schools.
Raising $400 for the Boy Scouts’ Summer Camp by challenging the Kiwanis Club to a baseball game. (Because who doesn’t bond over civic rivalry and minor athletic injury?)
Pledging funds for the Arizona Children’s Home.
Funding YMCA swimming access, charity drives, and a support system for traveling Rotarians.
If it sounds like a lot — it was. And they did it in wool suits. In June. In Tucson.
Root Hogs, Black Sheep, and Rotary Shenanigans
During the “Roaring Twenties,” each meeting table had a hot debate topic: Should employers give wedding gifts? Should merchants extend credit to teachers? Should pharmacists offer kickbacks?
These weren’t just business questions — they were lively, often hilarious conversations that ended with spirited votes, mixed results, and at least one speaker being lovingly roasted by fellow members (we see you, Pop McKale).
Speaking of Pop: He was club president in 1933–34, and is rumored to have coined the term “roast beef and frozen pea circuit” to describe the sheer number of dinners Rotarians endured while raising funds and building partnerships.
And in case you’re wondering: Yes, you were ranked by attendance back then. Over 90%? You were a sheep. 60–90%? A goat. Under 60%? A skunk. Yes, really. A skunk.
Hard Times, Hard Work
The Depression years were tough, but the Tucson Rotary Club didn’t flinch. Instead, they:
Sponsored Boy Scout troops and sent boys to camp.
Helped veterans from World War I.
Gave generously to children’s hospitals.
Provided milk bottle collections to support Red Cross relief
Helped to raise $620,000 in the sale of War Bonds
Even World War II didn’t stop the club. Members supported rationing boards, funded war efforts, and still managed to smile through it all — sometimes with a brass band and a burro’s head on a lunch tray (it’s in the records; we’re just as confused as you are).
Enter the Tucson Classics Car Show: Tradition, Horsepower, and Heart
Fast forward to 2007: Our club launched a new tradition that blends community, cars, and a whole lot of elbow grease — the Tucson Classics Car Show. This isn’t just an event; it’s our event. And it's raised over $2.8 million for local charities.
It's a highlight of the Rotary year. Think pristine classics lined up on a green lawn, proud owners sharing restoration stories, kids getting their first taste of chrome-coated wonder — and Rotarians in sunhats making the magic happen behind the scenes.
There’s even a (possibly true, possibly mythical) story about one of the early car shows being accidentally scheduled the same day as a mariachi festival — leading to an impromptu serenade of a '65 Mustang. Only in Tucson, right?
This Is Your Club — Now Drive It Forward
From supporting schools to sending Scouts to summer camp, from war relief to mariachi-meets-Mustang moments, Tucson Rotary has a rich, weird, beautiful history.
And now it’s yours to shape.
So jump in. Join a committee. Volunteer for the Car Show. Share your ideas. You don’t have to wear a suit in June or rank as a goat — but you can help steer the next century of service. We’ve got more history to make.
Join your fellow Rotarians for a fun and relaxed evening at The District Bites & Brew, one of Tucson’s newest gathering spots! This casual neighborhood bar and restaurant is known for its welcoming vibe, elevated comfort food, and full bar featuring local craft beers and creative cocktails.
Reconnect with friends, welcome new members, and enjoy some midweek camaraderie—Rotary style!
📅 Wednesday, August 27, 2025 🕠 5:30 – 7:30 PM 📍 The District Bites & Brew – 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
This is a great opportunity to:
Strengthen connections within our club.
Invite prospective members to experience the fellowship of Rotary.
Unwind and have fun in a lively, local setting.
The District offers plenty of seating, and a friendly atmosphere.
All members and guests must sign up on the Website under Upcoming Events. Guest Fee is $35 and will be billed to your account. We hope to see you there!
Following our recent genome sequencing presentation by Dr. Laubitz, we are announcing an upcoming tour of the Steele Children’s Research Center! The tour will take place on Wednesday, August 27th at 12 noon. Plan on approximately an hour and a half visiting four labs on the tour. We have availability for 30 max to attend the tour so let us know as soon as possible.
Please contact Cami Evans crcwik@me.com to sign up and for further details
Make sure to save the date of Saturday, September 13, 2025 for the final installment in this year'sSummer Hiking Series. Next month's stroll will also include Marshall Gulch but with a starting point from the Sunset Trailhead will offer something that many of us have not experienced, myself included.
Mark your calendars; we begin a new season of Tucson Clean and Beautiful - adopt a road on Saturday, September 20th, 2025.
Start time - 7:15AM - end time 9:15AM.
We meet at the former Fiesta Bowling - now Pinz. 501 River Rd. Please wear a hat, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, and gloves. We have bags, grabbers, and vests. Bring your energy and Rotary enthusiasm.
The Rotary Club of Tucson Cycling Fellowship will start up once again. The dates are November 8th and November 15th. The Ride starts 8 AM at the St Philips Plaza Campbell and River on the South side near the REN coffee shop. We will ride the loop going West. The ride is for all riders of any ability and the pace and distance is entirely up to the rider. This ride is meant to be a fun training ride in preparation for the El Tour de Tucson. Riders should wear Rotary jerseys if possible.
You all should have received the email from the Rotary Office with the Parking Protocols at the TCC. In order for us to continue to receive the complimentary parking, you will need to supply your Name and License Plate Number to kate.calhoun@tucsonaz.gov. When sending your information, please reference that you are a member of the Rotary Club of Tucson. After she has recorded your number into the system, you will not be charged for parking at the TCC going forward. If you have a guest attending a lunch meeting, please inform them they will need to validate their license plate number by stopping by the Guest Services Office inside the glass meeting room doors. Also, if you are driving a different car then the one you supplied information for, you too will need to stop by the Guest Services Office. Please remember to bring your License Plate Number with you when you leave your car.
Thank you and please relay all your questions to Kate at the TCC via the email provided.
Starting July 16, we'll be accepting ticket money for Car Show tickets at the TCCS Ticket table as well as giving out packets, additional tickets, posters, and promotional cards.
We'll also have Classics Club tickets available for those of you who would like to buy or sell them.
Please pick up your Car Show Ticket Packet by Aug. 6 which has lots of great info to help you sell your tickets.
If you plan to make a donation or sell online or at events instead of taking a ticket packet, please let Jeanne Zetah know that by Aug. 6.
Let's all help make this the best Car Show ever! Thank you ~~ Jeanne Zetah
At the Rotary Club of Tucson, we believe in giving back to our community and supporting causes that make a real difference. And now, it’s easier than ever to contribute to our efforts!
We’re excited to highlight a new way for you to make your donations directly to the Rotary Club of Tucson Foundation – all from the comfort of your own home! Simply head to our website, where you’ll find the gold Donation button at the top right of the menu bar. Whether you're contributing to our Scholarships, making a General Donation, or supporting our Local Charities, your generosity will help fund important initiatives that uplift our community.
But wait, there’s more! If you're joining us for lunch at the next meeting, don’t forget to look for the blue scholarship cups on the tables. These cups now feature a QR code that will take you straight to the Donation Page with just a quick scan. No need for cash or checks – donate right from your phone!
We can’t thank you enough for your ongoing support of our Foundation. Your donations directly benefit our community and empower us to continue making a meaningful impact. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Rotary office.
Let’s continue to do good in our community – with a click, a scan, and your generous heart!
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This very special event happens only once a year and we hope ALL members will come learn about our 14 Service Projects and support our Team Captains. All Rotarians who attend the lunch will have a chance to win a $200 Fleming’s gift certificate. We will also draw for seven amazing raffle prizes. Rotarians who worked on Service Projects for five days or more during the past year will be entered into the prize raffle.
Next PE BOBBY LARSON announced the Cookie Monster for this week. It’s Member JASON GRABOSCH from Foothills Bank. JASON stood up to receive his award of the Cookie Monster Badge and was handed his official Cookie Bag for the leftovers. Thanks for your sponsorship this week JASON!
PE BOBBY LARSON then asked GEORGE LARSEN to step up to the podium to introduce our speaker for today’s presentation, Don Bourn, CEO of Bourn Companies. Don presented slides about the projects Bourn Companies are currently working on that is “Uptown”. These slides offered a visual update on this project, that is the old Foothills Mall. Once completed, this will be a great mixed-use property focused on safety, with residential, commercial spaces along with retail spaces, restaurants and a park. There were a few questions from the audience before presenting Don with our Make Way for Books, book signing “Dig, Build, Excavate” to go into the Library.
Following our recent genome sequencing presentation by Dr. Laubitz, we are announcing an upcoming tour of the Steele Children’s Research Center! The tour will take place on Wednesday, August 27th at 12 noon. Plan on approximately an hour and a half visiting four labs on the tour. We have availability for 30 max to attend the tour so let us know as soon as possible.
Make sure to save the date of Saturday, September 13, 2025 for the final installment in this year's Summer Hiking Series. Next month's stroll will also include Marshall Gulch but with a starting point from the Sunset Trailhead will offer something that many of us have not experienced, myself included.
The Rotary Club of Tucson Cycling Fellowship will start up once again. The dates are November 8th and November 15th. The Ride starts 8 AM at the St Philips Plaza Campbell and River on the South side near the REN coffee shop. We will ride the loop going West. The ride is for all riders of any ability and the pace and distance is entirely up to the rider. This ride is meant to be a fun training ride in preparation for the El Tour de Tucson. Riders should wear Rotary jerseys if possible.
You all should have received the email from the Rotary Office with the Parking Protocols at the TCC. In order for us to continue to receive the complimentary parking, you will need to supply your Name and License Plate Number 
At the Rotary Club of Tucson, we believe in giving back to our community and supporting causes that make a real difference. And now, it’s easier than ever to contribute to our efforts!
