Elijah Ndoye was born and raised in Senegal, West Africa, and moved to Tucson, Arizona in June of 1995. A proud University of Arizona alumnus, he holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in Operations Management. Elijah has built a successful career in banking, with over 20 years of experience serving the Tucson community.

Beyond his professional life, Elijah is a dedicated husband, father, and passionate humanitarian. He is the founder and executive director of The Forgotten Children, a registered nonprofit foundation that supports orphaned, impoverished, and homeless children in M’bour, Senegal. The organization’s mission includes the establishment of a boarding school to provide safe housing, nourishment, and education to children in critical need.

An accomplished musician, Elijah blends world contemporary styles with traditional African instruments. He is also the author of Dream on Seydou: A Memoir of a Senegalese Immigrant, sharing his inspiring journey from West Africa to the United States.

Deeply committed to community service, Elijah has volunteered with Casas de los Niños and Big Brothers Big Sisters and remains actively involved in local initiatives. He is a past chairman of the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce.

On Wednesday, June 4th, Rotary Club of Tucson members took a break from the usual ballroom buzz of the TCC and instead gathered across Tucson for this month’s “Events Around Town.” With our regular venue temporarily unavailable, the club turned this scheduling change into an opportunity to mix things up—literally!

From sushi rolls on Broadway to Southern-inspired bites on Oracle, members came together in smaller, more intimate groups at five locally loved restaurants, each hosted by a fellow Rotarian. The venues—The Parish, Vera Amore, Sushi Cho, Noodleholics, and Doughbird—offered the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations, laughter, and connections that can be hard to capture in a larger setting.

This format continues to be a favorite among members, offering a refreshing midweek pause that blends community spirit with Tucson’s diverse food scene. A big thank you to our June hosts: Mark Irvin, John Duval, Bobby Larson, Chuck Sawyer, Dot Kret, Dre Williams, and Bruce Jacobs. Your hospitality brought our club’s values of fellowship and service to life in a delicious and memorable way.

If you’re inspired to host one of these monthly gatherings, reach out to President Kurtis or the Rotary Office—we’d love to add your spot to the map! And don’t forget: we’re back at the TCC for our regular luncheon on June 11th. Until then, here’s to good food, great company, and strong Rotary ties.

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!