Temecula Sunrise Rotary​ Club 'Goes Above And Beyond'

Temecula CA

07 September, 2021

12:10 PM

Description

Press release from Temecula Sunrise Rotary Club: Sept. 7, 2021 Clubs and service organizations have suffered during a year and a half of COVID-19, unable to hold their usual fund-raising enterprises and charitable community activities. But one small Rotary club went "above and beyond" and continued to give back to its community in spite of the restrictions imposed on it. President Myra Allen became president of the Temecula Sunrise Rotary Club right in the middle of the worst of the epidemic. But that did not stop her from giving the members of the club many opportunities to serve. Without Myra's support and direction, the club might never have survived the year! Temecula Sunrise, like all Rotary clubs, suffered more than a year of setbacks because of the COVID-19 epidemic, from March 2020 throughout the rest of Myra's year, which ran from July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2021. Many meetings, community projects and fundraisers were cancelled, but because of Myra's outstanding leadership, the club was able to hold its meetings on Zoom, thanks to the expertise of president-elect Jon Grimm, participate in many Rotary District projects, and donate time to many local charitable organizations which were also struggling during the epidemic, including the Community Mission of Hope (CMOH), SAFE, Oak Grove Center, Jacob's House, and several Mexicali projects. The club's main fund-raiser, the 33rd annual 5K-10K Run through the Vineyard, was postponed, then postponed again and again. Safety Town, one of its most important community services, had to be cancelled in 2000, then again in 2001. The same was true for other important club efforts, including its illustrious literacy program. Treasurer Roger Weber observed: "Despite the resignations of several members and the cancellation of our major fundraiser and other customary events, Myra kept the Club engaged with 'Service above Self.' She continued to hold Zoom meetings and have District leaders attend in person or via Zoom. Two Zoom meetings were international in scope. She reached out to several groups - SAFE, Jacob's House, Community Mission of Hope, Oak Grove Center - and made donations of funds or volunteer hours of work. She inducted two new members, accepted four grants from the District and other nonprofits, kept the Chaparral Interact Club functioning despite high school closure, and kept the Christmas Dinner event alive with 900 drive-through meal pickups. She became a Paul Harris Fellow and reversed the Club's Foundation's downward trend by placing it on a slow growth, sustaining basis." Her sponsor Mark Sitar added: "Myra has kept us engaged in community projects such as Bus Bench cleanup, Jacob's House, CMOH, gift bags for seniors at Fountain Glen with our Interact students and has done so cheerfully during very trying times. She was the right person at the right time to be our President. A true cheerleader. As her sponsor, I couldn't be more proud of her." Members attended by Zoom various district informational and training sessions, such as District Assembly and District Conference. Some members also attended Rotary Leadership Training "RLI" sessions. Other innovative efforts started by Myra included sponsoring Oak Grove's MISTT (Most Improved Student Tales of Transformation) program and attending once a month via Zoom the MISTT celebration. Temecula Sunrise applied for the District 5330 Mask Grant and was awarded $690. The club distributed 8,000 disposable masks this year to various organizations. The club received and attended its five-year Milestone Certificate Award from the Temecula Chamber of Commerce via Zoom and picked up our club's certificate in person. Club members helped and supervised the CHS Interact club in a community service project picking up trash in Temecula Old Town. Members also helped the Calicinto Ranch (they are dedicated to reaching out to at-risk and hurting children) this past Christmas for their Calicinto Angel Tree Families, bringing joy and gifts to two families. The 26th Annual Community Christmas Dinner was a success, despite all the challenges, delivering 600 meals, giving out in all approximately 920 meals and giving out blankets to seniors. This all was made possible by our Temecula Sunrise Rotary Club, chair Mark and his wife Diane Sitar, in collaboration with the Temecula noon, New Generation and the Old Town Rotary clubs. As Myra left office on July 1, she handed the gavel over to the new president Jon Grimm and said, "Our 2020 projects were all accomplished with teamwork by our club's "Mighty Superstars," who are very resourceful members. My wish for everyone is to have a bright, prosperous and healing year ahead. Remember to be grateful and thank those who are important to you." Temecula Sunrise Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at 7:30 am at Journey's End at Pechanga and welcomes guests and new members. Attendance by Zoom is also offered. For more information about the club or to make a reservation, call 951-698-6116. This press release was produced by Temecula Sunrise Rotary Club. The views expressed here are the author's own.