There’s a lighter side to our Rotary experience
that we sometimes overlook. Like the joy of St.
Patrick’s Day, fellowship sparks connection and
energizes our shared purpose. Laughter,
camaraderie, and diverse collaboration turn
service into a celebration of community, spirit,
and the bonds that unite us. In these moments,
the luck of the Irish is found not in fortune,
but in the joy we create together.
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🎤 Speaker of the Week:
Dr. Shawna Draxton - Executive
Director WISH Charter Schools
Shawna Draxton has dedicated her career to
building student-centered, high-quality schools.
She began as a paraprofessional at CHIME
Preschool and was a founding teacher of the
award-winning CHIME Charter School. She later served as founding principal of WISH Elementary
and helped develop WISH Middle and WISH
Academy High School. Today, as Executive
Director of the WISH TK-12 Community and
Academy schools, Dr. Draxton leads innovative,
inclusive, and data-informed programs while
partnering with educators, families, and
communities to create collaborative,
excellence-driven learning environments.
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Locked Out, But Not Without
a Sense of Humor!
At the Rock, Roll & Run event, Gwen recently got herself locked out of her car! As a playful reminder, she was gifted a box of “memory joggers” (aka candies for seniors) and a key finder to make sure next time she won’t be left standing outside. Who says Rotary meetings can’t come with a side of
fun… and a little help.
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PanCan Purple Stripe - Shannon Magid
El Segundo Rotary Club
With both laughter and a heartfelt invitation, President-Elect Shannon Magid encouraged us
to join El Segundo Rotary and District 5280 in
walking the PanCan Purple Stripe to fight
pancreatic cancer. Her goal is to raise $20,000
through $20 donations, with many of our PVSR
members' contributions adding over $300
to proudly support her effort.
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Glenn Gomez - District Endowment Chair
Last week we were honored to welcome Glenn
Gomez a member of Granada Hills Rotary. Glenn shared insights on the value and impact
of contributing to the broader world of The
Rotary Foundation, including navigating how
to become a Paul Harris Fellow as well as
other avenues of giving. As a former Chairman
of Polio Plus, he has firsthand experience
seeing how our contributions help drive the
global effort to eradicate polio.
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Celebrating Our 100% Paul Harris
Fellow Club Recognition ⭐️
It was also an honor to welcome Karen
Greenberg, District 5280 Rotary Foundation
Chair, to our meeting. Karen shared valuable
insights about the Rotary Foundation and the
impact it continues to make through projects
locally and around the world.
During her visit, she also recognized our club
with the District 5280 Sustaining 100% Paul
Harris Fellow Club banner for 2024–2025,
honoring the club’s outstanding commitment
to supporting the Rotary Foundation. This
recognition reflects the generosity and
dedication of our members in advancing
Rotary’s mission of service above self.
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Triple Rotary Foundation Recognition
Additionally, Karen recognized and honored Gail Goldstein, Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary
President Elect, with a rare triple recognition
for an extraordinary commitment to significant
support of the Rotary Foundation.
This distinction includes membership in the Paul
Harris Society for ongoing annual giving of
$1,000 or more, recognition as a Paul Harris
Major Donor for contributions exceeding $10,000,
and membership in the Bequest Society for
establishing a planned gift of more than $10,000
to the Rotary Foundation.
This remarkable dedication reflects both
generous support today and a lasting legacy
for Rotary’s work around the world. 🌎
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The Ace Appears - Congratulations
to Our Big Winner! ♠️🎉
Weekly raffle ticket pot had been growing each
Wednesday as the Ace of Spades remained
hidden.Last week, with only 10 cards left in the
deck, one lucky member, Co-President Martha,
drew the mighty Ace which was worth
over $1,300. Congratulations, Martha!
What a win!
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🎉 BingoFest 2026: A Sold-Out Success! 🍀
Our Spring fundraiser, Bingofest, was a
spectacular success—completely sold out and
full of energy from start to finish! Auction items
flew off the tables, and raffle ticket sales kept the
excitement high as lucky winners took home
fantastic prizes.
A huge shout-out to Rob and Gail for flawlessly
running the bingo games, and to Racquel and
Natalie for managing the auction and creating
a welcoming environment for all bidders. Special
thanks to Gwen, our event chair, for countless
hours ensuring every detail was handled perfectly,
and to Lisa for keeping our guests well-fed
and refreshed.
Hilton brought the fun with his spirited support
(Jameson and pickle juice shots, anyone?), while Linda’s balloon art added the perfect festive
touch. And let’s not forget John, impeccably
managing ticket sales with his usual charm.
Finally, a warm thank-you to the PVSR members
who made setup and teardown a breeze: Susan and Dean, Jan, Iris, Matthew, Ray
and Carmina, Stephanie, John, Racquel,
Natalie, Janet, Jim, Courtney,
Mary-Catherine, and Martha.
All funds raised at Bingofest go directly toward supporting our major projects, including
scholarships for high school seniors, teacher
mini-grants, and other initiatives that
strengthen our community.
Thanks to everyone who participated, volunteered,
and contributed—Bingofest 2026 was a reminder
of the energy, camaraderie, and community spirit
that makes PVSR truly special!
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Events This Week
District Breakfast March 21st
If you are interested in attending,
please let PVSR know as the club
will be sponsoring a table.
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Events Coming Up
Camp Pendleton Drive April 11th
📍 Hawthorne High School
4859 El Segundo Blvd.
Hawthorne, CA
⏰ 9 AM - 12 PM
📦✅
MOST NEEDED ITEMS:
- Diapers
- Kitchen Supplies
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Foster The Love April 18th
📍 Da Vinci Schools
201 North Douglas St.
El Segundo, CA
⏰ 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
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LAPD Pancake Breakfast April 25th
📍 LAPD Pacific Area Station
Los Angeles, CA
⏰ 8 AM - 12 PM
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Pageant of the Arts
Final Competition May 2nd
📍 Bateman Hall
11331 Ernestine Avenue
Lynwood, CA
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Mar Vista Family Center
Luncheon & Silent Auction May 14th
📍 Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles
⏰ 11 AM
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WE’RE PROUD TO BE PLAYA
VENICE ROTARIANS
“LET’S GROW - LET’S GLOW!”
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PLAYA VENICE SUNRISE ROTARY Serving our Community since 2005
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