PLAYA VENICE SUNRISE 2025 - 26 Newsletter Vol 42 (Apr. 07, 2026)

Westside Food Bank:
A Call to Serve

Shaun Dyer, Community Engagement Manager
for the Westside Food Bank, shared a compelling
look at the growing need for food support across
Los Angeles County, where nearly 1 in 4 families—
about 2.5 million people—are food insecure. The
Westside Food Bank alone serves one-tenth of
the county and has seen demand double in just
7 to 8 months.

The organization plans to move into a much
larger warehouse, increasing the need for
volunteers. Nearly 2,900 volunteers served
last year, and the goal is to double that
number in 2026.

Through multiple weekly distributions serving
hundreds of families, Shaun’s message was
clear—this is a community effort, and everyone
has a role to play in helping nourish lives right
in our own backyard.

Shout out to Rotarian Debbie Bennett for her
efforts in creating an opportunity for PVSR to
volunteer at the Westside Food Bank in May.
We look forward to being part of this worthwhile cause, when Playa Venice Sunrise will participate
in the 'Epic Day of Service' with El Segundo
and Santa Monica Rotary Clubs on
May 23, 2026 at the Westside Food Bank.

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Rotaract Launch at
Otis College of Art & Design

District 5280 Rotaract was well represented
by leadership in support of a vision realized
by Governor Elect Brady—the re-establishment
of the Rotaract Club at Otis College of Art &
Design. With the support of both the Westchester
Rotary Club and Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary,
and under the guidance of faculty leader
Dr. JoAnn Staten, the club officially took flight.

PVSR showed up strong as well, with ten members
attending the mixer in celebration of this exciting
new chapter. Members of District 5280 Rotaract
were also present to support the students:
Christina Johnson - Board Secretary; Ricky D.
Ramirez - District Rotaract Representative; Ana
Acosta - Rotaract Board Member; and Denise
Zamora - Rotaract South Bay President

A highlight of the evening was hearing from
students who offered a preview of their
developing projects in Malawi. With plans to
refine the initiative and eventually pursue a
global grant, one of the projects is focused
on bringing light to students walking to and
from home in the dark, as well as supporting
their evening studies. It was impressive to
see their ideas already taking shape and the
thoughtful protocols being put into action.

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Peace Walk & Recognition

Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary was proudly
recognized as a Peacebuilder Club at this
year’s Peace Walk held at Ervin “Magic”
Johnson Park. With beautiful weather and a
strong turnout of approximately 100 walkers,
the one-mile walk was a meaningful reminder
of Rotary’s impact in building peace within
our communities.

Five of our members—Lisa, Stephanie, Ramona,
Becky, and Gwen—were honored to represent
the club and take part in this inspiring event.

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Camp Pendleton Diaper Drive

A heartfelt thank you to all PVSR members who contributed to the Camp Pendleton diaper drive.
Your generosity will make a meaningful difference
in the lives of many families and their children.
We are grateful for your kindness and support
of those in need. 💛

_________________________________

Rotarians Around Town

Pantages Theater - Spamalot

The opportunities for fellowship are many, and
an evening at the Pantages Theater is truly one
to remember. Gathering together - Jan, Gail, and
Iris enjoyed Spamalot which brought laughter,
connection, and a shared experience that reminds
us just how fun Rotary can be beyond our service.
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A Heart for Service:
President-Elect Gail at
No Kid Hungry Event

President-Elect Gail Goldstein was recently at
a fundraiser supporting No Kid Hungry, pictured
with Food Network chefs Brian Malarkey (right)
and Carlos Anthony (left)

No Kid Hungry, a campaign by Share Our
Strength, is committed to ending childhood
hunger in the U.S. Since 2010, it has helped
connect kids with the food they need to
thrive—driven by bold goals, innovation,
and the belief that everyone can make
a difference.
_________________________________

District Conference Cruise Availability
Due To a Cancelation - May 15-18, 2026

An exciting opportunity has just opened up!
Due to a last-minute cancellation, space for
two is now available for the upcoming District
Conference aboard the Royal Caribbean's
Quantum of The Seas taking place
May 15–18 from Los Angeles to
Ensenada and back.

If you’ve been thinking about attending—or
didn’t think you had the chance—this is it. It
promises to be a wonderful blend of fellowship,
inspiration, and a bit of adventure by the sea.

If you’re interested, please reach out to Gwen
as soon as possible for all the details. Don’t
miss this chance to be part of a memorable experience!
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Events This Week

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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Events Coming Up

Westchester Mental Health
Guild Wine and Cantalini's
April 20th

📍 Cantalini's
193 Culver Blvd.
Playa Del Rey, CA
⏰ 6 PM

In honor of Mental Health Month, we’re proud supporters of the Westchester Mental Health Guild and the important work they do in our community.

Join us for a special wine tasting at Lisa’s
Cantalini’s Restaurant—an evening of
wine, food, and fun.

Your support helps make
a meaningful difference.

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Lucille's Give-Back-Night
April 23rd

📍 Lucille's BBQ
6000 Sepulveda Blvd
Culver City, CA

⏰ 11 AM - 10 PM

Through Lisa Schwab’s efforts, we can plan on
enjoying a delicious BBQ at Lucille’s between
the hours of 11am-10pm on April 23 and give
back while you dine—our club will receive
20% in return. A great excuse to enjoy a
night out while supporting a great cause.

Please pass on to your neighbors
and friends.

Visit the restaurant website
www.lucillesbbq.com

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LAPD Pancake Breakfast
April 25th

📍 LAPD Pacific Area Station
12312 Culver Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA

⏰ 8 AM - 11 AM

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One Legacy Run/Walk
For Organ Donation

April 25th

📍 Azusa Pacific University
901 E Alosta Av.
Azusa, CA

⏰ 7 AM - 12 PM

A non-competitive 5K/1K Run/Walk to educate
and inspire the community about organ, eye,
and tissue donation with proceeds benefiting
the One Legacy Foundation.

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Pageant of the Arts
Final Competition
May 2nd

📍 Bateman Hall
11331 Ernestine Avenue
Lynwood, CA

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Teacher Eddy Awards
May 7th

📍 Hilton LAX Hotel
5711 W. Century Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA

⏰ 5:30 PM - 9 PM

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Pancake Breakfast
Fire Station #63
May 9th

📍 Fire Station #63
1930 Shell Ave.
Venice, CA

⏰ 8 AM - 12 PM

Join us on May 9th as Playa Venice
Sunrise Rotary hosts the annual Fire
Station #63 Pancake Breakfast—a
morning packed with fun for all ages!

Enjoy jump houses, a clown, face painting,
and a live auto extrication demonstration.
Capture the moment at the Venice Paparazzi
photo booth and take home fun give-aways
courtesy of the Stephanie Younger Group.

Bring the whole family for a great
community celebration!

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Mar Vista Family Center
Luncheon & Silent Auction
May 14th

📍 Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles

⏰ 11 AM