PLAYA VENICE SUNRISE 2025 - 26 Newsletter Vol 26 (Dec. 23, 2025)

In Gratitude

We had an opportunity to extend our sincere
thanks to the two individuals who consistently
have made our morning breakfast meetings enjoyable. Because of their dedication, we eat
well and experience service that allows everything
to run seamlessly. Thanks to Douglas and
Fernando for their thoughtful meal preparation
and outstanding service.

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Elf on a Mission

The Christmas elf arrived bearing beautiful
packages for our very own Lisa and Gail.
Their continued and unwavering commitment
to all things Rotary will surely delight Santa
when the elf reports back to the jolly old man.

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📸 Wednesday Meeting Captures

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A Christmas Filled With
Packages: Adopt-A-Family

Over the last week, our Adopt-A-Family teams
shared photos and touching stories from
delivering bags filled with toys, household
items, and personal goodies to our adopted
families—bringing care, kindness, and
joy to our community.

Team 1 - The Frolicking Elves

Dave, Evan, Janet, Jim, Natalie, Amanda and
Gwen brought holiday cheer and happy smiles to
their adopted family with a festive gift delivery.
Laughter and excitement filled the moment—
especially for the four young children, ages 6,
5, 3, and 1—whose joy perfectly captured the
fun and magic of the season.

🎄 ✨ 🎄 ✨ 🎄

Team 2 - Rotary Reindeer

Iris, Matthew, Jan, Rich, Rob, and Gail delivered
not only comfort in the form of two small sofas,
but also an abundance of wrapped toys and a
variety of other gifts for three excited children,
ages 14, 11, and 7.

The broader smiles came from Jesus who together
with his friend was given the opportunity to attend
two days at BTG Basketball camp courtesy of PVS
Rotarian, Justin Furtado.

The after glow of receiving gifts to opening
them with eager surprises. Priceless!

🎄 ✨ 🎄 ✨ 🎄

Team 3 - Happy Helpers

Ramona, Debbie, Dean, Susan and Bobbie were
warmly welcomed into their adopted family’s
home, where they enjoyed homemade horchata
and quesadillas. The greatest joy came from
14-year-old Lilliana, who will get to go shopping
for Y2K-style clothes in the new year with
Bobbie. This family filled these Rotarians’
hearts to overflowing.

🎄 ✨ 🎄 ✨ 🎄

Team 4 - Santa's Helpers Squad

Marsha, Ray, Martha, and two Venice High
School Interact students were warmly greeted
when the team arrived with their bags of gifts.
The four-year-old wondered why it had taken the
team so long to return, then immediately jumped with joy when he opened his first Christmas gift—
his quilt—and eagerly watched as the rest of the
family opened theirs. It was truly an amazing
experience for all.

🎄 ✨ 🎄 ✨ 🎄

Team 5 - The Holly Jolly Ho-Hos

Smiles and excitement filled the room as the
Martinez family opened their first Christmas
gifts—beautiful handmade quilts created with
love and care. Along with the quilts, the family
also received thoughtfully selected gifts that
brought laughter, gratitude, and a sense of
being truly cared for. Moments like these
remind us that the greatest gifts are not
just what is given, but the kindness and
connection shared.

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The Santa Tour

Over the years, the Santa Tour through Westchester and Playa del Rey has become a cherished holiday tradition—one that neighbors eagerly anticipate.
This year, Santa’s Tour truly outdid itself. It was the
largest celebration yet, with even more families
gathering at five festive homes to share in the joy.
As neighbors waited for Santa’s arrival, they
enjoyed hot chocolate, fresh cookies, candies,
and popcorn, filling the evening with laughter
and holiday cheer.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to Mrs. Claus, Santa,
the Elves, and the Secret Santa helpers, along with
the Firefighters from Station #5 and the officers
from Pacific Division, whose support made the
evening possible. Special appreciation also goes
to the five dedicated Rotarian teams who warmly
hosted and managed each welcome site. Together,
they created a magical night that will be
remembered for years to come.

And a much appreciated thank you to the five
hosting families: the Edwards, the Herbers,
the O'Keefes, the Youngers, and the
Johnston & Hart families.

📸 Photographs by Ira Mintz
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Rotarians Around Town

David Johnston and Evan Hart hosted a cookie exchange party that was pure delight. With approximately 15 different cookie creations to sample, our sweet teeth were more than satisfied
as we tasted, compared, and judged some truly
delicious entries.

Three winners were awarded prizes, and we’re
proud to share that our very own Gail took first
place! Her homemade, family Christmas recipe proved unbeatable, treating everyone to an
extra dose of holiday yumminess. 🍪✨

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