Mar Vista Family Center Luncheon - Supporting Families,
Strengthening Community
It gives us great pride to support organizations
that truly make a difference in our community.
As one of the proud sponsors of Mar Vista Family
Center, Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary has witnessed
generations of families and children receive the
tools and encouragement needed to become
resourceful, resilient, and responsible citizens.
During the luncheon, two inspiring speakers
shared how the center provided them with
educational and emotional support during
their teenage years — support that helped
shape their futures and inspired them to now
give back to the very organization that once
guided them.
Leading the organization for more than four
decades is Lucia Diaz, a Playa Venice Sunrise Rotarian whose vision and leadership continue
to strengthen the nonprofit’s mission. Through
its unique “Shared Responsibility” model, the
center provides vital education, youth, and community programs for low-income families throughout the area.
Representing Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary
at the luncheon were Rotarians
Martha, Gwen, Gail, Rob, Bobbie, Sylvia,
Lisa, Stephanie, and guest Emily Colvin.
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AMCS Celebrates Community Heroes
The annual Airport Marina Counseling Service
fundraiser - Spring Into Well Being - brought
the community together to raise awareness
and support for mental health services. Each
year, AMCS honors a Community Champion,
and this year’s celebration paid tribute to all 21
past honorees, recognizing them collectively as
“Community Heroes” for their lasting impact
and dedication to mental health.
Adding to the evening’s warmth and energy was
longtime broadcaster and comedian Fritz Coleman, who served as emcee for the special event.
We were thrilled that Past Community Champion Honoree Lance Lipscomb and longtime club friend blessed our table with his presence!
In attendance were Playa Venice Sunrise
Rotarians - Gwen, Racquel, Linda, Lisa,
Stephanie, Bobbie, and guest Brook, along with
PVSR honorary member, Garrett Smith.
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PVSR Set Sail for District
Conference Fun and Fellowship
Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary members joined
175 Rotarians from across the District aboard
Quantum of the Seas for the District Conference,
held May 15–18 as the ship sailed from Los
Angeles to Ensenada and back. Representing
Playa Venice Sunrise and known as "Brady's Bunch"
were Jim, Gwen, Gail, Rob, Lisa, Steph, Brady, Racquel, and Brook.
The weekend kicked off with a lively Sail Away
dance and karaoke party filled with music,
laughter, and fellowship.
President-Elect Gail handed out "Brady Bags"
to some of our key friends in the District.
Throughout the conference, members attended plenary sessions showcasing inspiring club projects,
participated in the NAMI Walk aboard the ship to
raise funds for mental health awareness,
and we also visited an orphanage in Ensenada.
The District 5280 Baja Bash brought margaritas,
sangria, tacos, mariachis, and local Ensenada
Rotary Clubs together at a park near the ship.
PVSR also enjoyed Rotary trivia, shared nightly
dinners together at the club’s assigned tables,
and took in a few of the ship’s many activities
and entertainment offerings — including watching
the lively belly flop contest and enjoying time
around the ship together.
A special congratulations goes to Brady and
Racquel, who were among the winners of the
cabin door decorating contest.
Foundation President Gail attended the
Major Donor Reception, where she received
an All-Star Certificate of Recognition.
In a special moment during the conference, the Glendale Sunrise Rotary Club handed-off the Governor’s Home Club banner to Playa
Venice Sunrise Rotary in honor of Brady Connell becoming District 5280 Governor beginning July 1.
An equally exciting, proud and hilarious moment for our Club was when out-going Governor Alex "popped the question" to PVSR Governor-Elect Brady
asking if he could pin him as District 5280 Governor!
The Big Moment of the night...
For a 2nd Year in row
PVSR also proudly received another banner for
being a 100% Paul Harris Sustaining Club —
and, of course, the weekend’s biggest honor:
earning the Club of Impact Award for
Medium Clubs!
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Rotarians Around Town
BTG Celebrates a Successful Year
More than 90 attendees gathered at Cantalini’s
Salerno Beach Restaurant for the BTG Awards
Dinner, celebrating a highly successful year for
the students who participated in the basketball
programs and camps led by the BTG coaching
team and staff.
Justin Furtado presented awards and recognized
the tremendous accomplishments, growth, and
dedication demonstrated by the student athletes
throughout the year.
Supporting the evening and cheering on the
students were PVSR Rotarians Gwen, Iris, Gail,
Rob, Stephanie, Matthew, and hostess Lisa
Schwab, who helped make the celebration
especially memorable.
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