September 28
Jill Bright and Raquel Guerrero, Secretary and President of the 'Black & Gold Youth Football & Cheer Squad', spoke about the group's mission to teach sportsmanship, teamwork, strength, character, discipline and dedication by aiding youth participate in sports programs. Through donations and sponsorships, they are able to help deserving/but under-privileged youth have opportunities to participate in 'pay-to-play' sports programs.The Club provided a check for $500, and member Lee Holmes provided a matching amount. The group needs additional support -https://leagues.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=712568
Fitore Mucaj Shrock, from Rotary Club Prishtina International-RCPI/District 2485 - Kosovo presented a Rotary banner from her Club, and Roberta Holmes, presented a banner to Fitore that represents Superstition Mountain Rotary. ( https://www.facebook.com/RCPInternational -- https://rcpi-ks.org/ )September 21
Heather Wallace, Superintendent of Apache Junction Schools, talked about progress the district is making helping students climb to improved reading levels. She also shared information about receiving grants that are helping with pay-to-play and music programs. She spoke about extra-curricular and sports programs. Grants have also helped with the focus for increased safety, as well as making improvements for buildings and sports areas. Staffing has been an ongoing challenge post-pandemic.September 14
Our speaker was Jeff Struble, founder of Rhino Recreation Center. Jeff shared info about the center and the many positive programs and activities available for young people. Also, in co-ordination with his business, Fat Man's Pizza, events include AJ Open Mic events, Chess Club events and tournaments, AJ Kids Idol, as well as many other youth activities throughout the year. One recent community project Jeff has been involved with is 'buddy benches' for local elementary schools. 'Buddy Benches' were invented to combat loneliness and bullying in schools. Sometimes called a friendship bench, these benches are placed on school playgrounds as a way for students to signal to others that they are feeling lonely and isolated and need a friend to play with, or someone to talk to. The bench allows other children on the playground to clearly see when another kid needs support, or a friend, and they can join them on the bench for a chat or invite them to play.
September 7
Our speaker was Dee Baginski, founder of 'Courage Under Cancer Foundation, (along with Board members -- Jerry Baginski , Barbara Rae, Traicey Finder, and Dee Van Houten).Their mission is helping individuals battling cancer by providing support, and financial assistance when an individual finds themselves in a difficult situation of choosing between medical treatment, or basic living costs - ie rent, utilities, transportation to medical appointments, etc. The Club was able to make a donation to the Foundation.
Sunday, November 6th, 6-9pm is their fundraiser '2nd Annual Fashion Show' - held at Robert Horne Ford in Apache Junction. Tickets and sponsorships are available.
For more information - https://courageundercancer.org