Rotaract Club of Downtown San Diego Weekly Announcements May 15, 2007

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Next Meeting Our next general meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at 6:30 pm at Kansas City BBQ, 610 W. Market Street, Downtown San Diego. We're having special guests at our meeting tonight. Check out the details below! Don't forget that Rotaract elections are taking place tonight as well! More below. We're looking forward to seeing you there!

Special Guests at Our Meeting Tonight May 15 (Tuesday) 6:30 pm Kansas City BBQ, 610 W. Market Street, Downtown We will be welcoming two guests to our May 15 general meeting: Mr. Ryan Pocock will join us from Father Joe's Villages to share information on our 2007 Ace of Hearts beneficiary. Mr. John Hawkins, President/CEO of Cloud 9, will join us as our Professional Development speaker, focusing his talk on our current Roadmap to Leadership topic – Integrity.

2007-2008 Rotaract Elections Tonight It's that time again... for Rotaract Elections! In less than two months, a new (and improved?) board will take the helm and bring our Rotaract club into its new year. Here is the chance for you to become a part of a dynamic leadership group that will no doubt become part of your San Diego family. New board members will take office July 1, 2007 but voting is only weeks away. There will be nominations and voting for the four (4) elected positions: President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. Nominations for these positions were presented at our meeting on May 1. Elections will take place at the general meeting on May 15. Once these four are elected they will build the rest of their supporting board. The time between mid-May and July will allow for a better transition from the current board to the new board. We plan to mentor each new board member and provide experience and knowledge transfer for planning events and meetings in advance of taking office. Start thinking about where you will fit in on the 2007-2008 board. If you think that you may be a great fit for any of the Board positions, please do consider this fantastic opportunity. You are welcome to approach the person who is currently in whatever Board position(s) you're interested. We appreciate your interest and excitement. If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to ask Bridget or any member of our current or past boards.

Another Rotary Meeting Off-Site This Month May 16 – University Club, Downtown May 23 – Off-Site! May 30 – University Club, Downtown The Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club will be meeting at an off-site location on May 23rd. They will be back to the University Club on May 16th and 30th. If you're intersted in attending one of the off-site meetings, you may contact Gidget Rangel for more information and directions. Check out the Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club's upcoming guest speakers and off-site meeting locations below.

Additional Community Service Opportunity: Surfrider Beach Clean-Up May 26 (Saturday) 9:00 - 11:00 am Tower 23 Hotel (meet on Felspar Street) Here's an additional Community Service opportunity for May: Surfrider is having a beach clean-up in front of the Tower 23 Hotel on Saturday, May 26th from 9:00 - 11:00 am.

Rotaract Hits the Road! June 05 (Tuesday) 6:30 pm Father Joe's Villages: Head Office Our June 05 general meeting will take place off-site, on the grounds of Father Joe's Villages head office. Details and directions will be shared at our next meeting on May 15, but please mark your calendars now so you may plan in advance. This will be a unique meeting – allowing us to see and learn about FJV. As an added treat, they're generously treating us to dinner, too! We look forward to this special opportunity.

Joint Event with the North County Rotaract Club: Volunteer at the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon June 03 (Sunday) 6:00 am - 12:30 pm San Diego Join the Downtown Rotaract Club and the North County Rotaract Club for a fun volunteer event at a water station at this year's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon. From working the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon the last couple of years, the day usually starts pretty early. You have to be at the water station, depeding on where along the course you are, by 6:00 or 6:30 am, maybe earlier, because they start to close off streets along the route. Once there, you help set up tables and start filling cups with water. Lots of cups, with lots and lots of water. Once the racers start to come by, it is a matter of holding out cups of water for the to grab as they go by, and then filling more and cleaning up. Once the last of the racers have gone by, clean up the remaining cups, break down the tables sweep up the trash, and head out. We have usually been done by 12:00 pm or 12:30 pm the last 2 years. Again, some of this depends on where along the route you are, the farther along, the later you will finish. It has been a lot of fun the last couple of years. The runners are really appreciative of having you there, and cheering is encouraged. Comfortable shoes and jeans or shorts depending on weather. Bring folding chairs to rest and snacks. Benefits of Volunteering You get a free ticket to the post-race headliner concert: Celebrate the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon's 10th Anniversary with none other than Grammy Award Winning Vocalist and Songwriter Seal! You get a free Race Crew T-Shirt. You'll be recognized at Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Night at PETCO Park. You get a free race goodie bag. You get a chance to win a free trip on Southwest Airlines. You get the satisfaction of helping others. You'll have a great time! To sign up, please go to www.rnrmarathon.com.

Fifth Annual Ace of Hearts on June 15 On June 15th, the Rotaract Club of Downtown San Diego will hold its Fifth Annual Ace of Hearts event in Downtown San Diego. Ace of Hearts is a Monte Carlo Casino night, this year hosted at the Luna Lounge. We play poker, craps, blackjack and more... and all for a worthy cause. Ace of Hearts – A Monte Carlo Casino Night Luna Lounge 639 J Street June 15, 2007 (Friday) 7 pm – 10 pm A Benefit for Father Joe's Villages Our Beneficiary This year, our Ace of Hearts event will support Father Joe's Villages, a homeless rehabilitation organization dedicated to addressing the immediate and ongoing needs of underprivileged children, families and individuals who, for various reasons, have found themselves without basic life necessities. Each of Father Joe's Villages provides "one-stop shopping" – comprehensive, essential care all under one roof. Programs such as education, job training, child care, medical and dental care and substance abuse counseling enable thousands of families and individuals to discover the confidence and the ability to succeed. Honoring the dignity of every child and adult encourages them to invest in their own future. From a small center handing out peanut butter sandwiches 50 years ago (long before Father Joe arrived), Father Joe's Villages have grown to a family of seven large "villages" in the Southwest. And they are still growing. What began with a meal has evolved into a model program for serving the homeless. Our Event Location Luna Lounge is a fantastic new location with a great vibe near the ballpark in Downtown San Diego. The lounge is the "new hotspot in town where urban chic and downtown sophistication meet. Luna Lounge, where timeless elegance and contemporary cool flow together to create the ultimate new restaurant/lounge in downtown San Diego ... classy, exciting, and unique." About the Rotaract Club of Downtown San Diego The Rotaract Club of Downtown San Diego is a community service and social organization made up of young professionals. Rotaract fosters leadership and responsible citizenship, encourages high ethical standards in business, and promotes international understanding and peace. For additional information about Rotaract, or for membership information, please visit www.sdrotaract.org. See photos from Ace of Hearts Casino Nights 2005 and 2006 by clicking the respective year. Please help the cause by sharing this information with friends, family and co-workers and encouraging them to tell their friends. Thanks for your support! We're looking forward to celebrating with you for a great cause on June 15th!

Camtu Travels to Italy San Diego Rotaract to be represented in Italy later this month! Congratulations to member Camtu Pham, who was selected to participate in an intercultural experience in Italy! Camtu will share more about her plans at our next meeting, including the regions to which she'll travel and the activities planned. We're thrilled for Camtu to have this experience, and we'll look forward to learning about how Rotaract continues to cross borders and connect young adults around the world.

Wanted: Used Cell Phones! Jonathan Stone from the Downtown Breakfast Rotary is participating in a cell phone recycling program. He is asking all of us to bring in our old cell phones that we don't need anymore. Jonathan is working with an agency that recycles these phones for parts or by giving newer models to people in need. Since we can't throw away old cell phones because of their batteries, this is the perfect chance to dispose of your phone and see it put to good use. Please bring your used cell phones to our meetings on the first and third Tuesday of the month and turn them in to Jonathan Stone or Cade Fulton.

USCC 2007 Symposium & Rotaract Pre-Convention: Service Without Borders USCC Symposium: June 13-14 (Wednesday-Thursday) Rotaract Pre-Convention: June 15-16 (Friday-Saturday) Rotary International Convention: June 17-20 (Sunday-Wednesday) Salt Lake City, Utah "Service Without Borders" – That is this year's theme for the USCC Conference and Rotaract Pre-Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. The annual gathering of the over 400 Rotaract Clubs in the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean is scheduled conveniently to precede this year's worldwide Rotaract pre-convention, at which clubs from all regions of the world will attend. You may check out specific info on USCC, as well as the Pre-Convention. Bascially, USCC is our opportunity to engage, share and learn from Rotaractors in our region. ...then, we are invited to stay on and network with Rotaract clubs. Truly, these events demonstrate the global span of Rotaract. We encourage our club members to attend. If you have questions, please contact Bridget Johnson and/or Andrea Espinoza.

San Diego Downtown Breakfast Rotary Meeting The San Diego Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club is meeting every Wednesday at 7:00 am at the Symphony Towers University Club, 750 B Street, Suite 3400. Next scheduled speakers / events: May 16 Chief William Lansdowne SDPD Chief of Police "Crime in America's Finest City" May 23 Breakfast at the Zoo Off-Site! San Diego Zoo May 30 Teri Patterson Operation Homefront June 06 Stacy Jer UCSD student in Ghana For last minute changes, please check http://www.sdrotary.org!

Members' Bulletin Board Former Rotaract President Evan Papel hosts ONE – An Event to Benefit the People of New Orleans May 19 (Saturday) 7:24pm – 10:30 pm Onyx Room, Downtown ONE - The People of New Orleans Still Need Our Help! Casino Tables. Amazing 10-piece Brass Band – Authentic Food – and Free Drink. Silent Auction and Raffle Prizes. $45 pre-sale; $50 at the door. More info and buy tickets @ www.one-san-diego.org     Celebrating National Tourism Week in Your San Diego May 12 - May 20 The goal of NTW is to highlight the powerful economic, social, and cultural impacts of travel through events and celebrations. Every community has its own special appeal. Local tourism attractions and historic places create a unique destination and promotional angles. Most tourists, and even many residents, don't know much about local history... Do you? Tourism is San Diego's third largest industry, delivering to the city many economic and culural benefits. San Diego has so much to offer and appreciate, including recent developments in: stage and creative arts, dining, and local music. Whether you have visitors in town this week or you take take the opportunity to be "Tourist for a Day," this is the perfect time to discover and appreciate the history and resources right here in America's Finest City! To learn more about NTW, visit the Travel Industry Association's website, and to learn more about our local visitor industry, visit the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau website. Voices for Children Seeking Volunteers May 16 & June 06 (Wednesdays) "Help stop the child abuse crisis. San Diego's abandoned and neglected children desperately need you. Volunteer to serve as a child advocate. All training provided. Volunteers visit and lend support to the children, interview all parties involved, and make recommendations to the court. Men and bilingual speakers are especially needed." Volunteer information sessions will be held on Wednesday, May 16th and June 6th. Call Voices for Children at 858-569-2019 or visit http://www.speakupnow.org. Volunteer Opportunity: American Heart Association Benefit Event May 18 (Friday) 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm Hotel Del Coronado The American Heart Association is holding their annual fundraiser this Friday. This intimate and unique evening filled with music, gaming, mixing and Monopoly starts when 128 players sit down for a competitive (but friendly) Monopoly tournament at the Hotel Del Coronado. As players battle to bankrupt their opponents, the party continues to flow. With complimentary gaming chips in hand, other guests try their luck at blackjack, roulette, craps and other gaming, vying to win a variety of prizes. Proceeds raised will go towards life-saving heart disease and stroke research, public health education and professional education for our local medical community. Volunteers will assist with running the games, and dinner is provided. It is preferred that all volunteers arrive no later than 5:30 pm. Orientation/Information session will start promptly at 6:00 pm. Volunteers are asked to plan on staying until the end of the event; however, not all may be needed for the entire time. For more information on AHA or the event, please click here. If you're interested in volunteering, please contact Emily Harris. Want to Learn How to Dance to Blues Music? May 18, May 25, June 01 (Fridays) 7:00 - 7:50 pm Vinbladh's Swedish Fusion Cafe Special lessons on three Fridays starting this week: May 18, May 25 and June 1. 7:00 pm to 7:50 pm. Held at Vinbladh's Swedish Fusion Cafe. Try their outstanding light meals and desserts before or after. **Learn from Chris Stewart, passionate swing and blues teacher** Take any or all of these classes for a special Blue Bella pre-Grand Opening price $5.00 per class. Brought to you by Rotaract member, Elizabeth McGuire, long-time blues and tango aficionado. For more information, email Elizabeth and Andra. "Blue Bella" – Monthly Blues and Soul Dance Every 2nd Friday of the month (starting on June 08) 9:00 pm - 1:00 am Ciao Bella, 5263 Baltimore Drive, La Mesa, 619-337-0238 **Monthly Blues and Soul Dance held at Ciao Bella** Blue Bella will be held every second Friday of the month. Grand Opening: Friday, June 8, 9:00 pm - 1:00 am, Free, at Ciao Bella (come early for authentic Italian cuisine, reservations recommended). Explore dancing to various music and tempos provided by DJ Firemark. Free lesson with Chris on variations of blues basics 9:00 pm – 9:40 pm. Brought to you by Rotaract member Elizabeth McGuire. For more information, email Elizabeth and Andra. Heroes on the Harbor June 15 (Friday) 6:30 - 11:00 pm USS Midway aircraft carrier, San Diego Bay Heroes on the Harbor on the USS Midway aircraft carrier, San Diego Bay: An Evening with Live Music, Silent Auction, Fireworks and a Wine/Chocolate Extravaganza. On June 15th, we honor these heroes aboard the USS Midway aircraft carrier on San Diego Bay. All proceeds will benefit the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund which provides financial assistance to those Marines and other service personnel that have paid a significant price in serving our country. Ticket Prices: $70 if purchased by May 15, $85 after May 15. All proceeds to benefit the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. There is a $3 service charge per ticket. For more information, please click here. Make-a-Wish Foundation® of San Diego: 5th Annual Wags for Wishes July 06 - 08 (Friday - Sunday) 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Del Mar Horse Park, 14550 El Camino Real, Del Mar The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of San Diego presents the 5th Annual Wags For Wishes, the largest and most comprehensive dog show on the West Coast. With over 2,000 competitors and 15,000 spectators expected, Wags For Wishes has everything: agility, dock dogs, herding, flyball, lure coursing, disc dogs, Jack Russell Terrier events, obedience, dockdogs and conformation. Admission is only $5.00, children 12 and under are free! So come out and help make wishes come true. Your support of this wonderful event will enable us to grant the wishes of children who are battling life-threatening medical conditions. Make-A-Wish Foundation® of San Diego granted wishes to 160 children and we expect to grant even more this year. From a laptop computer for a child who spends too much time in the hospital, to a dream Disney vacation for the entire family – no wish is too big or small. Post your own message here! Do you need a roommate? Trying to sell your car? Let Rotaract work for you! Post your message here in the newsletter and have it be seen by over 100 like-minded people. Just send an e-mail to newsletter@sandiegorotaract.org with "Bulletin Board" in the subject line. Please remember to also include a general time frame for your message, e.g. 3 weeks, 2 newsletters, or until November 1st.

Rotaract & Rotary Trivia Bill Boyd, 2006-07 Rotary International President: Bill's Resource Groups – Public Relations The Public Image Resource Group will support, advise, motivate, and stimulate discussion and disseminate information to districts and clubs. By telling Rotary's success stories to all media, local government officials, communities, and civic leaders, the group will work to enhance Rotary's public image. Group members will actively help and encourage individual Rotary members, clubs, and districts to develop plans and initiate activities that will enhance the visibility of Rotary in local communities, sharing with the public what Rotary is and what Rotary does. Emphasis will be given to identifying resources among Rotarians to help implement RI's global image campaign, and to initiate activities that will increase awareness in their local communities. http://www.rotary.org/aboutrotary/president/boyd/publicrelations.html