Rotaract Club of Downtown San Diego Weekly Announcements May 22, 2007

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Next Meeting Off-Site Our next general meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 05, 2007 at 6:30 pm at Father Joe's Parlor. Important: Our meeting on June 05 will take place off-site at Father Joe's Parlor! We will be treated to dinner at the meeting. You can find the details below! Please Note: There will be no meeting on May 29th! We are only meeting on the first and third Tuesday of each month. We're looking forward to seeing you!

Rotaract Hits the Road: Next Meeting Off-Site! June 05 (Tuesday) 6:30 pm Father Joe's Parlor, 39 16th Street Our June 05 general meeting will take place off-site at Father Joe's Parlor at 39 16th Street, Downtown. This will be a unique meeting allowing us to see and learn about Father Joe's Villages (FJV). The FJV Culinary Arts students will prepare a delicious buffet style dinner for us. We look forward to this special treat. Reserved parking is available at the corner of 16th and Commercial, just right of the parlor.

Rotary Meeting Off-Site Tomorrow! 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. On May 30th, the meeting will be back at the University Club. In honor of Memorial Day weekend, the Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club will be honoring all of their military affiliations: Wounded Soldiers, USO, VVSD and Midway. If you're interested 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.

Joint Event with the North County Rotaract Club: Surfrider Beach Clean-Up and Picnic May 26 (Saturday) Beach Clean-Up: 9:00 - 11:00 am / Picnic: 11:00 am - ... Tower 23 Hotel (meet on Felspar Street) Join the Downtown Chapter and North County Chapter of Rotaract for an awesome day at the beach! For this joint community service project, we will all meet at 9:00 am in front of the Tower 23 Hotel (the cul-de-sac at the end of Felspar Street near the beach). After the clean-up, we will head to the sand by going down the staircase on the north side of Crystal Pier. Bring all your necessities for a day at the beach (anyone have horseshoes? frisbees?) and invite your friends! If someone is interested in bringing a barbeque for grilling, please contact Cade and she’ll provide the hot dogs!

Joint Event with the North County Rotaract Club: Volunteer at the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon June 03 (Sunday) 4:00 - 10:00 am Water Station #4 on Broadway (in front of the Hall of Justice), Downtown The volunteer registration process for the Rock and Roll marathon is closed, but please contact Cade Fulton if you are still interested in signing up. We will be joining the North County Chapter of Rotaract, the San Diego County Bar Association, and a unit of US Marines to man marathon water station #4, located in front of the Hall of Justice on Broadway. Volunteers will need to arrive at 4:00 am and will work until about 10:00 am. We have to be at the water station by 4:00 am, because they start to close off streets along the route. Once there, we will help set up tables and start filling lots and lots of cups with water. As soon as the racers start to come by, we'll be holding out cups of water for them to grab and then filling more cups. Once the last of the racers have gone by, we'll clean up the remaining cups, break down the tables, sweep up the trash, and head out. During the last couple of years, helping at the water station has been a lot of fun. The runners are really appreciative of having you there, and cheering is highly encouraged. Wear 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!

Thousands of Dollars in Free Prizes!!! ... that is what we need you to collect for this years Ace Of Hearts event (see below). The raffle is one of our big sources of revenue that we will use to help out Father Joe's Villages. Please e-mail Dean Koci if you have a prize you are donating, have collected a prize, or are trying to collect one. Also sign up for Team Raffle: you will get weekly updates on what everyone else is doing, and – if helping out is not a good enough reason – the person that gathers the highest dollar value in prizes wins a dinner for two at the University Club (with or without Dean). The Rotaract Club has dozens of places we can give you to call – we just need enthusiastic people to help out!

Fifth Annual Ace of Hearts: Tickets Now Available! 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 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." 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. Ticket Information Take part and help raise funds for this great organization by purchasing your tickets today. Entrance tickets are $30 per person for Rotaract members, and $35 for non-members. Raffle tickets are $5 each, or 5 for $20. Both can be puchased online through PayPal using your major credit card or bank account. Tickets will be held for you at the door, so you don't need to worry about shipping. You may also purchase tickets at the door the night of the event, but there is a possibility that it will sell out. To purchase tickets, please go to our webpage. 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. Can't attend, but would like to make a donation? Make a gift of your choosing through PayPal! Please help the cause by sharing this e-mail 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!

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 23 Breakfast at the Zoo Off-Site! San Diego Zoo May 30 In honor of Memorial Day, the Rotary Club will honor all of their military affiliations: Wounded Soldiers, USO, VVSD and Midway. Speaker: Teri Patterson, Operation Homefront June 06 Stacy Jer UCSD student in Ghana June 13 TBA For last minute changes, please check http://www.sdrotary.org!

Members' Bulletin Board Celebrating National Tourism Week in Your San Diego May 12 - May 20 The goal of National Tourism Week (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. Want to Learn How to Dance to Blues Music? May 25 & June 01 (Fridays) 7:00 - 7:50 pm Vinbladh's Swedish Fusion Cafe Special lessons on Fridays: 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. Voices for Children Seeking Volunteers June 06 (Wednesday) "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, June 6th. Call Voices for Children at 858-569-2019 or visit http://www.speakupnow.org. "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 About Rotary Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 32,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas.