Orange Sunrise Rotary

Orange Sunrise Rotarians, their partners and guests gathered at Ruby's Old Towne Diner at the historic Santa Fe train station for a great dinner and fun gift exchange.  Members first attended the City of Orange Tree Lighting Ceremony in nearby Orange Plaza, where thousands of local residents listened to a choir lead by Dr. Michael Short and sample tasty treats from a variety of booths in the Plaza.

Orange Sunrise Rotarians turned out with family and friends to attend the annual Rotary District 5320 Foundation Dinner, honoring clubs and Rotarians for their support of the Rotary Foundation.

Orange Sunrise Rotary provided three families in Orange with the fixings for a fine Thanksgiving holiday.  Rotarians shopped for the families, selected on the basis of need by the YMCA of Orange.  After assembling the goodies into "baskets", the Orange Sunrise team personally delivered the holiday surprises to the families.

Orange Sunrise Rotarian Anthony Kufner reported on November 19...

Members of the Interact Club of El Modena High School (sponsored by Orange Sunrise Rotary) visited OSR on November 9th to update Rotarians on their planned activities and to plan joint projects with Rotarians.

Orange Sunrise Rotary members collected 3 large file boxes of goodies for our troops in Afghanistan, including one large box of hygiene supplies (desperately needed toothpaste, razors, etc.) a big box of candy, playing cards, books and games, and bonus box of Hot Rod magazines.

International Service Chair Jack Sappington and past President Rae Shirer headed to Mexico on October 23rd to visit the Rotary Club of San Felipe, Baja California (Mexico).  Orange Sunrise Rotary hopes to establish an ongoing relationship with the San Felipe club for service projects benefiting the people of Mexico.  San Felipe President Terry Smith introduced the Orange visitors to the club of more than 20 members.   Following the regular Monday breakfast meeting, Jack and Rae met with Terry, his wife (and Rotarian) Theresa, and service project chair Jack.  More good things to come!

 

Six quilts and baby throws were assembled by members of Orange Sunrise Rotary on October 12th to benefit the children served by Rotaplast.  Rotaplast International is a non-profit humanitarian organization providing free reconstructive operations and treatment for children in need worldwide.  Every year, hundreds of children receive surgeries to correct cleft lips and palates through the Rotaplast program.

The quilts created by Orange Sunrise members will be given to children receiving the surgeries.   Orange Sunrise is collecting baby quilts for this project as well.  If you would like to donate a baby blanket or quilt, please visit our regular meeting on Wednesday at the Grand Street Center or drop by the Thursday Nite Cruise at Fatburger.

For more photos, visit us on Flickr!

Orange Sunrise Rotary recently received a "thank you" letter from Door of Faith Orphanage in Mexico for its sponsorship of ten children in their care.

Orange Sunrise Rotarians headed to Tecate, Mexico on October 1st for the club's 4th annual build day with Corazon.  Each year, club members spend a day building a house or room addition for a worthy family in Mexico.  Previous trips have been to the Cumbres village area outside of Tijuana.  This was the first excursion to the "wine country" of Tecate.

Orange Sunrise members joined the Rotary Club of Fountain Valley to help host the annual picnic for clients of Elwyn California.  Elwyn provides vocational training and job placement for the disabled.

Orange Sunrise began a new, ongoing project collecting manufacturers' coupons for military families around the world.  Club members collected coupons from the mail, Sunday newspapers, neighbors and friends.  At our September 21st meeting, we had a great time clipping and sorting while also laughing and sharing fellowship.

Rotary District Governor Greg Owen (D5320) and his wife Val were special guests of Orange Sunrise Rotary on September 14th.



Greg and Val attend the monthly club board meeting, where the club budget was finalized for the 2011-12 year of service.  Avenue of Service chairs then shared the club's plans for community, international, and youth service as well as plans to support The Rotary Foundation.

The regular club meeting immediately followed with all members and guest Julia Molto, Rotary Youth Exchange.

Governor Greg provided the club with an update of the District's efforts to increase awareness of Rotary through a public relations campaign.  Greg's business, Ability Tri-Modal, will cover 11 tractor-trailers with Rotary messages.  The trucks will travel throughout California, Arizona and Nevada, carrying Rotary's message for the next several years.

The Governor thanked the club for its service and noted the Orange Sunrise is model for successful fundraising in support of The Rotary Foundation.  Orange Sunrise hopes to see Governor Greg and Val again soon at the Thursday Nite Cruise!

Past District Governor Herb Trumpoldt (RC Yorba Linda Sunrise) visited Orange Sunrise Rotary on September 7th to share his experience as part of a Rotary National Immunization Day in India this past winter.

With dozens of photos he took during the trip, Herb illustrated the unsanitary conditions of India's poor, which contributes to the spread of the disease in that country.  He also highlighted the cooperation of dedicated local community leaders, government, United States health organizations and Rotary to distribute thousands of doses of polio vaccine to India's children.

Polio, practically unknown in the United States since the introduction of a vaccine in the 1950's, is still endemic in four countries of the world:  Pakistan, Afghanistain, India and Nigeria.

Rotary International has been committed to the eradication of this life threatening, crippling disease since 1985.

Rotary Youth Exchange Student Julia Molto Gomez arrived in late August to spend the school year in Orange, California.  Julia, from Malaga, Spain, is hosted by Orange Sunrise Rotarian Leslie Clay and her daughter Ami.  Julia and Ami are both seniors at Orange High School.

Julia is studying English and American government and has joined the Orange High basketball team.  She hopes to attend university in Spain to study psychology.

Rotarian Chris Hale and her husband Rick opened their home on August 28th for a family swim party.  Orange Sunrise members brought their children and partners to bask in the sun and enjoy a tostada bar and delicious desserts.

Orange Sunrise Rotary members joined 1,000 Rotarians from around District 5320 at the 3rd Annual Rotary Night with the Angels to End Polio Now on August 20, 2011.

Orange Sunrise Rotary purchased and filled 38 back packs of school supplies for worthy students at Esplanade Elementary School in Orange.  Club members filled the packs at a regular meeting on August 10th.  The filled back packs were delivered to the school on September 1st.

Orange Sunrise Rotary assisted teachers moving from Parkview to Crescent Elementary, performing general cleanup and painting an entire classroom on July 30th.

Orange Sunrise Rotary joined with other clubs in District 5320 for the annual childrens book drive at the Orange County Fair, July 27, 2011.  More than 62,000 new and gently-used books were collected in a five hour period!  The books will be distributed to Orange County schools through the Early Literacy Program.

Melissa and Anthony Kufner were inducted into membership on July 20, 2011.  Anthony is a residential real estate agent and Melissa works in Student Accounts at Chapman University.  Welcome!

Orange Sunrise Rotary was one of more than a dozen entries at the First Annual Rotary District 5320 Chili Cook-Off held July 31st during the Rotary Angels' Night to End Polio Now.

Rotary clubs gathered for a tailgate party under the Big A and presented a variety of chilis for tasting and judging.  The Orange Sunrise entry, prepared by member Jason Curtis, included several secret ingredients that had the crowd returning for more of the spicy-fruity concoction.

Rotarians purchased the right to vote by paying $5 for a chili bowl and spoon.  Additional voting tickets were $1, with most of the proceeds benefitting The Rotary Foundation.  The first and second place winners received a share of the proceeds as well.

When the dust settled, Orange Sunrise had collected more than $600 in votes, taking the first place prize.  Runnerup was the Rotary Club of Anaheim.

Then it was off to the game, where the club was thrilled to see its name it lights during the game!

Orange Sunrise Rotarians Howard Glasser, Rae Shirer and President Elect Jack Sappington joined the more than 13,000 Rotarians from around the world attending the Rotary International Convention in Montreal, June 20 to June 23rd.

The modern convention center hosted the House of Friendship and Rotary breakout sessions on a wide variety of topics.  Plenary sessions, featuring such top speakers and entertainers as Queen Noor of Jordan and Dolly Parton, were held at the Centre Bell Arena, a short metro ride away.

Montreal is renowned for its French influenced old city and for its food.  Rotarians enjoyed it all!

 

 

 

Orange Sunrise Rotarian Rae Shirer was named Rotarian of the Year by Governor Bret Gerdes at the Governor's Transition Dinner on June 8, 2010.

Rae was surprised to receive the plaque for her work as District Secretary and Club President during the 2009-10 Rotary year.

 

Orange Sunrise Rotarians gathered with family and other guests to celebrate another successful year of service at the home of Kelli Colombo on June 13, 2010.

The casual event included a bounce house for the kids, Jason Curtis' home made pulled pork sandwiches and a terrific salad bar brought in by "The Big Salad" company.

Guests included Governor Bret Gerdes, Governor-Elect Johrita Solari and husband Bruce, and Roy and Janice Jefferson of the Rotary Club of Anaheim Hills.

Outgoing President Rae Shirer inducted new leader Jack Sappington and the new board of directors.

Sue Hayes was recognized with the Four Way Test Award for her service during the 2009-2010 year.

See all our great photos on Flickr!

 

Orange Sunrise Rotarians joined others from Rotary District 5320 at the Outdoor Education Center for "Workability Day" on June 2, 2010.

Students and Rotarians participated in team and self-esteem building games and sports activities, including rope courses and archery.

Orange Sunrise Rotarian Sue Hayes gets to know some of the students.

El Modena Interact celebrated the end of a successful year of service with a pizza party on May 26, 2010.

Graduating President Paul Pham thanked his board, including:

Vice-President: Shelly Kim
Historian: Joli Lam
Secretary: Brittany Luyen
Liason: Kydric Luyen
Club Advisor: Ms. Lamphier

Incoming officers are Josue Vital, President; Catherine Pham, Vice President; Britany Luyen, Secretary; So Yon Cho, Treasurer; Sarah Laville, Historian; and Joil Lam, Liaison.  Ms. Lamphier will continue to serve as on-campus advisor.

 

Senior Paul Pham received the $1,000 El Modena Interact Leadership Award at the school assembly on May 26, 2010.  Paul served as the President of the Interact club during the 2009-10 school year, increasing membership and leading the club's many service projects.

Paul plans to use the scholarship for his studies at Cal State Fullerton.

The Rotary District 5320 Conference was held April 29 to May 1, 2010 at the Knott's Berry Farm Resort in Buena Park.

The weekend kicked off with the traditional Hospitality Night.  The District's clubs gathered at a private outdoor patio and prepared food and drink booths.  More than 300 attended, sampling everything from chili to gourmet cocktails.

For a second year, Orange Sunrise set up a photo booth, snapping pictures of cowboys and cowgirls in their date night best.

Check 'em out in our Flickr album!

 

Three El Modena High School juniors were selected to attend RYLA leadership camp April 23 to April 25^th, 2010.  RYLA is held annually at Idyllwild Pines in the San Bernardino mountains.  Nearly 300 high school juniors, selected by all of the clubs of Rotary District 5320, attend the weekend event.

 

The goal for Orange Sunrise Rotary in choosing students to attend RYLA is to select students whom we felt were looking for leadership positions in their school/community but did not quite have the skills, confidence, and understanding of what it meant to BE A LEADER.    The club worked with the El Modena’s Interact Club and the Technology Academy to select a group of students as candidates for an interview.  The interview process was extremely important, and our goal was not to send the charismatic, goal-oriented student to RYLA, but to find those students who expressed a genuine interest in building their own self-confidence and leadership skills.  We choose three students from the Technology Academy and helped them get ready for an experience they would never forget.

 

For more information about RYLA, visit the Rotary District 5320 website:  http://rotary5320.org/service-opportunities/ryla.

 

 

The Rotary Clubs of Orange, Orange North and Orange Sunrise were honored with the first Organizational Legacy Award at the Orange Public Library Foundation "Legacy Gala" on Saturday, April 24th.

The gala kicked off the Library Legacy Campaign, to obtain major underwriting gifts and establish endowments for future support of the library collection and programs.

The three Rotary Clubs were recognized for their support and fundraising during the library's reconstruction and renovation, completed in April of 2007.  The clubs raised nearly $60,000 for dedication of the Rotary Conference Room, selling raffle tickets for a Ford Mustang donated by Villa Ford.

The winning ticket was sold at the 13th Annual Orange Plaza Car Show, sponsored by Orange Sunrise Rotary.

Approximately 20,000 spectators turned out for the 16th Annual Orange Plaza Car Show on April 18th, sponsored by Orange Sunrise Rotary.

430 classics, customs, hot rods and street rods rounded the "circle" and filled the Old Towne streets of Chapman, Glassell, Orange and Olive.  The car owners competed in 24 classes and several special division trophies were awarded.

The crowd was entertained with classic rock spun by DJ Thumper and entered to win great prizes, such as a barbeque grill donated by Home Depot.  Local merchants and restaurants supported the show, hosting a "Poker Walk" and providing food and drink specials to the capacity crowd.

The Annual Orange Plaza Car Show is the primary fundraiser for Orange Sunrise Rotary, directly benefiting the YMCA of Orange and raising money needed for the club's many charitable projects each year.  Orange Sunrise Rotary partners with local organizations such as Rebuilding Together Orange County as well as with international organizations Corazon' and Shelterbox to provide shelter for those in need.   The club also funds many literacy and youth leadership projects, including the El Modena Interact service club on the high school campus.

For photos of this year's car show, visit our car show web page or see us on Flickr!

 

Orange Sunrise Rotary welcomed a dozen Past District Governors of District 5320 to a VIP reception on April 15th, where member Rae Shirer was announced as the Governor Nominee for Rotary year 2013-14.

The reception was originally intended as the club's annual "thank you" event for sponsors, supporters and volunteers of the Orange Plaza Car Show.  The car show crowd mingled with Rotarians and enjoyed the terrific food and drink at PJ's Abbey in Old Towne Orange.

Rae served as President of Orange Sunrise in 2006-07 and has been involved with District events since 2005, when her Rotary sponsor John Bouyer pulled her onto the District Conference committee.  She currently serves as the District Secretary.

Orange Rotarian Bob Meyer visited Orange Sunrise on March 31st to update the club on the efforts of Operation a Bit of Home.  The organization was founded by Bob's son Ken, whose wife Angel reported shortages of basic necessities during her active military service.

Bob told the club that our troops in the middle east had gone without laundry detergent for 40 days and that no supplies were expected from military sources.  Orange Sunrise immediately joined with other Rotary clubs to purchase and ship soap.  Bob left the meeting with a check for $250.  For more information about how you can help our troops, visit the Operation a Bit of Home website.

Orange Sunrise recovered bragging rights as the Rotary Challenge Champion, winning the title at the 12th Annual Elwyn California Bowl-a-Thon on April 3, 2010.

Orange Sunrise sponsored two teams, determined to beat last year's winner, the Rotary Club of Tustin-Santa Ana, as well as teams representing the Rotary Clubs of Anaheim Hills, Newport-Balboa, and Newport-Irvine.  Rotaract participated as well, with representatives from Long Beach and UC Irvine on hand for the challenge.

The friendly rivalry raised big cash for Elwyn which provides vocational training and job placement for the disabled.  All 60 of the bowling centers lanes were sold out and attendees bid on great silent auction items and raced to win prizes for producing such things as a hunting license or displaying the hairiest arm.

Two prizes were awarded in the Rotary challenge class.  Defending champion Tustin-Santa Ana made a valiant effort, placing second.

Six Orange Sunrise Rotarians attended a pancake breakfast held at the Orange Senior Center on March 27, 2010, benefiting the Center and students in the Masters program in International Studies at Chapman University.

The event was organized by the Chapman student and Center officials.  A live band played and attendees had the opportunity to win one of many donated prizes.

Following breakfast Orange Sunrise Rotarians received a tour of the facility from Executive Director Tom Maldonado.  Orange Sunrise is looking for innovative ways to support the center by purchasing needed items or providing materials and labor for Center improvement projects.

In March of 1985, the Rotary Club of Orange sponsored a new breakfast club, the Rotary Club of Orange Sunrise.  Now one of three Rotary Clubs in the City of Orange (along with Orange North), Orange Sunrise has matured, but has never "grown up".

Orange Sunrise remains young and young at heart.  Current membership includes several members in their 30s and parents with small children.   To respond to the needs of our young members, Orange Sunrise moved to a "happy hour" meeting time in 2007, slashed meal costs and began a one-hour meeting format.  All members enjoy the fun, family atmosphere.

Orange Sunrise continues its tradition of service to our community and world, supporting our schools and providing our vocational expertise and labor on home building and refurbishment projects locally and in Mexico.

In our club's history, we have provided more than 15,000 books to Orange school children, financed eye surgeries, hearing aids and cleft palate surgeries in Mexico, raised thousands of dollars for The Rotary Foundation and awarded dozens of scholarships to local vocational programs and international studies applicants.

We are proud to sponsor the El Modena Interact Club at El Modena High School and we send 3 or more students every year to the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards camp.

As we head into our second 25 years of service, we expect to continue as sponsors of the Annual Orange Plaza Car Show, which funds our service projects locally and overseas.

Thank you to all of our current and past members for your service to Rotary and to our many non-Rotarian volunteers and friends!  There is always a place for you at our table, at one of our service projects, at our car cruise nights, or at one of our many parties.  Because as you know, It is Always Sunrise Somewhere.

Orange Sunrise Rotary hosted members of the Rotary Clubs of Orange and Villa Park as each club supported a contestant in the annual District 5320 Speech Contest.

Maia Kinnebrew represented Orange Sunrise Rotary, while Mary Haithcoat spoke for Orange Rotary and the Rotary Club of Villa Park sponsored Bri Baeyens.

Maia won the area event, earning the right to compete at the District finals, to be held April 17, 2010 at the Sycamore Center in Lakewood.

 

Several boxes of new and gently used books have already been delivered to the District collection center for donation to the Early Literacy Project and other local programs.

So bring in those books!

The Rotary Clubs of Orange, Orange North and Orange Sunrise held the 36th Annual Orange Police and Fire Recognition Awards on March 4, 2010 at The Villa in Orange.

The three clubs work together to plan this annual event.  Representatives from the Orange County Board of Supervisors, State Assembly and State Senate attend, as well as all members of the Orange City Council.  These groups honor the Police and Fire personnel, who are presented with plaques of recognition by the Rotary Clubs.

The crowd of more than 150 was entertained by singer Robbie Britt before awards were presented by Fire Chief Bart Lewis and Police Chief Bob Gustafson.  The event was reported in the Orange County Register and the article can be found here.

Left to right: Fire Chief Brad Lewis, Firefighter of the Year Captain John Karell, Police Officer of the Year- Motor Officer Brent Taylor, and Police Chief Robert Gustafson.

Orange Sunrise members collected and donated more than five large boxes of paper, card stock and other art materials to The Learning Experience, an organization serving grade school students and operating a full program for Kindergarten students.

As with all schools, both public and private, funds for art project materials are in short supply.

The paper drive was held at our regular meeting on February 24th and club member Teri Snyder delivered the materials to The Learning Experience.

Three students from El Modena High School competed in the annual Rotary District 5320 High School Speech Contest at our regular meeting on February 10, 2010.  The students spoke on the theme "The Future is in Your Hands", a variation of the current Rotary International theme.

First place winner Maia Kinnebrew was awarded $100 and won the opportunity to compete at the area contest against winners from the Rotary Club of Orange and Rotary Club of Villa Park.

2nd place was awarded to Mary Haithcoat and sophomore Cole Steffansen received third.  Mary and Cole each received small scholarships.

The contest was judged by members of Toastmasters International.

Orange Sunrise joined hundreds of Rotary clubs around the world in responding to the disaster caused by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010.

Rotary clubs support the work of Shelterbox, the only international disaster relief organization that provides shelter and lifesaving equipment instantly by delivering boxes of aid.  Shelterbox is the largest joint Rotary project in the world.

Orange Sunrise shared the cost of purchasing a box with the Rotary Club of Fountain Valley.  The box arrived in Port Au Prince on January 27th, ready to provide shelter for up to 10 persons.  For more about Shelterbox, see our website page "Haiti Earthquake Relief".  If you wish to support the work of Shelterbox, you may make your donation on our website to be added to other donations for our next purchase.  Thank you for your support!

Encouraged by the success of the Thursday Nite Cruise at Fatburger, Orange Sunrise has arranged a second, monthly cruise night at Tutto Fresco Italian.

On the second Saturday of each month, Tutto Fresco will donate 20% of the evening's sales to Orange Sunrise Rotary.  This family restaurant is located at the corner of Katella and Glassell in the City of Orange.  Join us for delicious food and a family atmosphere!

Orange Sunrise Rotary completed a successful year of service with one final project - delivery of holiday food baskets to four local families.  Each quarter of the year, the club selects struggling families in the El Modena area of Orange to receive groceries and pantry supplies.  Club members shop for the food, other members sort it into boxes for each family, and a third team makes the afternoon delivery.

The families also received small, potted pine trees decorated for the holiday season.

For more pictures, see our Community Service page or visit is on Flickr!

 

Orange Sunrise Rotary celebrated the holiday season with two parties gathering family and friends.

On Saturday, December 12th, members and their families dined at the Tartan Room in Orange and exchanged small gifts including a Christmas kitten jigsaw puzzle, a set of flashlights for every occasion and a singing, dancing, reindeer.

The Tartan Room reserved a private room, which was beautifully decorated for the season.  Rotarians and their families enjoyed prime rib, steak and crab, chicken or salmon, as well as delicious coconut cake.

At our regular meeting on Wednesday, December 16th, we welcomed members of Orange North Rotary and the El Modena Interact Club for our holiday open house.  Orange Sunrise members provided a potluck buffet of hot entrees', appetizers and desserts.  Holiday music was provided by the Orange High School Chamber Singers and a great time was had by all!

For more pictures, visit our Rotary Family Fun page or see us on Flickr!

 

Members of the Interact Club of El Modena High School in Orange joined Orange Sunrise Rotary to prepare new childrens books for donation to the El Modena Community Center.

 

At the December 9th meeting, Interact board members described their club's plans for service projects during the 2009-10 school year.  The club is very active, with 55 members.  Projects include serving meals during a holiday dinner at the Orange Senior Center, book drives and food collection for the local food banks.

The two clubs pasted "Reading by 9" stickers in the front of more than 500 books, identifying them as donations of Orange Sunrise Rotary.  The books were then delivered to the El Modena Community Center library for use in their early reader program.

For more photos, visit our Youth Leadership page or see us on Flickr!

 

Corazon' volunteer Cindy Stephen attended our November 18th meeting to collect dozens of bags of goodies headed to Mexico and holiday parties to be thrown by Corazon in several small villages.

Rotarians donated toys for 6 year old boys and teenage boys, as well as gifts for men and women.　 The kids will receive smaller items since their houses are so small and they have no storage.　 Women really appreciate comfort items such as blankets, gloves or scarves to keep warm.　 They also like household items such as dish towels or cooking utensils.　 Men will be receiving inexpensive tool sets at Big Lots and other useful items.

Orange Sunrise partners with Corazon' each year to build homes in the Tijuana area.  For pictures of our visits to Mexico, visit our International Service webpage.  For more about Corazon, visit Corazon.org.