📣 MY FELLOW ROTARIAN,

This past Friday, we welcomed Alissa Castañeda from Valley Baptist Health System as our guest speaker. She shared details of the hospital’s remarkable centennial and its longstanding impact on the Rio Grande Valley. Valley Baptist is building a commemorative timeline, and if you have memories or stories to share, Alissa would love to hear from you:
📧 Alissa.Castaneda@ValleyBaptist.net |
📞 956-389-1100

 

We also hosted our first new member orientation of the Rotary year, led by Membership Chair Edna Tamayo, Secretary & AG Juju Stringfield, and PDG Eddie Bartnesky. The evening, held at Edna’s home, was warm and welcoming—with a special shout-out to Rico Tamayo, who cooked up a “beautiful storm” of flavors. A perfect blend of Rotary business and fellowship.

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🎤 UPCOMING SPEAKER – AUGUST 22
At our next meeting, we have Andy Hagan, District Membership & RLI Chair and Rotary Club of Brownsville Sunrise member, introducing us to the Membership Olympics—a high-energy initiative designed to reinvigorate and expand our club. Expect great insights, friendly competition, and actionable ideas to welcome more Rotarians into our ranks.

Plus: This being Membership & Extension Month, I’m inviting every member to post their “Why I am a Proud Member” on social media. I’ve already shared mine - join in and keep the energy rolling! Use this and tag your friends and fellow Rotarians: 

 

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SPEAKING OF MEMBERS…
Darla Richmond demonstrated just how much our voices matter by making an impromptu plea to encourage donations of canned goods for our Loaves & Fishes pantry. She even created a powerful flyer on the spot. Let’s turn her “why” into action: please bring canned goods this Friday to our meeting. Small or large, every contribution is a meaningful service that counts.

Prefer to help directly? Feel free to drop off donations at Loaves & Fishes, Harlingen at this address:
514 S E Street, Harlingen, TX 78550

 

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🚨 DISTRICT DISASTER RESPONSE GRANT – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Our district has been awarded a $25,000 Disaster Response Grant from Rotary International to assist approximately 40 families affected by March flooding. We’ve purchased mattresses and bed frames but we need volunteers for distribution:

Saturday, August 23, 2025

• 9:00–10:10 AM – 125 E Denny, Pharr, TX (20 families)

• 11:00 AM–12:00 PM – 1910 Hutch St, Donna, TX (6 families)

• 1:00–2:00 PM – 3917 Jam Square, Edinburg, TX (13 families)

Your help unloading and guiding families is essential. We also need hands in Harlingen to load the trucks. If you’re able to serve, please contact:
Eddie Bartnesky, District Foundation Chair | Past District Governor 2020–2021
📞 956-245-2299 |
📧 eddie@rotary5930.com

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🎟️ 50/50 RAFFLE – NOW AT $616!
The pot’s growing and the winning card is still the Ace of Clubs. Secure your tickets online and pick them up at Will Call—quick, easy, done.

• Tickets: $2 each

• Proceeds support local service projects

• Purchase Here

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🥪 FRIDAY MEAL – $15

• Menu: BBQ Pork Ribs

• Only 14 meals available

• Reserve yours now

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💙 The momentum is building. Let’s carry it forward into every project, every meeting, and every connection we make.