Events

Now is the time to buy your tickets for the Broadway National Tour of 1776 and the return of The 5th Avenue Theatre’s magical production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid! 1776 plays one week only, August 2^nd - 6^th, and you get a 20% discount on select performances. The Little Mermaid plays September 8^th- October 8^th, and you get 25% off all tickets for all performances!

This incredible benefit gives you access to the best available seats at the best prices! You get your community/corporate partner discount for your whole family or group of friends! To book directly through our website use this link www.5thavenue.org/rotary or go to the CALENDAR section of our website and enter Promo code: ROTARY to purchase your tickets.

Come celebrate the dedication of a new peace pole at the Chess Park.  All ages welcome.  FREE FOOD, COMMUNITY & CHESS.

The peace pole is donated by The Rotary Club of Seattle!

Mayor Bruce Harrell will provide an update on his One Seattle vision and agenda, highlight the positive progress that has been achieved over the last year to build the city we want to see, and discuss the city’s challenges and the work ahead to address them – from public safety to homelessness, downtown recovery to ongoing growth and affordability. Mayor Harrell will address Rotary members and take questions.

Judges for Justice (JFJ), Washington State innocence organization, has been key in helping four innocent men get out of prison in three states (Idaho, Hawaii, Ohio). Judge Michael Heavey (Ret.) is the CEO of JFJ and co-founded the organization with Judge Peter Deegan (Ret.) of Michigan in 2013. Judge Heavey was appointed to the King County Superior Court bench in 2000 by Governor Gary Locke and served until his retirement in at the age of 66 in 2013. Judge Heavey served as a legislator in Olympia for 14 years from 1987 to 2000, eight in the House and six in the Senate. From 1967 to 1970 Heavey served as an officer in the US Army. He spent one year in Vietnam with the First Air Cavalry Division and was awarded The Bronze Star medal for meritorious service.

Lake Union Rotary's 3rd Thursday Happy Hour for Good continues this summer lakefront on South Lake Union in Seattle. 100% of the net proceeds benefit the chosen local non-profit for the evening.  For $50 you will enjoy wine, microbrews, a casual dinner and live music on the dock from 6 - 8 pm.  All 21 and over are welcome.  Have refreshing food and beverage for a cause and raise some money while you're at it!

• The Lake Union Rotary Foundation (LURF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 2012 with the goal of supporting the charitable projects of the Lake Union Rotary Club and qualifying for matching grant funding from Rotary International. Donations to LURF are 100% tax deductible and will be used to fund our current projects. Since LURF is run by members of the Lake Union Rotary Club, there is zero overhead and all funds are spent directly on service projects locally and globally. In most cases we are able to double or even triple each donation through the power of matching grants from Rotary International. Proceeds from this Happy Hour for Good will support clean water projects in Ethiopia.
• Live music by Jannie & Friends

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/happy-hour-4-good-tickets-635963653407

If you are interested in being a business mentor for the University of Washington Foster School of Business, please fill out the form below no later than Friday, October 6:

https://forms.office.com/r/uQ8c2rQjT7

1.1 billion people around the world are blind or live with vision loss, 90% of which is avoidable and can be addressed through comprehensive eye care services that are community facing. Bringing eye care directly to communities fast-tracks reaching the most marginalized and underserved populations particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The presentation will highlight how Orbis International is addressing the health equity gap through a community-centered model that focuses on primary eyecare work as well as support for vision centers, including “green vision centers” (powered by green energy) and women-led vision centers, integrating eye health together with other critical cross-cutting global issues.

The Peacebuilders Committee is happy to share that we are bringing back our Book Club. Many Seattle 4 members participated in our Book Club a few years ago with readings focused on racial justice. For our first read this time around we have selected The River that Made Seattle by BJ Cummings. We will be scheduling a group discussion of the book in November so you have some time to get your hands on a copy of this impactful story about a misused and misunderstood but vitally important river.

Here is an article from the Seattle Times about the book: https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/seattle-arose-from-a-tortuously-transformed-duwamish-river/

Here is a full description of the book:

The River That Made Seattle - A Human and Natural History of the Duwamish, By BJ Cummings

With bountiful salmon and fertile plains, the Duwamish River has drawn people to its shores over the centuries for trading, transport, and sustenance. Chief Se’alth and his allies fished and lived in villages here and white settlers established their first settlements nearby. Industrialists later straightened the river’s natural turns and built factories on its banks, floating in raw materials and shipping out airplane parts, cement, and steel. Unfortunately, the very utility of the river has been its undoing, as decades of dumping led to the river being declared a Superfund cleanup site.

Using previously unpublished accounts by Indigenous people and settlers, BJ Cummings’s compelling narrative restores the Duwamish River to its central place in Seattle and Pacific Northwest history. Writing from the perspective of environmental justice—and herself a key figure in river restoration efforts—Cummings vividly portrays the people and conflicts that shaped the region’s culture and natural environment. She conducted research with members of the Duwamish Tribe, with whom she has long worked as an advocate. Cummings shares the river’s story as a call for action in aligning decisions about the river and its future with values of collaboration, respect, and justice.

https://uwapress.uw.edu/book/9780295750989/the-river-that-made-seattle/

https://a.co/d/2XNQRxp

Prevention Matters in Ending Human Trafficking. Come hear Ashlie Bryant from 3Strands Global Foundation share about the PROTECT program that has reached almost 1,000,000 youth. She will hear her "why" and the outcomes of prevention as well as how Rotarians can help scale PROTECT in Washington.

Rotary Club of Seattle member Jim Barnhart and the Environmental Sustainability committee invite you to Oxbow Farm as we walk and tour the site.  See the organic farm’s processing facility, workshop, their Native Plant Nursery, their Family Farm and Kids’ Play area, and walk out to the Snoqualmie River overlook to hear about conservation work on the farm and across the valley.  As we walk, you’ll learn about their programs in organic farming, conservation, native plant propagation and sales, and education—as well as the many public events they host to inspire visitors from across the region.

The tour will wrap up around noon.  If folks want to bring a lunch with them, the tour will stop at their covered pergolas to allow everyone a chance to eat and ask questions.

There will be no Wednesday meeting on October 11th. Instead, we will have a SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICE Event on October 10th from 5:30-7pm at the Renaissance Hotel at 515 6th Avenue. 
If you drive, there is a special Rotary rate of $10 in the Renaissance parking garage on Madison just west of 6th Avenue.   Our event will be on the main floor of the hotel, with visible signage from the lobby area on the southwest corner of the main floor (visible from the bar area).  

There will be complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.  We will have a chance to meet with Seattle 4 Rotarians and learn about some of the ways that Seattle 4 members have plugged into service that has been fun and fulfilling.  

The panel will feature the CEOs of three of our major Seattle area museums: MOHAI, Wing Luke Museum, and the Foss Waterway Seaport of Tacoma.  We will explore how the museums have adapted to the changing environment brought on by the pandemic and what is planned for the future of the museums.

Lake Union Rotary's 3rd Thursday Happy Hour for Good continues this summer lakefront on South Lake Union in Seattle. 100% of the net proceeds benefit the chosen local non-profit for the evening.  For $50 you will enjoy wine, microbrews, a casual dinner and live music on the dock from 6 - 8 pm.  All 21 and over are welcome.  Have refreshing food and beverage for a cause and raise some money while you're at it!

• At Community Passageways (www.communitypassageways.org) we create alternatives to incarceration for youth and young adults by rebuilding our communities through committed relationships centered on love, compassion, and consistency. We support our youth and young adults at every stage of the criminal legal process—from prevention to detention. This is designed to replace the school-to-prison pipeline with a school-to-life success pipeline. Instead of suspensions and expulsions, we strive for restorative and culturally relevant programming. Instead of police, prosecutors, and judges, we operate with mentors, counselors, and circle keepers. Instead of frustration and denial, we build purpose and opportunity. Instead of jails, we will have homes, schools, jobs, and a community that stands with our youth.
• Live Music TBD

Tickets:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/happy-hour-4-good-tickets-635963653407 

Volunteer Requirements: All volunteers must complete a volunteer application and RSVP to fgreen@wellspringfs.org at least one week in advance of the event date . Masks are required onsite for all volunteer activities. Please let us know if there are young children or people with mobility restrictions in your group so we can plan a volunteer activity for everyone to enjoy.

For more information and additional opportunities, reach out to Faye at fgreen@wellspringfs.org.

The Wellspring Family Store provides free essentials like diapers, formula, clothing, books, toys, and school supplies to children with families experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness. This critical effort relies on volunteers to help sort clothing, manage inventory, and pack orders going to families.

World Polio Day 2023: Let's Make Polio History

Tuesday, Oct. 24 
In-person: 5 to 7 p.m. at the Discovery Center at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Virtual via Zoom: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
ASL & captioning services | All-ages | Free 

RSVP Now

To register to volunteer at this lunch hour event, please email fgreen@wellspringfs.org and please submit this accompanying volunteer form after RSVPing.

As part of our amazing group of Corporate and Community Direct Connect Partners to The 5th Avenue Theatre, we are so thrilled to offer up an exclusive extra special discount on tickets to Irving Berlin’s White Christmas! This is a deal that is even more deeply discounted than your regular ongoing promo code.

For a limited time (until November 5th) you can get $29 tickets in zones 3, 4, & 5 and $79 tickets in zones 1 & 2 for any evening performance of White Christmas! The promo code for this Special Offer is BLUESKIES, which is different than your regular discount code. This discount code is not good for any of our matinees, but on evening performances, only! To access this discount go to www.5thavenue.org/blueskies or put in Promo Code: BLUESKIES when purchasing your tickets at 5thavenue.org.

Greetings from the World Affairs Council! I'm with the Global Leadership Exchange team at the World Affairs Council. We welcome youth leaders and professionals from around the world for short exchange programs.

Our next youth homestay program is coming up this November and we're excited to welcome youth participants (ages 15-18) from Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru for a two-week exchange focused on digital literacy and the use of social media to address community issues.

We are looking for homestays from Saturday, November 4th - Friday, November 17th and I wondered if this is something your community might be interested in, or at least want to hear about! The students will be meeting every morning at the Northwest School.

Happy to share more information with any members of the Rotary Club who would be interested in hosting - looking forward to hearing from you!

Rayan Atallah (he/him)

Program Officer, Global Leadership Exchange

ratallah@world-affairs.org

C: 617-584-9936

World Affairs Council

2200 Alaskan Way, Suite 450

Seattle, WA 98121

www.world-affairs.org   

Josh will share insight into the impact of one of the largest nonprofit Arts & Cultural organizations in the region.  Provide a good understanding of the health of the local nonprofit arts sector and opportunities in front of us.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT. USE PROMO CODE rotarymember WHEN SUBMITTING YOUR REGISTRATION

Join us for our next evening member event at the Columbia Tower Club for a mentorship panel moderated by Mark Wright and featuring club members that have benefitted from being mentors or mentees! Appetizers will be provided and there wil be a cash bar. There will be a registration link added here soon; parking is available at Columbia Tower for $12 after 5 PM.

Boys & Girls Clubs of King County is honored to be selected as a Spirit of 12 Partner with the Seattle Seahawks again this year! This means there will be exclusive opportunities for our organization to fundraise for our mission at Seahawks games and events throughout the season. Our next volunteer opportunity is coming up on November 12, 2023 for 50/50 raffle ticket sales and we would love to have you there!

Following a successful debut in 2022, the Seahawks' 50/50 Raffle program returned for the 2023 season. Raffle tickets for the 50/50 electronic raffle ticket program will be sold at each Seahawks home game. Fans 18 and older can purchase tickets for a chance to win half of that game's total jackpot. The other half goes to the Seahawks Charitable Foundation and is distributed evenly at the end of the season to the team's Spirit of 12 Partners. The total donation is then generously matched by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. In its inaugural season, the program raised more than $450,000.

To purchase 50/50 raffle tickets, fans can look for the Seahawks 50/50 sellers (that could be you!) at kiosks located throughout the stadium. Raffle sales begin upon gate opening and conclude at the end of the third quarter. Winners are announced during the 4th quarter of each game, and later posted to Seahawks.com/5050.

The Volunteer Opportunity

What: Selling 50/50 raffle tickets during a Seahawks home game. The charitable proceeds portion of the 50/50 raffle jackpot will go into a pool of funds that will be combined all season and evenly distributed between all twelve (12) Spirit of 12 organizations at the end of the season.
When: Sunday, November 12, 2023
Where: Lumen Field
Time: 9:00am thru the start of the 4^th quarter
Registration: Pre-registration is required – Seattle Seahawks Spirit of 12 -50/50 Ticket Sales (volunteerhub.com)

Additional Details:

• All volunteers will be provided with breakfast & lunch.
• All volunteers provided a Spirit of 12 t-shirt
• Volunteers who sell a minimum amount of raffle tickets will receive Starbucks gift cards.
• The highest ticket sellers will have a chance to win Seahawks game tickets, autographed items, and team gear!

The Peacebuilders Committee Book Club is back! We are reading The River that Made Seattle by BJ Cummings. This is a book about the Duwamish River, a critical resource to the Indigenous people of the area that became a vital utility to aerospace and other industries. The use and abuse of the river shaped the lives of the area’s first people and the white settlers who came later. “Deeply researched and eloquent. Cummings skillfully unfolds the interrelated stories of a much abused river, an ambitious city, and the people whose lives shaped both the river and the city.”

Our book discussion will be held on Wednesday, November 15, at 11:00am before the Seattle Rotary lunch program. We will meet in-person in the Olympic Room on the Mezzanine or 2nd Floor of the Westin Hotel.

The book’s publisher, University of Washington Press, is currently have a Back-to-School sale with 40% off and free shipping through Oct. 31st. https://uwapress.uw.edu/

Seattle Aquarium's Ocean Pavillion: Putting Global Ocean Health at the Heart of Our New Waterfront

Join Seattle Aquarium President and CEO Bob Davidson for an insider’s look at the Aquarium’s historic campus expansion. Join us to “tour” the new Ocean Pavilion—opening in summer 2024—and learn how this project will benefit local communities, downtown Seattle and our shared marine environment.

Come pack “No-Cook Bags” for the Pike Market Food Bank. These bags provide ready-to-eat food to community members who are experiencing homelessness, do not have a kitchen, or are in a situation that prevents or limits their ability to store, cook and prepare food.  Community members can pick up bags daily from the Pike Market Food Bank in addition to the regular grocery distribution program.  The demand is high for these bags with more than 600 bags picked up EACH WEEK!   All of the food items for the bags will be procured in anticipation, we simple need willing hands to back them up and deliver them to the food bank.  We will be using a space right above De Laurenti’s in the Market to pack and we will have a few moments to learn about the network of social services operating in the Market Community.   

If you will be joining us, please RSVP by emailing club member Lillian Sherman at Lillians@pikeplacemarketfoundation.org

Join us for a visual feast of French and Japanese art, followed by a sumptuous Italian dinner!

Gather for a self-guided tour of the Seattle Asian Art Museum, followed by a wonderful Italian dinner at Osteria La Spiga! 

Thursday, November 30th

• 3pm  Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 East Prospect St., Seattle, WA 98112
• 5pm  Osteria La Spiga restaurant, 1429 12th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122

This terrific exhibit can only be seen in Seattle:

What do late 18th- to 19th-century Edo (present-day Tokyo) and late 19th-century Paris have in common? This exhibition uncovers the shared renegade spirit that characterized the graphic arts and social cultures of these two dynamic cities. On view are over 90 Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints and paintings from SAM’s Japanese collection alongside private loans of works by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864–1901).  

Renegade Edo and Paris: Japanese Prints and Toulouse-Lautrec (seattleartmuseum.org)

Ask for discounted Rotary group pricing at SAM

• Adults $12
• Seniors/+65 & Military $10
• Students $7
• SAM Members free

Special thanks to Fedva Dikmen, Doug Seto and the Membership and Arts Committees.  

Please RSVP to jeff.parker@bristleconeadvisors.com to confirm attendance, as we have reserved space at both venues.  

Michael will discuss the state of the arts and culture sector reflecting on data from last year's Community Accelerator Grant, 2019's Nonprofit Recovery Grant, and conversations with industry leadership. The conversation will conclude with a brief discussion of current and future initiatives to strengthen and support the sector.

Please RSVP with items to share HERE and join your fellow Rotarians for this fun annual tradition!

Volunteer Requirements: All volunteers must complete a volunteer application and RSVP to fgreen@wellspringfs.org at least one week in advance of the event date . Masks are required onsite for all volunteer activities. Please let us know if there are young children or people with mobility restrictions in your group so we can plan a volunteer activity for everyone to enjoy.

For more information and additional opportunities, reach out to Faye at fgreen@wellspringfs.org.

Every December, the Wellspring Family Store transforms into a holiday wonderfuland to provide gifts and toys to children in families experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness. Volunteers will write cards to be included in holiday orders, organize toys, or pack toy orders to go directly to families.

Please keep an eye out for a club-wide email with final registration and event information coming soon! Thank you to club members Linda Lowry and Nicole Klein for making this happen!

Join us for our annual holiday party at Queen City Yacht Club! Expect food, drinks, music, and plenty of time to socialize with your fellow Rotarians!

Purchase event tickets by CLICKING HERE today!

The Seattle Boat Show sails into town on February 2^nd. The demographics of boaters are changing rapidly and so is the workforce that is vital for the $8 billion Washington state recreational boating and fishing economy. George will share highlights of Core Plus Maritime, a Washington based high school curriculum in 26 high schools across the state that prepares students for careers in the maritime industry during his short program.

Matt Von Ruden of the Washington State Ferry System will be our featured long program speaker. He will be discussing his work converting our state ferries to an all-electric fleet.

This meeting will follow the club lunch meeting.

Please email Fedva Dikmen to RSVP.

The Rotary Club of Seattle's Education Committee is pleased to bring this film screening and panel discussion to the public on Tuesday, January 23 at 4:00 PM at the Seattle Public Library Main Branch. We hope to see you there! Tickets on sale now and can be purchased by CLICKING HERE

During the event, there will be a screening of an illiteracy documentary followed by a panel discussion from these esteemed educators and policy makers:

David Woodward, Moderator, Founder of David Woodward Associates, recently served as the Senior Advisor for Global Engagement with Seattle University

Dr. Kelly Aramaki, @Bellevue Public Schools Superintendent

Dr. Dwane Chappelle, City of Seattle Director of Education & Early Learning

Dr. Jessica Conte, Principal, Dearborn Park International Elementary School

Mr. Roy Chang, Founder & ED, School Connect WA, non-profit working to close education gaps in Seattle Schools

Spain’s premiere dance group returns after 14 years for a rare Seattle engagement. The company is internationally renowned for its expressively powerful and refined movement style exemplified in three classic works.

Please email jeff.parker@bristleconeadvisors.com to reserve your ticket.

Join us for a special panel presentation about the history of UW Rowing and the epic quest for gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, hosted by UW Rowing historian, Eric Cohen. Cohen was one of Daniel James Brown’s first contacts when researching his 2013 novel, “Boys in the  Boat”.

Hear from Cohen and panelists:

• Kirk Knapp, owner of Conny, the 1936 coaches’ boat
• Melanie Barstow, ASUW Shell House tour founder
• John Tytus, president of Pocock Racing Shells
• Yaz Farooq, Olympian and current UW Women’s Rowing Head Coach

The level of rowing experience and inside knowledge of the “Boys in the Boat” story and movie is unsurpassed with this group. It is the first time all of them will be together for a presentation and will make for a highly entertaining and fascinating inside look at this story.

For tickets and more information, CLICK HERE

State of the Economy: Kris Johnson, president of the Association of Washington Business, will deliver an update on the 2024 legislative session and what it means for employers. Plus, he will share insights from AWB's latest survey of Washington business leaders, and offer a glimpse of how Washington might prepare for a million new residents.

All are invited to observe Rotary's Peace and Conflict Prevention Month at a lunch and presentation by BJ Cummings, author of The River That Made Seattle. Seattle Rotary's Peacebuilder Committee is teaming up with the West Seattle Rotary Peacebuilder Committee, the District 5030 Peacebuilder Committee and the District 5030 DEI Committee to host this Peacebuilding event on Tuesday, February 13th. A $25 buffet lunch is served at 12 noon, the formal meeting begins at 12:30, and an extended book discussion begins at 1:30PM for those who would like to continue the conversation with the author. There will be tables reserved for Seattle #4 Rotarians so please let Peacebuilder Committee Chair Mike Hatzenbeler (mikeh@provail.org) or Cathy Gibson (dggibson2021@gmail.com) know if you are attending and would like to sit at the Seattle #4 table(s).

Join us for our February evening social mixer, hosted by our very own Seattle Rotary Service Foundation. This month we will be at the Rainier Club and the evening will feature presentations from Community Impact Grant finalists. Expect food, drinks, and presentations about some great work happening at our local nonprofits!

Through research, innovation, healthcare and education, the University of Washington serves the people and communities of our state in countless – and sometimes surprising – ways. Now, as we face serious and urgent societal challenges, the UW is focused on how this engine of opportunity and discovery can drive solutions that accelerate progress for the public good. By leveraging our university’s unique strengths and assets in collaboration with a wide range of partners and stakeholders, the UW is advancing a healthier, more sustainable and more equitable Washington and world.

She will be accompanied by our Vice President for External Affairs, Randy Hodgins.

Come learn how to protect our youth from sexual exploitation.  This webinar is FREE to attend and proudly sponsored by Rotary Club of the Pacific Northwest Ending Sex Trafficking.   Thursday, February 22 at 6pmPST.  Feel free to invite your friends and family.  All are welcome! For more information, CLICK HERE

The Rotary Club of Seattle is excited to offer this volunteer opportunity as a Marshall for the 2024 KPMG  Women's PGA Championship! Our club has committed to providing 15 volunteers for Hole 11. The deadline for registration for this event in June is February 26; please see below for registration information:

• CLICK HERE to access the volunteer portal
• Click "Register Here" on the right-hand side of the page
• Select "Adult Volunteer" as your volunteer type
• Create a username and fill out information needed
• When prompted to select a Committee Choice, select "Marshal Hole 11 - Rotary Club of Seattle" from the drop down box, enter the security code RCS2024, and complete the entire registration process

*Using this code ensures that all members of our club volunteering will be assigned to the correct hole*

The Rotary Business Mentors committee, under the co-chairmanship of Barton DeLacy and Paul Tsai, provides Seattle 4 members with an opportunity to coach UW Foster School of Business students as they help businesses in underserved communities to plan for and execute growth strategies.

To hear about the work of the Business Mentors Committee, please join us for the Rotary Day on the UW Campus!

Rotary Day

• Date: Thursday, February 29, 2024
• Time:  12:15 pm – 1:30 pm
• Location: Founders Hall, Peek Forum (5^th Floor) / UW Foster School of Business

Lunch will be provided.

Parking will be provided

Parking instructions will be sent to all attendees by email prior to the event. Please submit your registration so that you receive parking instructions.

Registration/RSVP:

Please send your RSVP by February 21 using the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/Bd5erJ1Zcg

Threats to Local Journalism: the dysfunctional, news business model collides with an ever increasing need for access to objectively true information. The fate of civil discourse -- indeed, democracy -- lies in the balance. A conversation with journalists Joni Balter and Mark Wright.