Events

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is looking for volunteers to assist high school juniors and seniors on portfolio development to aid in college and career readineess. For more information or to sign up to get involved, please call Linda Thompson-Black at 206-851-8178.

Join Rotary teams from around District 5030 for this event in support of Harvest Against Hunger. It's not too late to find a team to join; you can also donate to support a team or bowler of your choice! 

To sign up or donate in support of a bowler or team of your choosing, please click HERE.

Cassie Sauer is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA). WSHA represents all the hospitals in Washington State, and works to improve the delivery, quality, accessibility, and affordability of health care.

Cassie will discuss current challenges facing hospitals. Hospitals are experiencing a capacity crunch related to delayed care, an intense respiratory season, and difficulty finding places for patients leaving the hospital to go. Hospitals are also struggling financially. Cassie also will share solutions to these challenges, largely centered on the 2023 state legislative session. Hospitals would greatly appreciate the support of Rotary members for these solutions.

Rotarian and Japanese General Consul Hisao Inagaki would like to invite all Rotarians to this disaster preparedness seminar. 

The threat of destructive earthquakes and tsunamis that have historically hit the Washington coastline are a major concern. While the risk of land liquefaction and damage to critical infrastructure such as power lines and underground utilities during an earthquake in the Seattle area is known, recent studies suggests that the Seattle Fault can also generate a tsunami with the same level of destruction as could be experienced on the coast. This seminar will introduce technology from Japan’s experience preparing for and recovering from destructive earthquakes and tsunamis that could occur in Washington State and share recent research into disaster preparedness.

Building Pathways to Inclusion

McPage & Powell Full Band is doing a show at North City Bistro and invite you to help pack the house with Rotarians! Tickets are $15 and can be purchased HERE.

Join your fellow Rotarians and the general public for this free, fun night of holiday songs sung by a choir, drinks, and outdoor fireside merriment! Since this is an outdoor event, please dress warmly!

The Seattle Mariners would like to invite you to their holiday party! This party is a BYOB, potluck affair with the main course and non-alcoholic drinks provided. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Stephen Morse.

Join us for a night of food, drink, and merriment as we celebrate the holidays! Significant others or family members are welcome with ticket purchase. The evening will feature entertainment from The Rogues, Jet City Improv, and Sue Nixon & Company plus excellent food from Willie and drinks by some of your favorite Rotarians! To register to attend, please click HERE.

The Puget Sound Passport Rotary Club invites area Rotarians to their upcoming online program featuring long-time KOMO and KIRO sports analyst Bill Swartz. To access the meeting, please join Zoom HERE.

Pivot to Win:  Transition Better When Change Happens

Planned or unplanned, we each experience change consistently. Change is inevitable and can be disruptive, even if we prepare for it.

How can we better plan for change and deploy an action plan to overcome the hurdles we face when life and business shift?

As a professional athlete for nearly a decade, I faced the challenge all athletes face when retiring from sports, a career, and identity change.

Five Reasons Why Women Are Great Leaders

When women become leaders, they provide a different set of skills and imaginative perspectives. More importantly, female leaders bring structural and cultural differences to the table, which drive effective solutions. This creative standpoint and unique sense of awareness will also allow them to study and uncover the finer details that may go unmissed by others. Studies have shown that companies with higher gender diversity in leadership roles boast a higher EBITDA by over 3.5% as well as superior stock performance. Join us to hear more with Andrea Heuston’s presentation, 5 Reasons Why Women Make Outstanding Leaders.

If you are a committee chair and/or part of the Membership Engagement committee, please make a plan to attend this virtual meeting. The agenda will cover a review and update of the events calendar and brainstorming new engagement ideas.

This presentation will be a moderator/panel format highlighting the work of the club's Business Mentors committee.

The Art Committee is pleased to be able to offer limited discounted tickets to three showings of A Woman of No Importance at Taproot Theatre on Friday, Feb 3 at 8pm; Friday, Feb 10 at 8pm; and Saturday, Feb 18 at 2pm.  This comedic classic from Oscar Wilde features glittering banter, charm and wit within the beloved Taproot Theater.  We only have six seats reserved per performance, so it is first come, first served.  To reserve a spot, contact Janice Winemiller HERE. 

Finding Our Y:  Community Caring for Community

The YMCA of Greater Seattle has been serving community and keeping its promise to be there no matter what since 1876. Join us for a conversion with Loria Yeadon, President & CEO of YMCA of Greater Seattle, to learn more about Vision 2025, the Y’s bold plan for strengthening community and advancing equity and justice for all through whole person health. With over 35,000 member families, the Y is a welcoming place of belonging where youth and families can develop and thrive through programs like health and wellness classes, early education, childcare, swim lessons, meal programs, outdoor leadership and camp, sports, mental health counseling, transitional housing, crisis response resources, foster care, volunteerism, and so much more. Join us!

Join your fellow Rotarians for a night of basketball action! We are also planning some behind-the-scenes goodies for members that attend so keep an eye on this space for other activities that might take place on the night! For discounted tickets in our Rotary group section, please click HERE.

The Hospitality Business is a Community Treasure and Team Sport

Throughout his career John Oppenheimer, CEO of Seattle based Columbia Hospitality, and founder of five hospitality related companies has made it his mission to put others first. John values the fact that great hospitality is a team sport, a proactive interplay between great people dedicated to creating exceptional experiences. When these things come together, it can showcase a community at its very best.

Please join Mark Wright for this in-depth conversation with, John Oppenheimer, an inspirational leader in the local and national hospitality industry.

If you are 35 and under or just young at heart, join the Young Rotary Leaders (YRLs) at this month's happy hour! For more information, please contact Tabitha Cluas.

In Conversation with Mark Wright

The Arts Committee would like to invite all Rotarians, especially Diplomacy and International Service Committee members, to the Seattle Opera world premiere of A Thousand Splendid Suns. If you are interested in joining the group, please email Robyn Grad HERE.

Will downtown Seattle come back?  Is physical retail dead?  Does anyone want a mechanical watch when they can have an iWatch?  With questions and headwinds like these, it could be daunting to be a jeweler in Seattle, but Ben Bridge has gained some perspective over five generations and 111 years and they can continue to remain bullish on each.  Hear from President and CEO Lisa Bridge on what the future holds for Ben Bridge and the jewelry and watch industry. 

The Future of the Corporate Board and the Role Women Will Play in Shaping It

Norway, France, and Spain each have 40% quotas for women on boards. The United States by contrast has only 24.2% of board seats in the S&P 500 that are held by women. Business is more complex than ever and changing at lightning speed. The SEC adds new regulations each month. Hear former Fisher Communications (KOMO NEWS) CEO Colleen Brown explain what to expect in the future and how women can lead the way.

Colleen Brown is an experienced CEO, media executive, and board member. Ms. Brown was honored as Director of the Year in 2017 by the Pacific Northwest National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). In addition, she was recognized in New York City as a Top 100 Director by the NACD. Ms. Brown is also a Henry Crown Fellow and member of the Aspen Leadership Institute. She is a NACD Leadership Fellow and holds a Cyber Certificate from Carnegie Mellon/NACD. Ms. Brown has served as a director of Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation (Nasdaq:BGFV) since August 2019 where she is a member of the Audit Committee and Governance and Nominating Committee. She is a former President of various companies at Gannett Company Inc., a Fortune 500 Company. Ms. Brown holds a B.S. from the University of Dubuque and M.B.A. from the University of Colorado.

A History of Women in Leadership: Through the Prism of One Seattle Family

How have women leaders changed over the past century? What characteristics have endured? I will explore those questions by offering a snapshot of four generations of Seattle women, each called to leadership within a different social context, each – by coincidence – my kin. For example: My great grandmother helped found the Seattle Symphony and Children’s Hospital; my grandmother founded KING Broadcasting Company and served as the UW’s first female Regent; three members of my mother’s generation were significant leaders well into old age; and my experience as a leader has been informed by their example as well as a very different social context.

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 in 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.

The UNCF “A Mind Is…”® Gala is one of UNCF’s signature fundraising galas and premier social events of the year. Supported by a diverse group of corporate sponsors and individuals, it involves celebrities, dignitaries, civic leaders, volunteers, public officials, alumni and others who support UNCF’s mission of investing in America’s future by getting students to and through college.

The event is black tie and cocktail attire.

Member Sten Crissey is organizing special Seattle 4 tables for this event. When registering, please list Sten Crissey as your table captain to be seated with the rest of the club.

Rotary Club of Seattle has been a long-term partner with UNCF so if you are interested in attending, click to register HERE.

Heather Snavely is President & CEO of AAA Washington. An imaginative leader drawn to brands fueled by passion and a clear mission, Snavely is the first woman to lead AAA Washington, which serves 1.2 million members across Washington and Northern Idaho.

Throughout her nearly 30-year career, Snavely has worked across multiple industries including retail, toys and games, gaming and entertainment, consumer technology and sporting goods. She most recently held the VP Marketing role at PCC Community Markets, the nation’s largest community-owned grocer. Prior to PCC, she led global marketing at Brooks Running Company, global consumer communications for Xbox, and was Head of the Hive (or global brand communications) at Cranium.

“Northeast Asia and The U.S. Today”

Panel Presentation featuring Mr. Hisao Inagaki, Consul General of Japan in Seattle, Ms. Eunji Seo, Consul General of South Korea in Seattle, and Mr. Daniel Chen, Director General of Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Seattle. Dignitaries in attendance will include consular representatives based in the Greater Seattle region. Learn more about how the world today looks from a truly global perspective.

A Collaboration of the Consular Association of Washington, the Seattle Rotary Diplomacy Roundtable, Bellevue Rotary Diplomacy Committee, and the Seattle International Affairs Advisory Board.

If you will be attending as a visitor or guest, please email your full name to carma@seattlerotary.org and please pre-pay for lunch using this link (make sure to note that the lunch you are buying is for the April 12 meeting).

Join Seattle 4 Rotary members, family, and friends to spruce up the club by cleaning inside and out.

Bring your favorite tools and spend three hours of fun and service at your Rotary Boys and Girls Club.

This event is held with the RBGC Advisory Board and is a great opportunity the Rotarians and board members to get to know each other.

Patrick will also be making her famous strawberry shortcake – you do not want to miss it!

Please join NatureBridge staff at our beautiful Olympic National Park campus for our April work day! This is a once-a-year chance to help us take care of our historical campus while connecting with NatureBridge staff and board and celebrating the great work of NatureBridge. Rotary Club of Seattle supports NatureBridge through our Seattle Rotary Service Foundation (SRSF).

To register, click HERE.

This family-friendly event, which starts at our campus in Olympic National Park and ends at the Elwha River, gives our closest friends and supporters the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of NatureBridge students as you explore the Elwha River restoration and its history with NatureBridge. We’ll utilize hands-on field science practices to help you understand biodiversity and ecological health and how the ecosystem is changing post-dam removal. The Rotary Club of Seattle proudly supports NatureBridge through our charitable arm, the Seattle Rotary Service Foundation.

There is a small $10.00 fee to help us cover costs.

To RSVP, click HERE.

April brings the return of our networking events with Nicole Klein! Please join us for a casual evening of getting to know our fellow Rotarians better with this networking event focusing on networking tips and tricks. Bring your name badge, your business cards, and willingness to make some new connections! For more information or to RSVP, please email Nicole Klein.

Use this link to book your tickets:

www.5thavenue.org/rotary

New club Rotarian Jim Barnhart would like to invite Seattle 4 members to attend an open house at Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center April 22. This will be an opportunity for members to hear about work going on at Oxbow, tour the facilities, and even catch some live music! For more information or to register to attend, please click HERE.

Please see additional event details in your newsletter. 

Have you ever been asked to serve on a not-for-profit board of directors and suddenly realized that one of your key roles is to help raise money to support the mission of the organization?  The task of raising money begins with understanding who is giving it away and to whom are they giving it.  Our program on April 26^th will provide that information.

During this hour-long interactive experience, you’ll discover the origins of cacao, see how we craft our chocolate from scratch in Seattle, and learn about the close partnerships we’ve cultivated with the farmers we source from. Plus, you’ll get an inside view of our factory to see where the magic happens. And what chocolate experience would be complete without tasting? During your visit, you’ll indulge in a wide range of treats, from our nationwide bestsellers to hand-crafted confections.

Note that tickets are first come, first serve and capped at 21; each member may bring no more than two additional guests. Cost for each attendee is $15, with part of ticket costs being subsidized by the club. 

To register to attend, please RSVP to Jan Levy. You will then receive an invoice from Freshbooks to pay for your ticket.

How do the arts move you?  How has it added to the quality of your life?  Arts is a critical part of bringing vitality, good health and cultural well-being to Downtown Seattle and throughout the city!  The arts have the magic of bringing people from all walks of life together with a common interest, drives economic growth and social change.  Hear how Bernie Griffin over the last 21 years leading The 5th Avenue Theatre created memories for millions of patrons and her passion for education has inspired young people to enjoy the arts and helped develop the next generation of arts patrons and professionals.

The Seattle Fifth Avenue Theatre

Sweeney Todd

Wednesday, May 3, 2023 – 7:30pm – Dinner at 5:30pm at the Washington Athletic Club

* Let Doug Seto know when you make your reservations. 

We will be having dinner together at the Washington Athletic Club prior to the musical.  Please contact Doug Seto dougseto@comcast.net to make a reservation for dinner at the Washington Athletic Club and if you have any questions. Join fellow Rotarians at Sweeney Todd, a deliciously thrilling story of revenge and retribution, which continues The Seattle Fifth Avenue Theatre’s celebration of the titan of musical theatre:  Stephen Sondheim.  After 15 years in exile, Sweeney Todd arrives in a dark ad gritty London, hungry for vengeance against the judge who destroyed his life.  Todd joins forces with Mrs. Lovett, the unhinged proprietress of a failing pie shop, and together they develop a spinetingling plot to extract revenge.

Purchase your tickets at  www.5thavenue.org/RCSNIGHT. This will give you a special discount.

This event is now SOLD OUT! If you have signed up to attend, please see additional event details below!

Tour Highlights:

• The tour will begin at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound, the operational command serving the greater Seattle area.  It will include a tour of the Joint Harbor Operations Center (Command Center) and the Vessel Traffic Center.  Both of these centers are the operational command and control nerve center for all operations occurring within the area.  Cellular devices, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, etc. are not permitted in this area; lock boxes will be provided.
• After touring Sector, we will do a quick walking tour of Base Seattle, ending with Station Seattle.
• Upon arrival at Station Seattle, we will meet with the boat crews and will commence boarding a Response Boat Medium (RB-M).  This segment of the tour will include a boat ride around Elliott Bay and will showcase the capabilities of our crews and assets.  Guests will have an up-close view of our Polar Icebreakers as well as a waterfront view of our facility and the city of Seattle.
• The tour is limited to 20 people.
• The boat ride is optional and can accommodate up to 10 guests on board.
• Email John Steckler to sign up. johnsteckler@comcast.net

Arrival Instructions:

• You will be met at the front gate by CMC Carroll, CMC Mullins and CMC Duff.  The adddress is: 1519 Alaskan Way S, Seattle, WA 98134
• Please ensure each person attending has their information captured on the attached Visitor Form.  This form needs to be provided back to CMC Mullins by May 5^th, 2023.

The Rise of the Asian American Voice

Featuring panliests Steve Hobbs (Secretary of State), Leesa Manion (King County Prosecutor), David Della (former Seattle City Council member), and Katherine Cheng (Seattle Mariners VP of People & Culture).