The club’s Mask and Gown Project has produced over 307 Masks and 27 gowns. Because of the need, the club joined forces with Sedona Women, Independent Women, Red Rock Quilters and Sedona Kind. “Together, we have made thousands of masks and hundreds of gowns for the health care providers of the Verde Valley,” said Penny Blazej, the club’s project leader. “Not only are we making masks and gowns for Verde Valley Medical Center, we are also making them for Meals on Wheels and the Navajo Nation. Thanks to every Rotarian who is helping out in this most needed project.” Penny gives a big thanks to Rotarians who have helped: Wendy Knight, Marge and Dick Youngberg, Jean Barton, David Simmer and Jamiss Sebert. “This is really important and needed work Penny is leading and that many in the club are helping with,” said Club President Paul Tibbs. “She saw a need and took the initiative. Penny exemplifies the Rotary theme ‘People of Action.’” Penny's husband Tony Blazej models a gown, which takes 1.5 hours to make using old sheets.
2020 Chili Cook-Off sponsors help community during pandemic
While Rotary Club of Sedona’s May 2 Great Sedona Chili Cook-Off was cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CCO sponsors decided to donate anyway to help the community. Sponsorship Chair Holli Ploog, said the club raised about $10,000 or 50% of the sponsorship budget prior to the cancellation of the event. The club then wrote to sponsors requesting permission to retain their financial contribution to support local non-profits during the pandemic.
At the same time, the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) created the Sedona/Verde Valley COVID-19 Community Response Fund, matching dollar for dollar of donations received. “We agreed to contribute our entire sponsorship funding to ACF and were therefore able to leverage our $10,000 into $20,000,” said Holli. “The gift will support the Sedona Food Bank, the Verde Valley Caregivers, Manzanita Outreach and other worthwhile organizations on the front line of supplying food and necessities to local families in need.”
The club also made an additional contribution in the way of grocery gift cards to patrons of St. Andrews dinners in lieu of providing our regular quarterly supper.
The club deeply appreciates sponsors’ support of the Rotary Club of Sedona and in making a difference in their community: Bailor Insurance, Draxler Insurance, Her in Arizona LLC, Kincaid Financial Advisors, Northern Arizona Healthcare Foundation, Ralston Construction, Sedona Dental Arts, Sedona Real Inn, Sedona Smiles, Stormaster, Shrader & Martinez Construction, and The Artist’s Kitchen Shop.
Dates to Remember
May 19--Social Rotary meeting. Details TBA.
June 22--St. Andrews Community Supper, 2 to 7 p.m. at St. Andrews Church.
June 30--Fifth Tuesday at The Artist's Kitchen Shop, wine education, 313 State Route 179, Suite C-11, in Tlaquepaque. Time TBA.
