THE ROTARY CLUB OF EVERETT
LEADING OFF
President Kari Petrasek rang the bell at 12:02pm, calling to order meeting #5658 of the Rotary Club of Everett and meeting #7 of her presidency.
Walt Greenwood presented the thought of the day, reminding us to take time to connect with friends and family.
VISITING ROTARIANS AND GUESTS
PP Mark Valentine introduced family members, Sarah Silva and John Straub. Kari Quaas introduced Jen Castleberry. Ashley Bolden introduced her daughter, Bailey.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PP Kelli Thode announced the upcoming blood drive on Friday, August 28th, 10am-3pm.
Brian Hollinghead announced that a fireside will be held in October. More details to come.
PP Tammy Dunn announced the nomination of PP Will McMahan as an Everett Rotary Youth Foundation trustee. Betsy Baker Bold made a motion to approve the nomination. PP Steve Miller seconded. The motion passed.
Kari Quaas announced that Ryan Willis is working on a Rotary welcome video. The district will produce it free of charge. There is a sign-up sheet for volunteers.
President Kari announced that there will be a resolution for Larry O’Donnell read at the September 8th Rotary meeting. A viewing will be held on September 10th, Funeral on September 11th, and a memorial on September 12th.
HAPPY DOLLAR$
Ana Marie Lawrence had $100 sad dollars for Larry O’Donnell.
PP Steve Miller had $100 in memory of his mother.
Betsy Baker Bold had $100 for her father’s heavenly birthday.
PP Tammy Dunn was happy about the Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony on September 23rd. Tammy has invitations.
Krissy Davis is back from an Alaskan Cruise, where she learned about the Ketchikan Rotary Club.
RAFFLE
Ashley Bolden ran today’s raffle. Winners were:
- Paul Stoot won a box of something (?)
- Ashley’s daughter, Bailey won candy and a tumbler.
- Guest Jen Castleberry won some wine.
PROGRAM: Scholarship Committee & Youth Program
Scholarship committee co-chairs Kari Quaas and Russ Kimble presented today’s program about the club’s scholarship program.
The Everett Rotary Youth Foundation was established in 1952 and currently supports students at Cascade, Everett and Sequoia high schools, as well as Everett Community College and the Sno-Isle Technical Skills Center. Last year’s scholarship program awarded $387,500 to 66 students and has awarded over $6.2 million since 1952.
The scholarship process works as follows:
- ERYF meets to review the asset balances and interest income gained
- ERYF recommends scholarship amounts
- Rotary Club of Everett Board of Trustees votes to approve amounts
- Russ creates a BIG list of endowed, partner and AVID awards
- Students apply through our online application in January
- Russ matches students to potential awards and interview teams in March
- Rotary members interview students and recommend students for awards in April
- Career Specialists review and recommend students for AVID awards in April and May
- Students are notified of their status - either receiving or not receiving an award
- Walt collects photos of award recipients and prepares our press release
- Everett Public Schools creates certificates. Sandy creates “access to fund” letters
- We CELEBRATE on awards night!
Endowed scholarships include:
- Anthony G Bozich Memorial
- Evelyn Hoffman Scholarship
- Helen Jackson Memorial Scholarship
The Larry O’Donnell Scholarship is ready for disbursement in 2027
Partners in Excellence Scholarships include:
- Fluke Corporation
- EverTrust Foundation/Mary Sievers
- Providence General Foundation
- Botesch, Nash & Hall
- Rubatino Refuse Removal
- Ruth and Warren Huber
- Spencer Injury Law
Next Generation Project/AVID is a readiness program in Everett Public Schools serves :
- “Least -served” youngsters
- Typically low income, minority students whose parents did not attend college
- Students who want to go to college and are willing to work hard
- Includes tuition awards and the Shopping Spree
- Thanks to Krissy Davis for coordinating the Shopping Spree
Students of the Month recognize students every month. Thanks to Cassidy Spencer for leading this program.
How can you help?
- Donate to the ERYF
- Do you know someone who might want to support our scholarships?
- Connect donors to Russ or Kari
- Encourage high school seniors and EvCC students to apply for scholarships
- Create an endowment in a loved one’s name
- Help with interview day - Saturday, April 17, 2027
- Show up for Students of the Month Tuesdays
- Attend the awards celebration - Monday, June 7, 2027
- Mentor a student at the annual shopping spree
- Fund a Partners in Excellence scholarship
- Help Walt! Share posts about Student of the month on social media
- Ask questions, Thank Sandy! Give. Be proud. Leave a legacy.
Kari and Russ then took questions from the membership.
Kelly Shepherd and Paul Stoot both shared some stories and donated $100.
CLOSING
President Kari thanked our many bell ringers and guests.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Clay Browse
Photography Submitted,
Walt Greenwood
