Podcast
Rotary Community Heroes of Hope
Judy Zulfiqar
Stories of service, impact, and the everyday Rotarians transforming communities across District 5330 and beyond.
Real stories of Rotary in action.
Rotary Community Heroes of Hope is District 5330’s weekly podcast spotlighting the people, projects, and partnerships behind Rotary’s impact. From neighborhood cleanups and youth exchanges to global service initiatives, each episode brings listeners face to face with the Rotarians changing lives in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties — and around the world.
Whether you’re a longtime Rotarian, exploring membership, or simply curious about service in your community, you’ll find conversations here that inform, inspire, and remind us all what it looks like when ordinary people commit to extraordinary good.
Judy Zulfiqar
A longtime member of the District 5330 Rotary family, Judy hosts every episode with warmth, curiosity, and a deep belief in the power of community. Through her conversations, she invites listeners into the moments where service becomes connection — and where ordinary Rotarians become heroes of hope.
Conversations that started it all
A handful of early episodes that capture what the show is about — service, people, and Rotary in action. Watch on YouTube, or browse the full episode library below.
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How A Rotary Fellowship Shaped A Global Leader
What if a single year abroad could reset your life’s trajectory? We sit down with David to trace a remarkable arc: from a Rotary fellowship that placed him in apartheid-era Johannesburg to a career guiding CEOs and boards on strategy…
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How A Mountain Rotary Club Turns Simple Ideas Into Community Change
What if the most powerful community work wasn’t a gala or a grant, but a cake mix, a can of Sprite, and a room full of volunteers with sleeves rolled up? We shine a light on the Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead and the way Jeri Simpson and…
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Local Roots, Global Impact
What if your next neighborhood project could ripple across oceans? We sit down with Rotarian leader Patrick Dunn to trace a direct line from Reno’s river cleanups and community gardens to international efforts in Italy and Kenya, showing…
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How Rotary Exchanges Shaped A Lifesaving Purpose
What if the exchange trip you took as a teenager ended up saving your life years later? We sit down with Kamal Kenny from Malaysia to trace a journey that starts in Interact, winds through Rotary’s Group Study Exchange in California, and…
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Lighting The Path: Rotary Training That Works
Want a Rotary education plan that actually moves the needle? We sit down with past District Governor Marilyn Sanderson to unpack a practical, people-first roadmap for training that grows leaders, keeps members, and lifts club impact across…
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Behind The Petals: How Rotary Builds A Winning Rose Parade Float
Seven miles, a sea of roses, and a television audience in the tens of millions—this is where Rotary turns service into spectacle. We sit down with Ray and Dan to reveal how a 45-foot float goes from sketch to spotlight, why every visible…
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From Student Abroad To District Leader: How Youth Exchange Builds Peace
What if a single year abroad could rewire how a teenager sees the world—and how a community sees its purpose? We sit down with a former Rotary exchange student who now leads District 5330’s Youth Exchange, tracing a full-circle journey…
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Shelter And Hope, Delivered
What does it take to give a family a safe night’s sleep after an earthquake, flood, or conflict? We sit down with ShelterBox ambassador and Rotarian Carol Pipotone to unpack the playbook behind rapid, credible disaster relief: durable…
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Desert's Hidden Powers
What if the barren desert landscape you see is actually hiding a vibrant ecosystem more effective at carbon capture than rainforests? In this eye-opening conversation with Karen Jaffe from Friends of the Desert Mountains, we explore the…
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The Economics of Service: From Rotaract to Cadre Leadership
When persistence meets pizza, amazing things happen. At least that's how Frances Vegas discovered Rotary - after declining three invitations to join a Rotaract club as a busy graduate student, she finally agreed when offered dinner in…
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Forged by Fire: How Trauma Shapes Purpose
Transformation often begins when we feel safe enough to be real. In this powerful conversation with U.S. Marine and motivational speaker Max Dutton, we explore how creating environments where young people can drop their masks leads to…
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Breaking Borders: How Rotary's VTT Program Builds Global Families
Genuine connection transcends language, borders, and cultural differences. This beautiful truth shines through in our conversation with Carissa and Pedro Camargo, whose story exemplifies how Rotary's Vocational Training Team (VTT) program…
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Finding Your Rotary Moment
A heartfelt conversation with Des reveals how a single moment transformed her entire Rotary journey. After spending three years as a casual member seeking business connections, everything changed when she witnessed a video of disabled…
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Finding Your Voice: How a Mountain Leadership Weekend Changed Everything
What happens when a shy high schooler steps outside their comfort zone and discovers a world of leadership, service, and lifelong friendships? Eddie's remarkable journey from reluctant ROTC student to passionate Rotarian exemplifies the…
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Empowering Youth Through Words: The Four-Way Test Speech Contest
"Take a chance on yourself and go for it!" These powerful words from past winner Jason Davalos capture the transformative spirit of Rotary District 5330's Four-Way Test Speech Contest. This youth-focused program has become a launching pad…
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Green Schools, Clean Water: Rotary's Impact in Cozumel
A chance vacation encounter transformed into a life-changing initiative for thousands of students in Cozumel, Mexico. When Matt McElroy, President-Elect of Indio Sunrise Rotary, attended a Rotary meeting during his family vacation, he…
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Mock Interviews: Preparing Students for Real-World Success
What happens when high school students face their first real job interview without ever having practiced? For thousands of young people, walking into that first interview means stumbling through an experience they've never been prepared…
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Beyond the Club: The Power of the Rotary Institute
The true power of Rotary extends far beyond our local clubs and districts — it's found in the connections we forge with each other across wider regions and the collaborative energy that creates. In this illuminating episode, we're joined…
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Breaking Barriers: Mental Health Training in Brazil
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Life-Saving Wheels: How Rotarians Fund Rural Emergency Transport
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Discover How Rotary is Changing the Future, One Youth at a Time
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Empowering Young Leaders: Early Act's Transformative Impact at Crestline Rotary Club
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Transforming Healthcare in the Dominican Republic: Rotary's Mission with Somos Amigos
What if you could be part of a mission that truly transforms lives? Join us on Community Heroes of Hope as we welcome the inspiring Douglas McClellan, who is leading a humanitarian expedition to the heart of the Dominican Republic, and…
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Journey to Leadership: Nyron McLean's Inspiring Rotary Impact and Mentorship
Have you ever wondered how a career in humanitarian aid could lead to a prominent leadership role in a global organization? Welcome to an inspiring conversation with Nyron McLean, Rotary District Governor-Elect, whose impactful journey…
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Parading Hope: Rotary's Artistic Collaboration at the Iconic Rose Parade
Join us on the Rotary Heroes of Hope podcast as we unlock the secrets behind the Rotary Rose Parade Float with none other than Gene Hernandez, the President of the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee. Prepare to be enchanted by the…
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Empowering Communities with Clean Water: Rotary's Mission in Africa
Discover how a simple mission can transform entire communities as we sit down with Dep Thuani, a relentless missionary worker bringing clean drinking water to South Sudan, Uganda, and Kenya. Join us as Dep recounts his inspiring journey…
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Heroes of Service: Rotary's Transformative Impact on Mumbai's Healthcare
Join us on a heartwarming journey as we spotlight incredible community heroes like Biren Shukla and Tina Runter. Hear firsthand from Biren, a past president of the City of Corona Rotary Club, and Tina, the pioneering first lady president…
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Uniting for Life: Rotary's Role in Boosting Blood Donations and Vital Community Support
What happens when a community unites to support life-saving initiatives? Join us as we explore this compelling question with Kevin Taylor from the Palm Springs Sunup Rotary Club, alongside Kim Bollinger from Lifestream Blood Bank and…
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Heroes of Hope: Rotary's United Response to Southern California's Devastating Fires
Discover the heroic efforts of Rotarians in Southern California as they tackle the challenges posed by the devastating Lion and Airport fires. Join us, Jamie Zinn and Judy Zolfakar, along with our community service director, Chuck…
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Illuminating Hope: Rotary's Solar-Powered Support for Ukraine's Resilience
What if a simple device could be a beacon of hope in times of despair? Today, we have the privilege of sharing Andy Lennick's extraordinary journey—a story rooted in personal history and a commitment to making a difference. As a child of…
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Uniting for Change: Rotary's Global Efforts in Supporting Honduras Communities
Can the spirit of collaboration and service truly transcend borders and transform lives? On this episode of Rotary Heroes of Hope, we share the awe-inspiring stories of Rotarians like Rafael Larios, Jim Weaver, and Melvin Tejada, who have…
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Empowering Future Leaders: PRYDE Program’s Impact and Rotary Volunteers' Heroism
Discover how seventh graders can blossom into future leaders as Jackie Chapman from the Desert Hot Springs Rotary Club shares the secrets behind the life-changing PRYDE program on this episode of the Rotary Heroes of Hope podcast. Jackie…
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Transforming Lives with Orthopedic Care: The Rotary Club's Inspiring Global Collaboration
What if a single project could change lives and unite communities across the globe? Join us as we explore this reality with Biren Shukla, past president of the City of Corona Rotary Club, and Tina Runter, president of the Rotary Club of…
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Making Math Exciting: The Legacy and Impact of Coachella Valley's Math Field Day
Ever wondered how math can be both fun and competitive? Join us on this episode of Rotary Heroes of Hope as we spotlight the Math Field Day initiative in the Coachella Valley! Hosted by Judy Zulfiqar and Jamie Zinn, we explore the rich…
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From Dialysis Machines to Global Audits: Dr. Kalfas' Rotary Adventure
What does it take to transform communities through heartfelt service and diligent stewardship? Join us on the Rotary Heroes of Hope podcast as we sit down with the inspiring Dr. Helene Kalfas, a visionary in the Rotary community. Dr…
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Supporting Communities in Crisis: The Angels of Service Initiative by Palm Desert Rotary
Discover how community service can thrive even in the most challenging times as we spotlight the "Angels of Service" program from the Palm Desert Rotary Club. Buffy Kavaniss joins us to share the inspiring origin story of this initiative…
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Episode 40 - Engaging Communities in Global Peace Efforts with Rotary
Discover the transformative power of the Rotary Peace Centers and the Rotary Peace Fellow Program as we sit down with Vicki Pullitz, past District Governor and Vice Chair of the Rotary Peace Centers Committee, and Peace Fellow Christina…
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EPISODE 39 - Reviving Community Spirit: The Story of Riverside's Show and Go
What happens when a beloved local event undergoes significant changes but still manages to captivate thousands? Join us as we sit down with Ken Gutierrez, president of the Riverside East Rotary Club, and Finn Comer, the dynamic co-chair of…
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EPISODE 38 - Project Peanut Butter's Global Impact
Can the power of one small, nutritious peanut butter product change the world? Join us to discover how Dr. Mark Maneri’s innovative ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) is revolutionizing the fight against severe acute malnutrition (SAM)…
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EPISODE 37 - Empowering Youth and Supporting Vulnerable Communities with Power Speaks Louder
Ever wondered how creativity and community service can transform lives? Join us as we sit down with visionary designer Hunter from Power Speaks Louder, who shares her incredible journey from the world of design to becoming a community…
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EPISODE 36 - Conquering Malnutrition with Project Peanut Butter and Rotary's Global Impact
Discover the groundbreaking strides in combating severe acute malnutrition as we host an insightful conversation with Dr. Mark Manary, the trailblazing mind behind Project Peanut Butter, and Arthur Santos, the president-elect of the Palm…
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EPISODE 35 - The Power of Vocational Service Awards
Every community has its quiet champions, and today, we're shining the spotlight on those extraordinary individuals with Rob Haskins, president of the Murrieta Rotary Club. Prepare to be moved by tales of compassion and courage as we…
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EPISODE 34 - Rotary International President-Elect, Stephanie Urchick on Fostering Peace and Diversity
Stephanie Urchick, Rotary International President-Elect, steps into our podcast studio, exuding the wisdom and strategy that she's poised to bring to one of the world's most impactful service organizations. She doesn't just sit at the…
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EPISODE 33 - VTT Tours a Mission of Water and Empowerment in Thailand
Embark on a stirring journey with us, as we share the riveting tales of Rotarians embodying the spirit of 'Heroes of Hope'. Our latest episode captures the heart of true service, featuring the remarkable Stephen Gale, Dan Cortese, and…
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EPISODE 32- Vision to Learn - The Journey of Giving Kids Clear Futures with Rotary
Discover the monumental impact of providing children with the gift of sight as we're joined by the passionate Nora and Damian Carroll from Vision to Learn. Together, we uncover the startling reality that up to 40% of kids in areas like…
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EPISODE 31 - Way Speech Contest
Esther Phala, the District 5330 4-Way Speech contest winner, joins the conversation about how preparing and performing in this contest changes the lives and perspectives of the students who participate. Support the show
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EPISODE 30 - iGNITE Festival -
Immediate Past District Governor Don Casper gives us a sneak peek at what the upcoming iGNITE Festival offers. This festival, which will be held at Lake Skinner on June 15th, will be open to everyone and will be one that no one will want…
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EPISODE 29 - 2.Human Trafficking Awareness Trailer
PDG Dan Goodrich and PDG Ricardo Loretta unveil the impactful Human Trafficking Awareness interactive exhibit, a project born out of a deep-seated passion for eradicating human trafficking in our region. They delve into the profound…
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EPISODE 29 - Vocational Training Team
PDG Bob Duistermars, PDG Dan Goodrich and Jennifer O'Farrell from the Vocational Training Team, headed to Thailand to help fight against human trafficking, join us to discuss this vital mission. We learn what a Rotary Vocational Training…
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EPISODE 28 - Club Leader and Member Training Assembly
PDG Marilyn Sanderson and MaryAlice Owens give a detailed outline of what attendees can expect at the Club Leader and Member Training Assembly scheduled for Saturday, April 6th from 8am to 1pm. This dynamic training session is open to all…
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EPISODE 27 - RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards)
Alumni, Alohi joins us to give her perspective as a student who benefited from RYLA last year and is ready and eager to serve as an alumnus this year. After hearing her story, you will know why District 5330 RYLA is the biggest and best in…
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EPISODE 26 - Tawnya Hensley
Tawnya Hensley brings several students from the Rotary Life program to explain first-hand how that program has impacted their life. Support the show
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EPISODE 25 - Rotary Friendship Exchange
Ladd Seekins takes us on a journey of past and future Rotary Friendship Exchange Opportunities. We reminisce about past Friendship Exchanges from Brazil, India and other countries worldwide and talk about the upcoming opportunity from both…
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EPISODE 24 - Rotarian Chuck Weisbart on Community Service
Rotarian Chuck Weisbart encourages clubs to investigate their communities and determine where the greatest need is as they develop and deploy their community service projects around the district. Support the show
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EPISODE 23 - Fire & Ice
It’s getting Hot In Here! Corona Circle City President and Immediate Past President invite us to enjoy the upcoming Fire & Ice fundraiser featuring the hot Chili Cook-off and ice-cold beer. Support the show
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EPISODE 22- Block Grants
Community Block Grants chairperson Mary Brown joins us to talk about the many opportunities each of the clubs in the district have to apply for community block grants Support the show
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EPISODE 21- Eradicate polio
Past District Governor Marilyn Sanderson reiterates the importance of Rotary’s continued effort to eradicate polio as well as some new opportunities to get your pet included in the fight to end polio! Support the show
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EPISODE 20 - Diversity, equity and inclusion
Past District Governor Marilyn Sanderson joins us to talk about the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in District 5330 that is built to help all our members and members to be feel a sense of belonging in our clubs. Support the show
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EPISODE 19 - Shamrock Club
Service is often born out of the pain or love or both. Anne Marie Duncan and Megan Brennan explain how the Shamrock Club came about and why it is so important to provide this love and service to terminally ill children and their families…
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EPISODE 18 - Supporting Veterans
Nicole Murray from U.S. Vets and Madelyn from Riverside Rotary Club talk about their very important partnership and service to our US Veterans housed at March Air Force Base. This community collaboration is critical to the success of the…
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EPISODE 17- Vocational Service
Past District Governor Bill Chase takes us through his harrowing tales of using his vocation as a dentist to help children and families in need around the world. This is a story not to be missed and includes a 3-foot tapeworm, service…
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EPISODE 16 - Join Rotary
District 5330 Membership chairperson Al Rubio explains some of the exciting new opportunities Rotary membership has to offer along with the many longstanding benefits. Find out how you can ignite your passion for service in a Rotary club…
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EPISODE 15 - PEACE Scholar
Peace Scholar Chantelle Vo gives her first-hand experience of receiving and completing her Rotary PEACE Scholarship. She is joined by Past District Governor Rudy Westervelt as they both highlight the great opportunities Rotary offers in…
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EPISODE 14 -Rotary Rose Parade Float
Past District Governor Dan Goodrich and Rotarian Randy Pote reveal the behind-the-scenes action that goes into building the Rotary International Rose Parade float. Listen in to see how you too can be a part of this unique and special…
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EPISODE 13 - Ukraine
This episode featuring Nicolas Campbell’s harrowing story of serving three months in war torn Ukraine will have you on the edge of your seat! We learn about Nicolas’s personal connection to the country and the incredible impact Rotary and…
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EPISODE 12 - Field of Honor
Murrieta Rotarians Jim and Rob enlighten us with the Field of Honor origin story and how it has been honoring veterans and first responders for the last 15 years. This awe-inspiring event adds new elements every year. You will not want to…
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EPISODE 11 - Shelter Box
Carol Pipitone joins us to talk about how the global support from local Rotary clubs and Rotary International is the cornerstone upon which ShelterBox is built and is what enables them to provide immediate relief, shelter, and dignity to…
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EPISODE 10 - PRIDE PARADE
Palm Springs Rotarian Ector Simpson and Palm Springs PRIDE Parade President and CEO, Ron deHarte elucidate about the celebration and activities that over 200,000 people who attend Palm Springs PRIDE Parade enjoy. A great opportunity for…
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EPISODE 9 - El Tour De Tucson
Rotarians and cycling enthusiasts, Chuck, and Kirk, talk about how their passion for cycling and eradicating polio has led them and thousands of others to the El Tour De Tucson where they have raised millions of dollars to help eradicate…
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EPISODE 8 - BRIDGE
Temecula Rotarian Jami Fencel explains what the BRIDGE committee stands for and how they work with the City of Temecula CORE Team to help the unhoused citizens of Temecula Valley. Temecula Community Services Director, Mike Wooten joins us…
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EPISODE 7 - Oktoberfest
Bring your beer steins and lederhosen as Hemet Rotarian Dan Cortese and T.H.E. volunteer Becky Polk talk about how YOU can join them for the Oktoberfest. Learn first-hand how the Therapeutic Horsemanship Equestrian Center (T.H.E.) helps…
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EPISODE 6 - Scholarship Cup Golf Tournament
Rudy Alegria from the Rotary Club of Mecca Binacional invites everyone participate in the Scholarship Cup Golf Tournament that supports and invests in low-income and at-risk kids. Scholarships provided create a life changing impact on…
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EPISODE 5 - Corazon
Palm Springs Sunup Rotarian, Kevin Taylor and Corazon Executive Director, Julie Deldadillo talk about the impact the partnership between Rotary and Corazon are having on families in Mexico. Support the show
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EPISODE 4 - Mexicali
Past District Governor Ricardo Loretta brings his friends from Mexicali to talk about the many service projects District 5330 Rotarians have been providing to the Deaf School and local college in Mexicali. Support the show
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EPISODE 3 - Waves
Past President of the Rotary Club of Temecula, Lisa Locke and founder of the WAVES Project, Steve Rubin explain the origin story of WAVES and how Rotary has impacted the organization's success and growth over the last 10 years of serving…
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EPISODE 2 - Exchange Student Jill
In this episode we meet Rotary Foreign Exchange Student Jill Rumph and District 5330 Youth Exchange Chairperson Cynthia Mansell. Cynthia leads us through the Rotary Youth Exchange program in our district and how the community can get…
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EPISODE 1 - Welcome to Rotary Community Heroes of Hope!!
In this episode District Governor Jamie Zinn and District Governor Elect Judy Zulfiqar introduce the Rotary Community Hero's of Hope concept and talk about Jamie's priorities for her year as Governor of Rotary District 5330. Support the…
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