Send us a text 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 inch must be organic material, and how silver leaf, coffee, and hand-placed petals become a camera-ready message about “magic and teamwork.” We walk through the real process: a subcommittee develops 25 to 30 concepts that align with Rotary’s p...
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Send us a text 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 inch must be organic material, and how silver leaf, coffee, and hand-placed petals become a camera-ready message about “magic and teamwork.” We walk through the real process: a subcommittee develops 25 to 30 concepts that align with Rotary’s p...
Send us a text 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 inch must be organic material, and how silver leaf, coffee, and hand-placed petals become a camera-ready message about “magic and teamwork.” We walk through the real process: a subcommittee develops 25 to 30 concepts that align with Rotary’s p...
Send us a text 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 from northern France to district leadership and showing exactly how language, culture, and service combine to build peace. We break down the essentials for students and families: who can apply (ages 15–19), how the application and interviews wor...
Send us a text 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 tents, essential tools, trained response teams, and a network of partners that move aid across borders when it matters most. From a Rotary Club idea in Cornwall to a global nonprofit operating in 100 countries, this is a candid look at how shelter...
Send us a text 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 surprising ecological importance of California's Coachella Valley desert and the critical conservation work happening right beneath our feet. Karen reveals how desert plants create an "underground forest" of roots that excel at capturing carbon...
Send us a text 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 exchange for helping carry boxes to a meeting. Little did she know this seemingly small decision would spark a lifelong journey of service that would take her from Mexico to California, transforming countless lives along the way. Frances shares h...
Send us a text 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 profound personal growth and connection. Max takes us behind the scenes of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp, where 450 high school juniors experience a life-changing weekend of vulnerability and authentic connection. "We live in thi...
Send us a text 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 creates lasting bonds while serving communities globally. When a team from District 5330 traveled to Maringá, Brazil to implement mental health resilience programming, they encountered Pedro – a remarkable 19-year-old Interact member who beca...
Send us a text 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 people crawling on the ground being lifted into wheelchairs by Rotarians. "I was struck by how horrible their lives were," Des shares, "and then it showed Rotarians bringing wheelchairs to this community... their whole lives were transformed, the ...
Send us a text 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 transformative power of Rotary's youth programs. Eddie's story begins with hesitation. Already busy with ROTC commitments, he initially questioned whether to attend a weekend leadership camp called Ryla in the mountains. That pivotal decision c...
Send us a text "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 for confident communicators and ethical leaders across our communities. The contest invites high school students to craft speeches incorporating Rotary's Four-Way Test principles: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build go...
Send us a text 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 witnessed firsthand the stark reality facing island schoolchildren – no access to clean drinking water. This revelation sparked what would become an extraordinary cross-border Rotary partnership. The Green Schools Project tackles multiple critica...
Send us a text 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 for. That's the problem Mark is solving through his remarkably successful mock interview program. During this eye-opening conversation, Mark shares how a Rotary concept he encountered 35 years ago evolved into a comprehensive program that's cha...
Send us a text 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 by Zone Director Wynne Spiller and Rotary Institute Chair Bob Deering to explore one of Rotary's most valuable yet sometimes overlooked opportunities: the Rotary Institute. For many Rotarians, The Institute remains a mystery. Wynne breaks down...
Send us a text 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 Frank, the visionary founder of Somos Amigos. Together, we explore the incredible journey of providing essential healthcare to remote communities. Discover the heartwarming stories of Rotarians and non-Rotarians uniting for a common cause, breaki...
Send us a text 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 from leading medical teams in post-earthquake Haiti to becoming a pivotal figure in Rotary is nothing short of remarkable. From a speaking engagement at the Rotary Club of Covina to his integration into the Riverside Sunrise Club, Nyron's story i...
Send us a text 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 meticulous artistry and logistics that go into crafting this floral wonder. From selecting top-notch designers and builders to sourcing vibrant blooms from Southern California, Mexico, and South America, Gene unveils the year-long journey behind the s...
Send us a text 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 inch must be organic material, and how silver leaf, coffee, and hand-placed petals become a camera-ready message about “magic and teamwork.” We walk through the real process: a subcommittee develops 25 to 30 concepts that align with Rotary’s p...
