“There is a lot of pride in Sacramento,” said luncheon speaker Todd Dunivant of Sacramento Republic FC, talking both about his team’s fan base and our region in general.
Matching the sports theme for the meeting, Jackie Kirkland offered a thought of the day about success and sports. Success in sports is about grit, not necessarily winning, but perseverance and hard training both on and off the field, she said. Success is about showing up, working hard, and never giving up!
PP Diane Woodruff kept us in suspense as she provided biographical clues about the next recipient of the club’s highest honor – Sacramento Rotary Fellow. It turned out to be a humbled PP Todd Koolakian, who was surprised by the sudden appearance of his partner Mark and several friends to join in celebrating Todd’s well-deserved award.
Meeting sponsor PP Diane Mizell donated her time to Evelyn Jensen of Impact 100 Sacramento, who discussed that organization’s efforts. Its goal is to get 100 women to donate $100 for charitable grantmaking around the region. This year they provided $275,000 to five nonprofits: $100,000 to Musiclandria and Soil Born Farms, and $25,000 to WEAVE, UCP Sacramento, and Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates. For 2025, their goal is to offer $350,000 in grants.
New member Bill Wygant was inducted upon a beautiful introduction by his daughter Megan, who recounted his career as a commercial airline pilot and accomplishments as an open water swimmer!
Club Announcements
- the Fireside gathering at the home of PP Wes Yee is full
- Habitat for Humanity work opportunity – Justino Santana encouraged Rotarians to take part in a Habitat for Humanity build that will take place in Oak Park November 15 or 16 (details to follow).
In the “Put Me In, Coach” donations portion of the meeting, David Brandenburger celebrated selling a condo with the help of fellow club member Mik Miklaus, who in turn donated to celebrate that he will be an umpire at Manzanar Internment Camp for the first baseball game played there since World War II. This game will feature two teams from the Japanese American Citizens League.
Dennis Godby made a donation in honor of his late sister and her inspiring efforts to educate others about cancer “below the waist.”
Bob Rosenberg introduced featured speaker Todd Dunivant, president & general manager of the professional soccer team Sacramento Republic FC. Todd recounted his playing career including five MLS Cups and his time playing with the LA Galaxy. He discussed his current role shaping the team, recruiting players, and running the business. Dunivant expressed appreciation for the community’s fantastic support of the Republic, saying “There is a lot of pride in Sacramento.”
He noted the team’s community involvement with varying initiatives like helping renovate soccer fields, interacting with inmates at Folsom Prison, and fostering young players in the team’s youth academy.
He touched on the team’s aspirations to one day join MLS, and he discussed club plans to build a new stadium.
President Bobby thanked the greeters of the day PP Wes Yee, Jaydeep Balakrishnan and Harold Bellamy. Jim Henderson served as meeting photographer, and Peter Coyl served as Pulse reporter. The wine was sponsored by Tom Bacon.
Next week’s meeting will feature speaker Christi Black Davis of the public affairs firm Edelman Global Advisory. It’s a costume party!, said President Bobby, so come dressed for Halloween fun.
Photos Courtesy of Jim Henderson
