RB Sunrise Rotary and Interact Start 2012 Right for 1,300 Needy Kids

With support from the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary, the Interact Club of Scripps Ranch High School helped 1,300 needy children start the new year off on a positive note.

By participating in the Annual Copley YMCA Holiday Party, Interactors helped deliver gifts for kids who needed them most. The day included raffling bicycles and other large gifts, playing games, applying temporary tattoos, snacks, a jumping machine, piñatas, and a photo booth.

Interact is Rotary International’s service club for students ages 12 to 18. Sponsored, supported and guided by individual Rotary clubs, it is the equivalent of a Rotary club at the high school level.

Interact clubs are expected to complete at least two community service projects, one of which furthers international understanding and goodwill. Through these efforts, Interactors develop a network of friendships with local and overseas clubs and learn the importance of leadership skills, personal integrity, helpfulness, respect for others, individual responsibility, hard work, international understanding and general goodwill.

There are over 10,700 Interact clubs with almost 200,000 young people in 109 countries and geographical areas around the world.

“We’re VERY proud of our Interactors” said program coordinator Joe Giamanco, who noted that 20 students represented the RB Sunrise Rotary at this year’s event. “These are the kinds of kids who demonstrate the quality of students working with Rotary International and their love for community service. They help provide a shining example for the rest of the community to follow.”

Joe Giamanco Gets Paul Harris

Joe Giamanco had a pleasant surprise at today's meeting as Carl Kruse announced Joe's being named as a Paul Harris award recipient. The Paul Harris award is given when $1,000 is contributed to the Rotary Foundation by a community leader or in their name. And though Joe hadn't yet earned enough points to qualify for the award on his own, his hard work in helping to improve the world around him apparently impressed others, who contributed points in his name.

AAUW sends girls to science camp

Irene Dunny of the AAUW (American Association of University Women) and wife of RB Sunrise Rotarian Jim Dunny receives a donation of $750 from Joseph Giamanco to help cover the costs for sending a teenager to science and math camp for a week over the summer. This is the third year when the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary has sponsored a child to go to this camp.

Abraxas Student of the Month - February 2011

The Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary club welcomed their student and teacher of the month at breakfast today.

"Your donations are the lifeblood for students at Abraxas High School," said Teacher of the Month Jabette Caterina at this morning's meeting. She added "Your money is well invested, and we appreciate it more than you can ever know. You truly make a major change in their lives."

Said Student of the Month Linda Villanueva of her Abraxas experience and plans to become a Pediatric nurse, "Going to Abraxas has really helped me. I never had the kind of education and teachers as I have had here. Thank you for making a difference."


Abraxas Teacher of the Month Jabette Caterina and Student of the Month Linda Villanueva joined Abraxas Liason Joe Giamanco as the RB Sunrise Rotary honored Linda for her hard work and success.