Rotary Club of Verrado Presents $90,000 Check to Buckeye Food Bank

From left: Doug Bredow, President, Verrado Rotary Foundation, Cassie Wilkins, Executive Director, All Faith Community Services, Holly Nott, President, Rotary Club of Verrado

In a heartwarming display of community support, the Rotary Club of Verrado, along with its affiliate Verrado Rotary Foundation, proudly presented a donation of $90,000 to All Faith Community Services Buckeye Food Bank on June 10, 2025. This remarkable contribution was made possible by the successful Gathering Buckeye - A Chuckwagon Charity Feast event held earlier this year.

The fund raising event, which took place on April 5th, was a memorable evening filled with Chuckwagon-themed cuisine, live entertainment from Highway 85, and the opportunity to meet artist Janis Blayer. Attendees also had the chance to speak with Gary and Bonnie Miller from Saquaro Boot Art, participate in live and silent auctions, and enjoy the beautiful weather. The overwhelming attendance and donations culminated in raising $90,000 for the Buckeye Food Bank.

Doug Bredow, President of the Verrado Rotary Foundation, expressed his gratitude to participants, saying, "Thank you for joining us at Gathering Buckeye. Your attendance and donations were overwhelming. We hope you enjoyed a memorable evening. On behalf of the Rotary Club of Verrado and Cassie Wilkens, Executive Director of AFCS Buckeye Food Bank, THANK YOU! We are grateful for your generous heart and support. You made a difference in the lives of many in our Buckeye community."

Holly Nott, President of the Rotary Club of Verrado, echoed these sentiments, stating, "We were delighted to present a check for $90,000 to All Faith Community Services Buckeye Food Bank, made possible by the successful Gathering Buckeye event held earlier this year. Particular thanks go to our presenting sponsor Teravalis and all the other sponsors and guests who generously made the success of the event possible."

The Rotary Club of Verrado, chartered in September 2018, has quickly become a pillar of support in the community. With 58 members, the club and its affiliated charity, the Verrado Rotary Foundation, have donated over $500,000 in support of various causes both in Buckeye and around the world. As a member of Rotary International, one of the first service clubs founded in Chicago in 1905, the Rotary Club of Verrado is part of a global network of over 32,000 clubs and 1.2 million members in 185 countries.

The presentation of this donation underscores the Rotary Club of Verrado's commitment to making a positive impact in the community and supporting those in need. The funds raised will help All Faith Community Services Buckeye Food Bank continue their vital work in providing food and assistance to those who need it most.

President's Message

Welcome to the Rotary Club of Verrado. Thank you for taking a few minutes to visit us here.

I have the honor and privilege of serving this Club as our 6th President. Our meetings are full of lively interaction, fun and great programs designed to keep us informed about our local community and the world around us.

Our Club is a relatively new entrant in the world of Rotary having been founded in 2018, much like our community of Verrado and surrounding neighborhoods are new to the fabric of the City of Buckeye – not too long ago a small farm town with a long history and now an emerging larger city which is amongst the fastest growing in the nation. Our goal is to follow Buckeye’s lead in keeping that small town feel where people know and rely on each other while embracing our new neighbors as they arrive and helping them to meet people and learn how they can embrace and serve their new home. Our club participates in many both local and international causes, financially and as volunteers.

At our weekly meetings we discuss topics relevant to our efforts and typically feature key-note speakers to present and share their ideas. Whether you're an active Rotarian, a prospective speaker, or just an interested individual, I hope to see you soon. To learn more about what it means to be a member of our great community, I invite you to attend one of our meetings. We meet every Tuesday morning at Victory Hall at the Victory Club in Verrado (5325 N Verrado Way) at 7am (Click HERE for directions). If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

Holly Nott

President

Rotary Week of Service Project A Big Success

Rotarians from the Rotary Clubs of Verrado, White Tanks in Verrado, Buckeye and Goodyear Pebble Creek gathered on Saturday, April 26 for a painting and cleaning project at the All Faith Community Services Food Bank. Many hands made light work of brightening the walls and a great time was enjoyed by all. Thanks to David Faragher for arranging this event.

First Annual "Empty The Shelves" Holiday Food Drive a Big Success

Mike Nott and Ty Doolittle

The holiday food drive for the All Faith Buckeye Food Bank started at Rotary on November 19 and wrapped up on Saturday, November 23 at Basha's on Main Street. Led by Community Service Chairman Mike Nott, over 15 Rotarians and dozens of friends and spouses gathered over 1,500 pounds of food for the Food Bank. Click HERE for a carousel of photos from the event.

Rotary of Verrado Members Support Meals of Joy

Approximately 20 Verrado Rotarians and their guests attended the 2024 Meals of Joy Fundraiser on Saturday, November 9, 2024. Meals of Joy was founded and is headed up by our own member, Larry Cervarich with Kevin Barko serving as Executive Chef. Here are a couple pictures of our group at the event. For more information about Meals of Joy or to volunteer to be a delivery driver, please click HERE.