Events

Mr. Kander is the Executive Director of Music Mends Minds, an eleven-year-old, Los Angeles based, global nonprofit that creates free music engagement and therapy groups for seniors, especially those with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, dementia, and other neurodegenerative challenges, and their families and caregivers. Through his efforts, MMM is collaborating withresearch and advocacy leaders in the “Prescriptive Arts” to make the “medicine of music” a Public Health Initiative that provides significant wellness and fiscal benefits to both families and entire communities.

His four-decade media career includes positions as Chief On-Air Creative Marketing officer and Director of Motion Pictures for CBS Entertainment, an Executive Producer of movies and miniseries, and as a creator of advocacy and documentary programming. His collaborative work has often had the good fortune to influence the national conversation while earning the industry’s most prestigious creative and humanitarian awards.

His volunteer work includes serving as Advisory Board Chair of The Gould Center for the Humanities at Claremont McKenna College, as a Board+ member of People For The American Way, and as a team leader and board member of Care Harbor, a free medical, dental, vision and mental health clinic that has served LA for 16 years.

Rotarians and friends are warmly invited to attend the NAMIWalks South Bay Kickoff Rally as we begin building momentum for the 2026 NAMIWalks Greater Los Angeles County Mental Health Fest and come together in support of Mental Health for All. 💚

Hosted by NAMI South Bay, part of NAMI Greater Los Angeles County, this relaxed community gathering brings together supporters, volunteers, and community partners to connect and learn what’s ahead for this year’s Walk season.

Members of Rotary District 5280 will be participating as a Rotary team at this year’s Walk, and this rally is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community and learn how you can get involved.

📅 Friday, March 13, 2026
⏰ 5:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Mychal’s Café
2302 Artesia Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90278

RSVP:
https://tinyurl.com/NAMISouthBay-WalkRally-3-13-26

A festival of INTERNATIONAL food, songs, dances, music, arts & crafts, artists and many more!

Lin Lu, MD, is ABPN board-certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry and has a PhD in Microbiology & Immunology. Her extensive training in both fields gives her a unique understanding of the mind and body. She believes in people’s potential and strives to develop a personal connection with them. Her holistic approaches and genuine relationship with each patient and family, have contributed to her success in treating various mental health conditions: ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, eating disorders, gender incongruence, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, etc.

Dr. Lu is also a dedicated educator deeply involved with community mental healthcare. In addition to her teaching at Chicago medical school, she serves as a mentor for students interested in psychiatric clinical research. She regularly provides community mental health awareness education and inter-professional workshops, e.g., child psychopharmacology. Nominated by her students, Dr. Lu was the Chicago medical school faculty recipient of the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, presented by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation in 2021.

Join as members share the District 5280 Humanitarian Trip to Costa Rica from earlier in February

For more info: https://rotary5280.org/page/2026-costa-rica-humanitarian-trip/

learn about the global grants and projects - https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000050010/en-ca/files/homepage/costa-rica-projects/2026-Costa-Rica-Humanitarian-Projects.pdf

The Rotary Clubs of Mental Health & Wellness and Palos Verdes Sunset invite you to be a part of a joint Community Service Grant project supporting local children and families.

Held during Mental Health Awareness Month (May) and building on Child Abuse Prevention Month (April), this uplifting event is designed to bring people together through connection, care, and accessible wellness resources.

In partnership with Richstone Family Center, the event supports children and families on their healing journey, while also helping expand awareness and access to mental health and community-based support services.

Attendees will experience interactive wellness activities, resource tables, and meaningful opportunities to connect—creating a space where individuals and families feel seen, supported, and not alone.

Open to the community - all are welcome.

Inspired by Rotarian Larry Bender, who was a devoted supporter of Richstone and often reminded us to ask, “Is it fun?”—this event is designed to be both meaningful and joyful.

Get involved / sign up:
https://tinyurl.com/RotaryHealingHearts

If you’re interested in being part of this event or have ideas to share, we’d love to connect.
Please reach out to Grace Leung, Club President, at grace4rotary@gmail.com.💛

Allcove Beach Cities provides the youth of the greater South Bay area with support in areas such as mental health, physical support, peer and family support, and edicational support. We invite you to join us for a tour of their center and for our Club meeting, which will be held in person and onine. 

4:45: Welcome to Allcove Beach Cities (514 N. Prospect Avenue, Suite 400, Fourth floor, Redondo Beach, CA 90277)

5:00pm - 5:30pm: Tour 

6:00pm - 6:45pm: Club Meeting

For more information: https://allcove.org/centers/beach-cities/

Join us for a special Rotary Club of Mental Health & Wellness gathering at allcove Beach Cities—a welcoming space dedicated to supporting youth through mental health services, physical wellness, peer and family support, and educational resources.

✨ Please RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/RCMHW51226

This will be a meaningful evening of connection, community, and learning as we tour the center and come together for our club meeting.

🕓 Schedule:
4:45 PM – Arrival & Welcome
5:00 PM – Guided Tour
6:00 PM – Club Meeting (Hybrid)

💻 Join via Zoom (6:00 PM Club Meeting):

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82336486994?pwd=UXZGLzNMcXVZakxaZDgwUFc3eUdqQT09 

Meeting ID: 823 3648 6994
Passcode: 5280

We’re also grateful to have Tom Bakaly, Executive Director of Beach Cities Health District (BCHD), joining us to share more about the allcove model and the impact they are making in the community.

📍 Location:
allcove Beach Cities
514 N. Prospect Ave, Suite 400
Redondo Beach, CA

🍽️ Optional Fellowship to Follow
Join us after the meeting at Addi’s Darbar (800 Torrance Blvd, Redondo Beach) for a casual dinner and connection.

Dinner & drinks will be available for purchase individually, and the restaurant has generously offered to donate 15% of proceeds to support our Rotary Walk Team for mental health—just mention NAMI when you order.

The Rotary Club of Mental Health & Wellness, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Downtown Los Angeles, is proud to launch the Healing Hearts & Minds Behavioral Health Scholarship Initiative during Mental Health Awareness Month. 💚

Officially launched during NAMIWalks Greater Los Angeles County, Rotary’s EPIC Day of Service, and the United Day of Hope, this scholarship supports students and emerging leaders pursuing careers in mental health, behavioral health, wellness, recovery, peer support, counseling, social work, psychology, and related helping professions.

This initiative reflects our shared commitment to healing, hope, education, advocacy, and strengthening community wellness.

✨ Applications are now open
📅 Application Deadline: May 30, 2026
🏆 Scholarship recipients will be recognized during a special gathering on June 9, 2026, hosted at Casa Treatment Center.

Please help us spread the word with students, educators, community organizations, and future changemakers dedicated to supporting mental wellness and care in our communities.

👉 Apply for the Scholarship

Mental health challenges impact nearly every family and community — but together, we can help remind people that they are not alone. 💚

As part of Rotary’s EPIC Day of Service, join the Rotary Club of Mental Health & Wellness, District 5280, and community partners for a United Day of Hope at NAMIWalks Greater Los Angeles County during Mental Health Awareness Month.

This uplifting and meaningful community event brings together Rotarians, mental health advocates, youth leaders, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, and community members to walk in solidarity, raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support lifesaving mental health programs and services.

Participants can walk, volunteer, donate, fundraise, and help create a more compassionate and supportive world for individuals and families impacted by mental health challenges.

In alignment with the Rotary District 5280 Conference Cruise taking place that same weekend, some Rotarians will also participate from aboard the cruise and during international travel, creating a broader spirit of global connection, compassion, and service beyond borders.
Funds raised through this effort will continue supporting free NAMI mental health education programs, support groups, advocacy efforts, outreach, and community resources through July 16, 2026. Every donation helps expand access to hope, support, and mental wellness resources while reminding people that they do not have to face challenges alone.

This inspiring day will also include music, community connection, wellness resources, team spirit, and opportunities to meet others who care about making a positive difference in the lives of others.

✨ Ways to Participate:
• Walk at LA State Historic Park
• Participate virtually
• Join from the District Conference Cruise
• Donate or help fundraise for mental health programs
• Volunteer and engage with community wellness resources
• Share messages of hope, kindness, and encouragement

Together, we are showing how Rotary can Unite for Good through compassion, connection, service, and meaningful action for mental wellness.

Official Rotary Team Fundraising Link:
https://tinyurl.com/NAMIWalks2026-Rotary5280

Individuals who raise $100 through the official NAMIWalks platform may qualify for a 2026 NAMIWalks t-shirt.

Thank you for helping us bring hope, connection, compassion, and mental wellness support to our communities. 💚

Thank you for helping us bring hope and mental wellness support to our communities. 💚

Join the Rotary Club of Mental Health & Wellness for a special visit to Casa Treatment Center, followed by our club meeting and recognition of our 2026 Healing Hearts & Minds Behavioral Health Scholarship recipients, presented in partnership with the Rotary Club of Downtown Los Angeles.

The optional tour will be led by Nely Meza, LMFT, MBA, CEO of Casa Treatment Center and Board Secretary of the Rotary Club of Mental Health & Wellness. Nely will also share more about Casa’s mission and work during the club meeting.

Light food and soft drinks will be provided for in-person attendees.

Please RSVP as soon as possible so we can plan for the tour, seating, refreshments, and any dietary needs: 

RSVP Link
 

Join the Rotary Club of Mental Health & Wellness for our final club meeting of the 2025–2026 Rotary year as we celebrate Grace Leung’s year of service as Club President and warmly welcome Sam Alkan as incoming President. ✨

This special meeting will include the President handoff and induction led by Assistant Governor Michael Lushing, along with a brief reflection on a meaningful year of service, connection, partnerships, and mental health impact.

Guests are welcome. 

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82336486994?pwd=UXZGLzNMcXVZakxaZDgwUFc3eUdqQT09

Meeting ID: 823 3648 6994
Passcode: 5280

Welcome to Jennifer Levin, MFT, PhD, FT

Author of  The Traumatic Grief Loss Workbook

www.TherapyHeals.com

Brady Connell

District Governor 2026-27

Rotary International District 5280

Meeting Opening: Four Way Test

Welcome Visiting Rotarians and Guests - Faye

Interactive Ice Breaker - Faye

New Member Induction  

Mindfulness Moment 

Member Spotlights - Debbie

Happy News and Bucks - Faye

Meeting Closing: Important News & Events- Sam