Rotary Club of Mental Health & Wellness A Cause-Based Virtual Club • District 5280
💖 Lead with Heart • Align with Purpose • Inspire Hope 💖
September 2025 — Heart, Purpose & Hope 💖✨ A New Rotary Year
A milestone moment at District Breakfast — Past President Marisol Chianello, passes the Rotary bell to Grace Leung, marking a new chapter of service and hope. ✨💖
Dear Rotary Family, Friends & Changemakers,
It is with gratitude in my heart and a sense of honor that I begin this Rotary year as your President. How fitting that our first newsletter arrives in September — a month dedicated to Suicide Prevention Awareness, a cause so deeply connected to our mission and the work we do together. From my virtual induction on July 8 to the bell passing at District Breakfast on August 2, these past two months have been filled with moments that remind me of the power of community, tradition, and hope.
As a charter member, I’ve been part of this vision since December 2021, leading up to our official charter on May 24, 2022. From the very beginning, I believed in what we were creating: a Rotary club dedicated to dissolving stigma, elevating mental health, and spreading hope. Now, stepping into this role feels both like carrying that early dream forward and opening a brand-new chapter.
The perfectionist in me kept nagging that this first newsletter should have been out on July 1 at the very start of the Rotary year. I wrote, revised, and second-guessed, scolding myself that it wasn’t good enough or fast enough. But here’s what I’m learning — it’s okay when things don’t happen exactly on schedule. What matters most is showing up, staying dedicated, and doing our best, even when we’re juggling a lot. And that’s exactly what we’ve done together. These first two months have reminded me that Rotary is at its best when we are People of Action — moving from tradition to impact, from intention to service.
That’s why our theme this year is Lead with Heart ♥️ • Align with Purpose • Inspire Hope 💖 This connects beautifully with Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo’s call to Unite for Good, and with District Governor Alex Parajon’s vision of Rotary Superheroes — Together We Serve, Together We Transform Lives. Together, these themes remind us that while each club has its own identity, we are united in service, impact, and hope.
September carries special meaning as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. It’s a reminder that mental health is health, and that conversations save lives. For me, suicide prevention is not just a cause — it’s personal. I’ve walked through my own dark days, and I’ve also seen the impact of a loved one’s suicide attempt. These experiences remind me why our mission matters so much: to show up for one another, to end the stigma, and to remind people they are not alone.
That’s why I want to highlight the importance of 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Help is only three digits away. And on September 8th (9/8 Day), I encourage each of us to share this number with someone. It’s a simple action that can make a life-saving difference.
I’m also inspired by Past Rotary International President Gordon McInally, who made mental health a global Rotary priority. His call to bring emotional well-being into the open continues to guide and encourage us — and reminds us that Rotary is at its best when we put people’s whole health and humanity at the center.
So, here’s to beginning this year — not perfectly, but with heart - showing up authentically, supporting one another, and creating space for healing and joy. I am grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me and honored to walk this journey alongside each of you. Together, we will keep leading with heart, aligning with purpose, and inspiring hope — and reminding the world that change begins one conversation at a time.
With Love & Gratitude 💖
Grace
Grace Leung
Charter Member • President 2025–26
Rotary Club of Mental Health & Wellness | District 5280
Our Rotary year is off to a powerful start! July and August have already been filled with service, fellowship, and wellness — reflecting Rotary’s Areas of Focus, District 5280 priorities, and our club’s mission to elevate mental health and whole person health. These first steps show how we’re leading with heart, aligning with purpose, and inspiring hope.
🌟 District Breakfast (Aug. 2)
Our club was well represented at the District Breakfast, where District Governor Alex Parajon spotlighted mental health as one of the district's priorities and tied it to his inspiring theme of Rotary Superheroes — Together We Serve, Together We Transform Lives.
Past President Marisol Chianello passed the bell to me, symbolizing continuity and trust, and I had the opportunity to announce our club meeting featuring the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Ending the Silence informational program — a fitting focus as youth voices are central to this initiative.
We were also proud to see Board member Joseph Delgado recognized as part of the District Conflict Resolution Committee, reflecting our club’s growing leadership in peace and mental wellness initiatives.
💖 With gratitude to District Governor Alex Parajon, our Rotary family, and community partners for championing mental health and empowering youth voices.
Rotary Superheroes at District Breakfast 🌟 — spotlighting mental health, leadership transitions, and youth voices. With gratitude for our Rotary family. 💖
❤️ Community Service: Blood Drive & Wellness Event (July 31)
On July 31, we hosted our first Community Blood Drive & Wellness Event, bringing together Rotarians, Rotaractors, and community partners to support whole-person health.
This event was more than giving blood — it was about giving life. From health resources to fellowship, we united for good with clubs including Redondo Beach, South Bay Sunrise, Palos Verdes Sunset, Latinos Unidos, and Carson-Gardena-Dominiquez Hills, Beach Cities Rotaractors, along with community partners such as ROWI Teen & Wellness Center, Fusion Academy South Bay, AMFM Healthcare, Clearview Treatment Center and Dr. John Blalock, Charge Into Health Family Chiropractic.
💖 Special shout-out to Board Member Claire Blue for volunteering on site and donating blood—thank you for leading with heart. 🩸
💖 A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who donated, volunteered, and partnered with us — your generosity made this day a success and a true example of Rotary in action.
Community Blood Drive & Wellness Fair ❤️🩸 — Rotarians, Rotaractors & partners uniting for whole-person health. With gratitude for every donor, volunteer, and partner. 💖
🌱 NAMI Ending the Silence – International Youth Day (Aug. 12)
OnInternational Youth Day, our club hosted NAMI Ending the Silence, a program that amplifies youth voices, breaks stigma, and opens life-saving conversations about mental health. This initiative reflects Rotary’s commitment to youth empowerment and education, while also aligning with District Governor Alex Parajon’s focus on youth mental health.
Ending the Silence on International Youth Day 💬🌱 — uplifting youth voices across the globe 🌍
🌼 YMCA YFest Mind + Body Expo (Aug. 16)
At YMCA YFest Mind + Body Expo in Westchester, our club connected with fellow Rotarians from our club, corporate members from Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary, and community organizations — including Airport Marina Counseling Service and Music Mends Minds, a program adopted by Rotary International.
This celebration of wellness highlighted Rotary’s vision for supporting whole person health while strengthening meaningful partnerships.
YMCA YFest 🌼✨ — connecting with fellow Rotarians, partners, and Music Mends Minds to celebrate whole-person wellness. With gratitude for our community connections 💖
🌳 Fellowship & Service Across Rotary
From volunteering at El Segundo’s Movies in the Park fundraiser, and Redondo Beach’s National Night Out, to fellowship at the South Bay Rotary Clubs Summer Social, andDistrict Picnic our members extended service and friendship across the Rotary family.
As a cause-based club, every presence we have also brings more awareness to the importance of mental health and wellness conversations. Simply introducing ourselves as the Rotary Club of Mental Health & Wellness helps normalize these conversations — one step, and one dialogue, at a time.
Fellowship & Service 🌳🤝 — connecting with El Segundo, Redondo Beach, South Bay clubs and friends across District 5280 to share Rotary spirit. One conversation at a time, we help end the stigma 💖
In August, our club was officially recognized as a Rotary Action Group for Peace (RAGFP) Peacebuilder Club. This designation reflects our commitment to advancing peace, conflict resolution, and mental wellness — values that go hand in hand.
As part of this commitment, I now serve on the District Peacebuilding Committee, President-Elect Sam Alkan has joined RAGFP as a member, and Board member Joseph Delgado serves on the District Conflict Resolution Committee. Together, we are helping to lead this step forward for our club and ensure that peacebuilding is woven into everything we do.
This commitment also extends globally through our Healing Hearts Global Grant, spearheaded by President-Elect Sam Alkan. Focused on bringing trauma-informed tools to young people and families impacted by the earthquakes in Türkiye, Healing Hearts reflects how Rotary builds peace and hope across borders.
This recognition comes as September highlights Basic Education & Literacy Month, a reminder that education, access to knowledge, and mental wellness together build stronger, more peaceful communities. And with the International Day of Peace on September 21, it’s a meaningful time to celebrate how Rotary is advancing peace and wellness at every level — local, district, and global.
💖 Special thanks to our members, partners, and District 5280 leaders who are championing peace alongside us.
Peacebuilder Club Recognition 🕊️🌍 — advancing peace, conflict resolution, and healing hearts from District 5280 to Türkiye. With gratitude to our members and partners. 💖
✨ Save the Date!
Mark your calendars - here's what's coming up for our Rotary Club of Mental Health & Wellness. Join us, bring a friend, and help spread awareness, connection, and hope.
🎉 Drag Me to Bingo Fundraiser — Friday, Sept. 5
Our biggest FUNdraiser of the season is here! Drag Me to Bingo is happening this Friday, September 5 — a night of fun, laughter, tacos, community, and prizes, all in support of mental health and wellness.
Net proceeds from this FUNdraising event will support programs that dissolve stigma, elevate mental health conversations, and bring hope to our community.
It’s almost here! 🌈💃 Drag Me to Bingo — Friday, Sept 5. Community, connection, and FUNdraising for mental health!
🕊️ Peace Builders Lunch: Building Fellowship Through Peace - Saturday, Sept. 6
As a newly recognized Peacebuilder Club, we are excited to join District 5280’s upcoming Peace Builders Lunch. This special gathering is for Peace Chairs, RAGFP members, and all Rotarians interested in peacebuilding initiatives — a natural extension of our mission to connect peace and mental wellness.
Date & Time: Saturday, September 6th at 11:30am
Location: Da Vinci School in El Segundo
Cost: $30 per person (please register in advance)
Peace Builders Lunch 🕊️ — fellowship, learning, and inspiration as we build a culture of peace across District 5280 and beyond. 💖
☎️ 9/8 Day — National Day of Action for 988
On Monday, September 8 (9/8), we join NAMI and partners nationwide in amplifying awareness of 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This simple, life-saving number provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in crisis.
We encourage every member to share 988 with a friend, family member, or colleague — because spreading the word saves lives.
9/8 Day ☎️ — Share 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. A simple number, a life-saving action 💖
🤝 Joint Club Meeting with RISE — Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 6pm PT
On Tuesday, September 9 at 6pm PT, our club will join with our fellow cause-based club, Rotarians in Service for Equality (RISE), to host District Governor Alex Parajon for his official visit. This is a special opportunity to hear directly from the District Governor as he shares his vision for the year ahead and emphasizes his inspiring theme: Rotary Superheroes — Together We Serve, Together We Transform Lives.
As cause-based clubs, we are proud to unite for good — standing alongside RISE to show how Rotary can innovate, collaborate, and take action on pressing needs like mental health and wellness across District 5280 and beyond.
The Rotary Club of Mental Health & Wellness and Rotarians in Service for Equality 🤝 — hosting DG Alex Parajon’s official visit, Sept 9. Rotary Superheroes: Together We Serve, Together We Transform Lives ✨
🌍 One Conversation at a Time — With Gratitude from the Rotary Club of Mental Health & Wellness 🙏
As we step into this new Rotary year together, I am filled with gratitude for each of you — for your support, your partnership, and your heart for service.
Our work reminds the world that conversations about mental health and wellness matter, and that hope grows stronger when we lead with compassion and purpose. This year has also reminded me that we don’t walk this journey alone — whether it’s with fellow Rotarians, community partners, or family by our side (like my mom, who actively participates and volunteers at events 💖). Together, we carry this mission forward.
Let’s continue to Lead with Heart, Align with Purpose, and Inspire Hope 💖 — one conversation at a time.
With Love & Gratitude 💖 Grace Grace Leung
Charter Member • President 2025–26
Rotary Club of Mental Health & Wellness | District 5280
