
Jean Heyduck, on behalf of the Charitable Giving Committee, introduced representatives from the three organizations which received grants in 2025.
A.C.T. United was represented by Jessica Bartholomew. This group’s mission is to “ Unite communities in prevention and ignite youth leadership in the movement to end online exploitation and trafficking of children and teens.” Their model: “Our prevention programs are informed and updated by current research, direct service experience, law enforcement partners, and survivor leader expertise for best practices in prevention, intervention, and survivor support. Our strategies engage and equip the whole community. Our passion is prevention education that empowers youth with the education, skills, and resources they need for exploitation prevention, peer-to-peer advocacy, and opportunity for leadership development.” Jessica’s email: jessica@actunited.org, website www.actunited.org.
Carver County Local News was represented by Mike Huang. This online publication “strives to use print and digital tools to inform the public and tell the story of its vibrant and diverse communities. Partnerships with area businesses, governments, civic organizations and subscribers ultimately strengthen and sustain the trusted news organization that fosters community connection.”
CCLN website: www.cclocalnews.org
Beyond New Beginnings was represented by Molly Koivumaki. Its mission: “Beyond New Beginnings (BNB) Program supports and nurtures young moms and their children as they gain independence in safe, stable homes while being actively involved in the New Beginnings High School Program, post-secondary education and/or employment by empowering them to become healthy, engaged, members of a community."
Their objectives:
· Develop safe homes for young moms and their children both during high school and after graduation – promoting success in the next steps of their lives, whether pursuing employment or continuing their education.
· Provide access to high-quality childcare where their children can thrive.
· Prepare moms and advocate for them as they find employment and/or pursue post-secondary education.
· Create a community environment where life skills are honed, and peers support each other through life’s ups and downs.
· Empower young moms to think critically, make decisions, foster connections and build their networks to be able to support their family once they complete the BNB program.
BNB website: www.beyondnewbeginnings.org




Chaska High School Planters Project: Chaska Rotary provided funds that gave students a hands-on opportunity to build planters, learn about gardening, and provide fellow students with healthy fruits of their labor
A Nepal Service video was shown by Ken Hiller to highlight the efforts of the Peterborough, Ontario, Canada Rotary Club to support community development in Nepal. Through financial support and in-person projects, businesses run by local women are receiving assistance. Our contact is Marie Press - mariepress@Hotmail.com

Our club members brought boxes and bags filled with donations of food and toiletries for West Creek Apartment residents. Dave Pokorney explained the current status of the housing and its residents.




Thanks to Erika Kennedy for organizing our annual Cinco de Mayo event to honor the contributions of our Hispanic community. Also, thanks to Erin Kerber for notes and pictures from the Cinco De Mayo Event.
Speakers included Rico Paul Vallejos, who discussed the Hispanic Wealth Project and the Perceptions and Realities of Latino USA, and Lisa Anderson, Carver County Commissioner, who spoke about the connections she made with the Latino Community during her campaigning process.
The organization Latino Voices handed out gratitude awards to: The Chaska Rotary, Kevin Wright, Chaska Moravian Church, Officer Martin Godinez, Bountiful Basket, Virma Benke, & Carlos.






- Mike Wentzell invited everyone to perform our club’s annual highway cleanup, at 6:30 PM, with eyes on the weather while we put our gloves on the trash.
- Erin Kerber requested volunteers to sell raffle tickets in association with the Chaska Cares Music Fest drawing – one ticket: $20; three tickets: $50. Several community events will present opportunities to raise money for our club and the Miracle Field. Signup lists are available for Fire & Ice, River City Days, Carver County Fair, Carver Steamboat Days, Latin Music Fest, and the main event, our Music Fest. Refer to the Upcoming Events in this newsletter for specific dates.
- Neil Wingert received his Paul Harris Plus 6 pin that acknowledged continued donations to the Rotary Foundation.


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