
After months of planning and preparation, the Stars, Stripes, and Songs Fun-Raiser took place on Saturday, January 11, 2025. The afternoon began with hot and cold, savory appetizers and refreshing beverages spread out over three rooms. Guests enjoyed the food, the drinks, the fellowship, and the opportunity to browse and bid on the silent auction items.
The musical program kicked off with high energy during the second hour of the Fun-Raiser. President Bob Hermann energized the crowd with a warm welcome and inspiring opening remarks and expressed deep gratitude to those who donated. Then, Dan Joraanstad, keeping with the Stars and Stripes theme, delivered a heart-warming rendition of America the Beautiful, followed by the lively Hoe-Down from Copland's Rodeo. The excitement continued as Rick Harrell picked up the guitar and taught the crowd, via call and response, how to sing the spiritual Wade in the Water. Then with the same tune, but in a dramatic re-interpretation of Wade in the Water for piano, Dan played Troubled Waters by Margaret Bond. After a brief intermission to allow guests to place their final bids at the Silent Auction, the atmosphere soared as Rick Harrell, joined by the masterful pianist Frank Johnson, took the stage for an unforgettable medley of timeless hits from the Great American Songbook. The audience joined in the concluding Irving Berlin hit God Bless America.


President Bob then spoke passionately as to why we were giving to the San Francisco Rotary Foundation and The Rotary Foundation. Both of these Foundations reach out daily to solve problems of great scope for our local and global communities.
President Bob introduced Past District Governor and Past Club President Eric Schmautz. PDG Eric served as the Fund the Need emcee and kept the energy high and the donations flowing. Donors at the following levels were recognized and appreciated: $100, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000, and $10,000. Altogether, this sold-out Fun-Raiser brought in over $50,000.
Of course, the success of any event is due to many who worked behind the scene. In addition to Rick Harrell, Dan Joraanstad, and Frank Johnson who were the musical performers and PDG Eric who was the Fund the Need emcee, President Bob thanked Rotarians Harold Hoogasian, Scott Plakun, Tamour Khan, Christopher Wiseman, Randy Arnold, and Greg Knight. Harold provided his Kona Condo as an auction item. Scott set up the registration system. Tamour set up the slideshow on a continuous loop. Christopher organized the wine lots and researched the prices. Randy and Greg lent their expertise to the wine auction and offered an exclusive tour of the renowned Russian River wine country. Leslie Bauer of Highrises2Homes sponsored the food and drinks.
President Bob concluding by saying, "Once again, thank you for your unwavering commitment to creating positive change in the world. Together, we are making a lasting impact and making Rotary Magic!"

