Editor's Note: This story was released with the December 15, 2024 issue of Grindings. Since publication, this news video became available. Click here to view the video after the brief advertisement.
As President of the Rotary Club of San Francisco, I am incredibly proud of the work that we are doing alongside the volunteers and employees of Catholic Charities and the SF-Marin Food Bank to combat food insecurity in our City. Recently, we had the honor of being interviewed by KPIX TV at the Food Bank, where we spotlighted the impact of our partnership and the generous financial support from the San Francisco Rotary Foundation.
This funding, combined with the dedication of our members, enables us to provide essential resources and bring hope to individuals and families in need. This year, Catholic Charities is leading the initiative for our Club, which involves detailed planning, communication, and volunteer recruitment. As always, we share the outcome of the project with our Club, including photos from the experience.
The 2024 Annual Meeting of the Rotary Club of San Francisco was called to order by President Bob Hermann at 1:10 p.m. on December 17, 2024. Club Secretary Nancy Graydon confirmed that proper notice had been given to the membership and certified that a quorum was present to conduct business at this meeting.
President Bob explained that in accordance with the Club's Bylaws, a Nominating Committee was established to identify the slate of candidates for open board positions for 2025-2026. The following individuals were selected:
2025-26 President: Frank R. Yoke, III
2025-26 President-Elect: Ozan Yasavur
2025-27 Club Treasurer: Gary Dales
2025-27 Club Secretary: Dora Dye
2025-27 Vice President of Youth Services: Stellie Kim 2025-27 Vice President of Club Services: Ann Daugherty 2025-27 Vice President of Public Relations/Public Image: Wendy Shew 2025-27 Vice President of Vocational Services: Hana Wang
A motion was made and seconded to adopt the nominations put forth by the Nominating Committee for open board positions for 2025-2026. The motion was passed by all Club members present.
Earlier this year, the Board of Directors of both our Club and the San Francisco Rotary Foundation (SFRF) nominated Scott Plakun as the next Bru Brunnier Fellow. Scott was approved once the requirements were met and was honored at the Holiday Party and Annual Meeting on December 17, 2024 when SFRF President Christopher presented the plaque to Scott. Keeping this a secret from Scott was a challenge, but we managed to do so until the day that the award was presented to him.
Scott joined our Club in 1992. He has served as Club President, as Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and on the Board multiple times. Scott manages our Club's technology and was the Grindings Editor for five years until 2020. He has been a mentor to many new and continuing members. We are truly grateful for all that Scott has done for our Club and Rotary. He is most deserving of this honor.
History of this Award
Henry J. "Bru" Brunnier was a charter member of the Rotary Club of San Francisco. He went on to become our Club President from 1913-1914 and Rotary International President from 1952-1953. Known throughout the world as an industrial engineer, Bru designed San Francisco's Bay Bridge and structures in San Francisco, including the Russ, Standard Oil, Shell, Federal Reserve, Clift Hotel, Masonic Temple, and Zellerbach Buildings. He was a construction consultant for the U.S. Army and Navy during World Wars I and II.
The Rotary Club of San Francisco met on December 17, 2024 at the Westin St. Francis Hotel for our Holiday Party and Annual Meeting. The Welcome Reception included a photo booth, displays by several of our community partners, and of course, champagne. Guests brought toys that were donated to Family House.
President Bob Hermann welcomed the many members and guests to the party and meeting. Rick Harrell then entertained us with a combined version of Jingle Bells and the Dreidel Song, and guests were encouraged to sing along.
President Bob recognized our many community and international partners in attendance, describing how our Club supports their services financially and with hands-on volunteers. He also recognized those members in the Club who are affiliated with each of the organizations and thanked them for their support.
The Rotary Club of San Francisco thanks you for your participation and support in 2024 and looks forward to seeing you in 2025. Our first Tuesday luncheon meeting in the new year will be on January 7, 2025.
Festus Ezeli inspires us today as he shares his journey through education in the United States to NBA Champion with the Golden State Warriors and then, to his current mission to help the community and uplift as many people as possible along the way.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of American music, food, drink, and friendship. All proceeds go to our own San Francisco Rotary Foundation (SFRF) and The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International (TRF). This is the primary fundraiser for Rotary’s Gifts of Giving campaign, where your contributions make an immediate and lasting impact.
Join us for the first New and Prospective Member event in 2025! We’ll begin with casual, social time followed by small group discussions about our Club's activities and any volunteer opportunities. Anyone with an interest in learning about Rotary is welcome to register. Current Club leaders are also encouraged to attend. We look forward to connecting with you!
Join us for our Club's NEXT EVENING MEETING where we will conduct some Club business, have dinner, and enjoy Rotary fellowship. There is no charge to attend this meeting, but each attendee pays individually for food and beverages ordered at MoMo's. Please register yourself and your guests so that we can plan the space.
Our first film in 2025 is Lies and Miracles, a documentary that tells the story of Rotarian George Landau and his family who went from a peaceful life in Poland to unimaginable struggles and suffering in a Siberian concentration camp from 1939-1943 during World War II. After the film, you will meet and hear from George. This event is open to Rotarians, their friends, and family.
Ever wondered how a huge ship can dock so neatly at Pier 94? Captain Anne McIntyre, Business Director for the San Francisco Bar Pilots, will tell us how and more about piloting.
Calling all Rotary leaders and potential Rotary leaders! District 5150 presents its Introductory Potential Rotary Leaders Seminars (PRLS), the first course in a series of courses designed by Rotarians to teach Rotarians skills and techniques as they prepare to assume leadership roles in their Rotary clubs. The training is in person. Our Club will reimburse a member for the cost to attend after that member has completed the course.
Note: This birthday list is based on membership information in ClubRunner. Please update your ClubRunner account to help us keep this information current. If you need help with ClubRunner, please contact our current newsletter editor.
1979: Allan Herzog
2008: Dan Joraanstad
2021: Margaret Miley
2023: Carrie Schucker and Kevin Simonin
2024: Elizabeth Valdez Driskill
Note: The year listed above is when these members joined the Rotary Club of San Francisco. Happy anniversary to all!
President Bob Hermann welcomed the many members and guests to the party and meeting. Rick Harrell then entertained us with a combined version of Jingle Bells and the Dreidel Song, and guests were encouraged to sing along.
