Perry Akins accepts the Rotarian of the Year Award from District Assistant Governor Karen Weigel, as past president Marie Tran (right) watches.
The Palisades Rotary Club held its annual demotion party on June 26, at the Bel-Air Bay Club. When a new president is selected for the upcoming year, the “old” leader is playfully demoted. In this case Hagop Tchakerian will take over the presidency from Frank DiMarco.
During the buffet dinner of steak and fish, past President Marie Tran announced that Perry Akins had been selected the Rotary Club member of the year.
Tran then listed some of the club’s accomplishments this past year, which included providing financial support to P.R.I.D.E. so that the town clock could be installed at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Swarthmore Avenue.
The club helped sponsor Resilient Palisades’ Earth Day and has financially supported the Palisades/Malibu YMCA.
This club, which meets twice a month, hosted a December Holiday Toy Drive for the Salvation Army Westwood Transitional Village.
The Club continues to maintain the landscaping at the corner of Temescal Canyon Road and Pacific Coast Highway.
Anthony Marguleas was selected for the Robert Wilson Rotary Businessperson of the Year award.
Rotary is also an international organization and this year; the Palisades Rotary received a $30,600 global grant scholarship from the Trustees of Rotary Foundation to fund a recipient’s graduate studies at the prestigious Sciences Po in France for the 2024-2026 academic years.
The group also supported a Rotary District Humanitarian Trip to Ecuador.
Tickets were sold for a $10,000 Fundraiser with the prize a dinner with Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors. Money will be for local youth and the drawing of the winner will be held in August.
The group also provided assistance in helping a French Rotarian locate an internship for his daughter.
“Our club has a proud tradition of making a difference,” Tchakerian said. He reminded members of the Four-Way Test, which was created in 1932, and guides the clubs actions:
- Is it the truth?
- Is it fair to all concerned?
- Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
- Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
In reminding attendees of the test, Tchakerian said, “Guided by the Four-Way Test and inspired by the spirit of service, we can make a positive impact and leave a lasting legacy.”
If a resident would like to find out more about Rotary e-mail: pacificpalisadesrotaryclub@gmail.com.
Hagop Tchakerian, the incoming president, holds the 2023-2025 Rotary theme banner.