The Sunset Brief

Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunset | Weekly Newsletter Date: July 12, 2026 | Issue: #1 President's Message: “Service Above Self, with a Sunset View.”

 From Mike:

Aloha Sunset Rotarians,

I am deeply honored and grateful to serve as your President for the Rotary 2026–2027 year. I am fully committed to continuing the incredible work of all our past presidents and dedicating myself to making our Club the best on Oahu. I truly look forward to a year ahead filled with impactful service, deep education, strong fellowship, and plenty of fun!

Thank you all for a fantastic meeting on July 9th. As we kick off this journey together, I want to reiterate the powerful message from Past RI Vice President Yinka Babalola that I shared with you all:

“If we change ourselves, we will change the world.”

For the second African president in Rotary’s history, genuine change begins from within. He invites each of us to first transform our own club by making it more open, inclusive, and welcoming.

Furthermore, he calls for us to go beyond the simple logic of giving to engage in concrete and collaborative service, pushing our clubs to surpass themselves by analyzing past successes to do “even better than their best.” Finally, he reminds us to keep the definitive eradication of polio and the strengthening of peace—through sustainable solutions implemented right here at the local level—at the heart of our priorities.

Let’s take those words to heart this week. Let’s look at how we can elevate our service, welcome new perspectives, and challenge ourselves to do even better than our best.

Mahalo for your trust and for all that you do,

 The Weekly Horizon (Upcoming Meetings & Events)

Never miss a gathering. Here is what is coming up next on our calendar:

 Club Milestone: Annual Fundraiser Sold Out!

• Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026

• Location: Halekulani Hotel

• Our flagship event is officially sold out! Thanks to incredibly strong table sponsorship support, we are on track to hit an all-time high for funds raised. Mahalo to everyone who worked so hard to make this happen.

• Note: If you are a member and were not able to secure a ticket before it sold out, please reply directly to this email to let me know.

 Upcoming Service Project: Feeding Our Community

• Date & Time: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 from 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM

• Location: The Pantry (2522 Rose Street, Honolulu, HI)

• Details: Our Club proudly serves at The Pantry every other Wednesday. Each time we go, we are part of a team serving over 500 local families facing food insecurity. Please come join us and put our motto into action!

• Action Required: Please RSVP to Mike Kass by Tuesday, July 14th if you can make it.

Next Meeting

• Date & Time: Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 6:30 PM (Fellowship at 6:00 PM)

• Location: Waikiki Yacht Club (1599 Ala Moana Blvd)

• Guest Speaker: Gianna Consalvo, Rotary International

• Topic: "Rotary Fellowships: Connecting the World Through Shared Passions"

•  RSVP & Meal Payment: Please click here to reserve your spot and prepay for your meal ahead of time.

 Monthly Social: Backyard Pool Party & Baby-Q!

• Date & Time: Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Action Required: Please email to let me know how many guests you are bringing and what dish you'll be sharing. Can't wait to see you all there!

 Member Spotlight & Celebrations

Recognizing the people who make our club shine.

• Rotary Anniversaries: Happy 1-Year Rotary Anniversary to Jue Jue Min and Ota Odibo! Thank you both for an incredible first year of dedication, service, and fellowship with Honolulu Sunset! 

• Shout-Out: Massive mahalo to our entire fundraising committee and board members who worked tirelessly to secure sponsors and officially sell out our Fundraiser.

 The Last Word

"In the change of seasons, the sunset is always a reminder that a beautiful day is ahead."