Speaker
Gala Theme & Entertainment From our wise and wonderful auction chair Amanda!
The gala theme will be “The Golden 20s.”
A five-piece jazz band has been booked to perform during the cocktail hour.
A signature cocktail is being discussed and will align with the theme.
Auction Items & Baskets
To improve flow and reduce excess inventory, the auction will feature fewer, higher-quality items than last year.
Instead of many small donations, members are asked to contribute 3–4 auction items valued at approximately $75 each, where possible.
Basket donations will be more structured:
Members will sign up for specific basket themes.
Each basket should be valued at approximately $200.
Members may team up on baskets if they wish.
This approach will help avoid random items and create more focused, appealing baskets.
A list of current basket themes (including alcohol-related baskets) is being reviewed, with possible additions.
Invitations & Ticketing
Email invitations will be sent out by mid-January.
Members are welcome to invite anyone they wish.
While the club will not provide printed invitations, members may print or create their own physical invites if desired.
Any special guests should be included in table bookings and ticket counts.
Games & Fundraising Activities
Returning games:
New additions:
“Winner at the Table” Game
Two chairs per table will be pre-selected as winners.
Prizes will be local gift certificates.
No purchase required—just a fun surprise for attendees.
Golden Ticket Pregame
Limited to 100 tickets at $100 each, sold in advance via Shopify.
Each ticket corresponds to a wrapped chocolate bar.
One bar contains a golden ticket, winning a live auction item.
The reveal will take place at the bar, with coordination from the PR team to encourage online engagement.
Communication
SERGEANT At Arms Tidbits
Elena kicked things off with holiday cheer, juggling yet another Christmas party—this time with Rotary World Health in Surrey. Bonus points for getting her husband to come along. She noted the near-perfect meeting attendance and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Danny took us on a whirlwind tour of Asia: Philippines (mission prep and storm recovery), Malaysia, Sri Lanka (gems and another devastating storm), India, Thailand, and back to Canada. He visited several Rotary clubs along the way and survived it all—barely.
Jeanette kept it simple, thanking Chris for breakfast and sharing that she enjoyed the Chilliwack Rotary parade in late November. She’s already mentally sleeping in for the holidays.
Maryam is in full teacher-before-Christmas survival mode: concerts, gingerbread houses, and kids with no attention span left. One workday to go and she’s counting the seconds.
Michael expressed heartfelt thanks—on behalf of his family—for the club’s support of the Victor Ghirra Toy Drive, which was a huge success. Photos, videos, and stories are coming in the new year. Personally, he’s now firmly in Christmas mode.
Larry showed up on his first day off in over two weeks, sacrificed sleeping in for Rotary, and declared it worth it. Next on the agenda: panic shopping via gift cards.
Garth shared the emotional loss of his beloved diesel car (written off at a jaw-dropping $28K) and an epic cruise adventure that included airline delays, the Panama Canal, South America, and a strong public service announcement: get vaccinated for RSV.
Debbie S. returned from a Mexico cruise where snorkeling in the Sea of Cortez stole the show—along with a run-in with invisible jellyfish. Even bigger news: another grandchild arriving in May!
Sandra attempted a Kit Kat “not-gingerbread” house with two-year-old Miller. Seven sticky minutes later, success—and Christmas dinner planning is officially underway.
Melinda reported a wonderful family outing—except for the Grinch, who terrified her granddaughter so badly she may never return. Also: big turkeys do exist after all.
John N. admitted he buys too much for the grandkids—until his wife outdoes him by gifting the entire neighborhood. He praised the toy drive and questioned why anyone wakes up this early.
Marg had a packed cultural week: hockey games (still no wins), a surprisingly great youth band, Little Women, and lots of festive spirit. Christmas is coming fast and she loved the party-like feel of the meeting.
Debbie M. enjoyed a rainy but beautiful Whistler getaway and shared a baking lesson learned from her granddaughter—kids apparently know things. She praised the recent article highlighting the club’s work.
Judy hosted seven grandkids for gingerbread houses, volunteered at the Gear event, celebrated her uncle’s 100th birthday (while dressed like an elf), and is heading to Palm Springs for some well-earned warmth.
Kal announced an upcoming Mexico cruise, confidently predicted a Seahawks Super Bowl win, and wished everyone Merry Christmas.
Chris B. explained her recent Rotary absence—split time in the U.S. with grandchildren has taken over life. Christmas means Alberta (and cold), and she’s off again in January.
Brian is looking forward to kid-filled days before Christmas, a Victoria getaway with his girlfriend (hot tub included), curling provincials, and possibly recruiting a future Rotary speaker with AI expertise.
Bobby echoed thanks for the Toy Drive, especially the insurance partners, and is wrapping up a very busy banquet season. Christmas wishes all around.
Lawrence reflected on bringing his kids to the Toy Drive and helping them understand the meaning behind giving. He’s shared event highlights on LinkedIn for wider reach.
Chris M. shared a touching reflection on loss and joy—mourning a beloved cousin while delighting in the wonder of a one-and-a-half-year-old grandchild who now operates remote-control candles like a pro.
Chris P. told a standout story about returning a pile of forgotten ATM cash to its rightful owner at the Business Excellence Awards—now considering turning it into a storytelling performance at Gateway Theatre.
Susan celebrated her son Ryan landing a BC Hydro co-op, sang through two church cantatas, and reminded members about the December 30 fundraiser supporting churches that feed unhoused community members.
Amanda is deep in work and holiday travel prep, heading to Saskatchewan with plans for cookie baking (despite zero interest in baking). Best news: her January schedule means she can attend meetings again.
Gordon shared his personal Christmas tradition of watching The Nutcracker, calling it uplifting and magical, and wished everyone a “very merry Nutcracker Christmas.”
Joyce delivered a powerful reflection on the club’s impact—highlighting the Serenity Room at Hardwoods and the emotional significance of shoeboxes and pajamas for women spending Christmas in care. A moving reminder of Rotary’s real-world difference.
Mary Lou praised the honesty and integrity shown in Chris’s ATM story, shared a magical European Christmas market cruise, and is hosting a big family Christmas Eve—30 people and a 30-pound turkey.
John M. wrapped up with a family update: a sister just hit 17 grandchildren, and holiday concert videos are providing endless entertainment.
Debbie T. closed things out with thanks for the breakfast, a shoulder injection on the agenda, fond Maui snorkeling memories (including turtles), and appreciation for everyone who stepped up while she was away—ending with warm holiday wishes for all.
