Rotary Club of Pacific Palisades Hosts ‘Demotion Party’

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Rotary Club of Pacific Palisades recently hosted a “Demotion Party,” signaling a change in leadership for the 2022-23 year, effective July 1.

“You may be wondering—what is a Demotion Party?” the club wrote in a press release. “The Rotary Club of Pacific Palisades held its annual Demotion Party where the current president, Hagop Tchakerian, stepped down and the new president, Marie Tran, began her term for the 2022-23 new year on July 1.”

This year’s party took place on June 29 at Bel-Air Bay Club, and featured what was described as a “fun and humorous” skit.

In addition, “outgoing president, Hagop Tchakerian, gave bottles of wine to all board and members,” the statement continued. “New president, Marie Tran, gave a motivation speech regarding plans for the 2022-23 new year.”

Rotary member Perry Akins provided the venue, while Trish Bowe served as event chairperson.

The Rotary Club meets on most Tuesdays (apart from the last Tuesday of the month) at 12:30 p.m. at Modo Mio. Upcoming speakers include Jeff Ridgway and Dr. Justin Raanan.

“Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges,” according to the club’s website. “Rotary connects 1.2 million members from more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work impacts lives at both the local and international levels.”

The Pacific Palisades club provides support to local entities, including Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness, high school students in need of internet access, Meals on Wheels, and scholarships to Paul Revere Charter Middle and Palisades Charter High school students.

Recent philanthropic efforts by the club include a donation of $10,000 to Westside Food Bank in February 2021 in response to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier this year, the club bestowed its annual Entrepreneur Awards to three students at Pali High. First place was presented to Maya Laaly, who received the Entrepreneur Certificate of Recognition as well as $500. Two second-place winners, Skyler Snyder and Aspyn Bernstein, received $250 along with a certificate.

“The annual award was established by Rotary to honor over 100 PCHS students who have part-time jobs after school and/or on weekends,” according to a statement from the club.

Those who are interested in learning more about the Rotary Club of Pacific Palisades can do so at rotary5280.org/clubinfo/pacific-palisades.