Giving Gala: A Night of Philanthropy and Fellowship

On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, the Crystal City-Pentagon Rotary Club (CCPRC) hosted its First Annual Giving Gala at Jula’s on the Potomac, a well-known restaurant with incredible views of the Potomac, great food, and impeccable service. The event brought together 39 dedicated Rotarians and friends for an evening of generosity and fellowship.

This inaugural event marked a significant milestone in the club’s commitment to community service and charitable giving to fund scholarships.

The event moderator, Past President Matt Leavitt, welcomed guests while the band played jazz tunes as the sun was setting on the Potomac.

The event honored two students who benefited from the club’s scholarship program and youth exchange activities. Rotary’s motto of “service above self” was shining bright. “Tonight, we are honored by your support and celebrate our collective efforts and reaffirm our commitment to creating lasting change by supporting education, which is the foundation and framework for everything else,” said CCPRC President Dr. Marina Theodotou.

Long-time Rotarian Dr. Neal Davidson offered a riveting keynote, sharing powerful stories of Rotarian impact, highlighting Rotary’s focus, and spreading much laughter and cheer. The audience was inspired by his tales of resilience, compassion, and transformation and entertained by his focus on fun, friends, and fellowship.

Through a silent auction of delectable gourmet baskets, led by Club Treasurer Alejandra Underwood, the gala surpassed its fundraising goal to support educational scholarships for local high school students. The club’s dedication to addressing pressing global issues was also evident throughout the evening.

CCPRC recognizes all guests, Rotarians, and friends for their indispensable contributions to the evening’s success. As the CCPRC continues to grow and thrive, events like the Giving Gala will remain essential to its avenues of service in spreading the magic of Rotary.