Sedona, Arizona – May 2025 – At a special Veterans Picnic hosted by the Rotary Club ofSedona Village at the V A Hospital in Prescott, Arizona, Village Rotarians presented a check for$15,000 to Shana Shatzer, Chief of the Center for Development & Civic Engagement. The donation supports the veteran patients discretionary fund. The donation was raised by three raffles held in front of Clark’s Market, donations from Clark’s Market, and generous donations from Villagers during 2024.
The picnic, made possible by a generous gift from Village residents Paul and Mara Majane,welcomed over 100 veteran hospital residents to an outdoor pavilion on the hospital grounds.
Twenty Village Rotary Club members, and friends of the Club, volunteered to grill hamburgers and hot dogs, served plates of potato salad, potato chips and cookies, creating a warm and festive event.
“Service to our community, local, national, and international, is what Rotary is all about,”observed Village Club President, Chuck Marr. “The camaraderie created, by working together doing good for others, energizes our members and makes the Club incredibly active.”
The annual Veterans Raffles, started nearly 20 years ago by WWII veteran Army First Lieutenant John Cornelius, has now raised over $350,000 in support of the veterans hospital.
Launched to provide daily essentials and activities not covered by the V A, the fundraiser was brought under the Rotary umbrella in 2020. Since then, the Sedona Village Rotary Club has proudly continued the tradition, now led by retired Air Force Colonel Rob Schaefer, and Lt
Cornelius’s daughter, Cathleen Banister Marx.
“This is one of the most impactful projects we do as a club,” said Schaefer. “It’s about honoringour veterans not just in words, but through action and ongoing support.”
For more information about the Rotary Club of Sedona Village, its veterans initiatives, and community service, visit sedonavillagerotary.org.
Photo above (l to r) Rob Schaefer, Cathleen Banister Marx, Chuck Marr, Shana Shatzer
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1 Comment
This is what Patriotism is all about! Americans helping Americans in need. Not hating them or casting them out. Very generous gift of time and money from a fellow veteran who has already given.
All the Way Sir and thank you!