Now that the racking system in the warehouse is complete, MESA has shifted into high gear! Much has happened in the first three months. I will try to remember it all, but if I forget something, please forgive me.
MESA has begun to diversify our funding sources by using the “all the above” approach. We partnered with a Rotarian-owned company that reduces the processing fees every company incurs for credit/debit card transactions. They also agree to split the profits with MESA. There are no hidden costs to the business or the customer, so if your company or any other company you know takes credit/debit cards and wants to save money on processing fees and help MESA, please contact me.
Next, we have started a grant committee, chaired by Gary Newton, and he has a couple of talented Rotarians with this type of experience. The committee will pursue non-governmental grants that align with our mission. If anyone is a member of a healthcare system board that has a foundation, please reach out to Gary as those are exactly the types of grants we are looking to apply for.
We have also started a corporate sponsorship package for the MESA Tour and the MESA 1(more on the MESA1 later). These sponsorships offer an excellent way for your doctor, physical therapist, your gym or your local bike shop, to name a few, to get exposure from social media and for both of our rides. As a bonus, these types of sponsors align perfectly with our mission. For more information, please contact Erin Moeller at 419-733-3884 or email at erinrotary6600@gmail.com You can also contact Jen Allred at 575-640-3688 or email at jenallred@me.com. Please lend your support
Finally, we have begun to expand our reach! We have been asked to do a presentation to a club, a district conference and an all-state president-elect training/learning, all outside of D6600. This opportunity to expand MESA is the perfect time to begin the process to engage all 67,000 Rotarians in our Zone(s) to contribute $10 per year towards MESA.
By diversifying our funding sources, MESA becomes a more stable and long-term sustainable organization rather than relying on the mono-funding source model.
Now for the bike ride(s). I first would like to share that we have a new chair for the bike rides. Jen Allred is a seasoned rider for MESA, and she is already doing a great job planning our upcoming rides from June 5–9. We are incorporating a single day ride called MESA1. It will mirror the first day of the five-day MESA Tour, with shorter routes to appeal to the more casual rider. The first day will start and end in the Port Clinton area. We have engaged Rotary International General Secretary, John Hewko to ride the first day. At the conclusion of the first day, we are planning to have food, music, wine, charcuterie, and craft beer. So please come and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
There are some administrative and committee changes upcoming. Stephon Broughton is transitioning from his role as treasurer. His life looks like it will take him to Georgia. He still plans on being active in MESA. We wish him well and thank him for his service. We have found a potential replacement. Michelle Pullin is a Lorain Rotarian and has her own CPA firm. Stephon has begun to develop a “transition template that will be used now and in the future. If you know of anyone who would like to be considered for the treasurer position, please have them contact me ASAP as now is the time the transition training is starting. We have started a new committee headed up by Scott Young. It is the Donor Stewardship Committee with its focus on ensuring our donors feel valued. This has been an area of need for MESA, and with our increased funding and reach, it becomes a critical component of MESA’s brand now and for the future. Scott Young has some people already eager to get started, but a few more would be perfect. If you are interested in being part of this vital piece of MESA, please contact Scott Young at 614-206-0777 or email at scottayoungrealtor@gmail.com or me.
I would like to invite everyone this Friday, 10/9/2026 to the warehouse at 1370 N Main St., Fostoria, Ohio at 10am to meet and welcome Rotarians from Mexico accompanied by our own Eloisa Robledo, who resides in El Paso TX. They will be there to tour the warehouse and see the progress out Logistics Director, Scott Salyers has made towards their wish list. So, please attend if you are able.
Lastly, the requests (wish lists) are coming in rapid fire. Many of them are from Mexico 8–12 in the pipeline; Africa has 2. In addition, we have many requests for minibusses, fire trucks and ambulances now that the word is out about the minibus (Lucy) we delivered to El Paso this week. We may need a driver's committee...LOL.
I think that is everything. If I missed something, I blame it on getting old. I do want to thank everyone on team MESA for the fantastic job this quarter. If you are action-driven and want to lend your energy to MESA, please reach out, you are always welcome.
Andy Bone
MESA Chairman
740-396-0912