From Our Founders
February 2025
Happy February everyone!
As Valentine’s Day approaches, our thoughts turn to the many ways love and kindness can be expressed. At Lotus Network, we celebrate the heart of a volunteer—a heart that beats to the spirit of service, selflessly giving time and energy to uplift others.
Volunteers understand what it means to give someone renewed hope and to bring comfort, connection, and purpose to those in need. They get ~ that it’s about giving quality time to someone else, whether by comforting the sick, spending time with the elderly, contributing to medical research, or simply being present. These acts of generosity remind us of the immense power of human connection, especially now, as we witness the compassion and resilience of those responding to the fires in California. While not all of us can fight fires or save lives, we can find a way to contribute through time, money, skills, or a place to connect.
At Lotus Network, our volunteer program reflects this spirit of giving. Thanks to Janis Pluss (and her tireless efforts to bring this program to life), we’ve partnered with nonprofits that need a helping hand, providing opportunities for the women in our network to give back in purposeful and impactful ways. To date, we have worked with Clothes for Kids, Justice Necessary, Family Tree, and Florence Crittenton. In February, we’re excited to partner with Dress for Success, offering a chance to support women striving for financial independence. Keep an eye out for more feel-good moments where our network can come together to bring light and hope to others.
We also want to send our gratitude to all the incredible volunteers who participated in our programs over the past year. Your commitment has fostered connection and brought so much purpose to our community, ultimately aligning our mission with consideration for others’ needs.
As we celebrate the season of love, let’s remember the unique joy that comes from giving of ourselves. To all our volunteers: your caring ways and purposeful actions are at the heart of Lotus Network, and we are so grateful for you.
With gratitude and admiration,
Lisa and Leslie
Celebrating Lotus Network’s Recent Successes
We are thrilled to share the highlights of our recent golf tournament and hike, which were tremendously successful! Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our hard-working committees, dedicated volunteers, generous sponsors, amazing golfers, and steadfast hikers for their unwavering support and participation. Their contributions, time, and enthusiasm were pivotal in making these events fun and memorable.
In addition, we send a huge shout-out to:
Sheryl Goodman – Golf Chair
Vicki Dansky and Kathy Boyle – Stepping Out Chairs
Leslie Melzer and Kathy Basel – Auction Chairs
Their incredible dedication and ever-present leadership were always present. We are grateful for their countless hours and unwavering commitment which made our hike, golf tournament, and auction a resounding success.
We also extend our deepest appreciation to the phenomenally beautiful Arrowhead Golf Course for hosting Lotus Network’s 2nd Golf Tournament. The picturesque setting and impeccable service provided the perfect backdrop for our tournament.
Congratulations to our top performing teams:
First Place:
Art Turnbil, Sam Ryan, Cole Nybren, Andrew Johnson
Second Place Tie:
Paul Lilly, Gregg Lee, Sherry Andonian, Taylor Smith
Stephanie Zaitz, Sam Zaitz, Erin Marsico, Jonathan Marsico
Third Place:
Sheryl Goodman, Jon Goodman, Tad Willenbrock, Betsi Willenbrook
Special accolades to the winners of the individual contests:
Women’s Longest Drive: Sherry Andonian
Men’s Longest Drive: Jonathan Marsico
Cash Hole Winner: Mike Gerski
Lastly, we want to thank our magnanimous donors who contributed fabulous items and deals for our online auction. We were thrilled to partner with so many local businesses and artists. Their generous support, along with the spirited bidding from our wonderful community, ensured the auction’s success. Our auction combined with our golf tournament and hike raised over $126,000.00 for Lotus Network.
There is so much to be thankful for! Together, we are making a difference.
L and L
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