Altrusa Intl. of Coachella Valley
July 2025 Newsletter
Leading to a Better Community
We believe that everyone is able to make a positive difference to the world around them. We can each volunteer our time, or donate our money, towards worthy causes. Our individual efforts are small, but they matter.
We can achieve even more when we bring people together. For over 100 years Altrusa clubs have collected members from varying occupations and lifestyles, all sharing an interest in community service.
We enjoy the friendship, fun and satisfaction that comes from working together for the benefit of others. Each club develops a program that is tailored to local needs, undertaking a variety of hands-on service and fundraising projects each year. One of our shared goals as an organization is to improve literacy, which we believe is the key to opportunity.
Through Altrusa activities we develop our leadership skills in a supportive environment. We welcome new ideas and aim to provide enough flexibility so that our members can give their time in a way that works for them.
Message from the President
By Michelle Bell
Celebrating Service, Summer, and Sisterhood
As summer heats up in the Coachella Valley, Altrusa continues to shine brightly through acts of service, compassion, and connection. July offers more than fireworks and cookouts—it’s a time to reflect on the values we hold dear as Altrusans: leadership through service, kindness in action, and community empowerment.
This month, we are embracing the spirit of Global Forgiveness Day (July 7) and Nelson Mandela International Day (July 18)—reminders that small acts of goodwill can ripple into lasting change. Whether we’re writing cards to local seniors, supporting literacy projects, or organizing our next community outreach, each action we take matters.
Looking Ahead:
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Our planning committee is already preparing for fall initiatives, and now is a great time to share your ideas and energy.
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Let’s continue to explore opportunities for collaboration with local organizations—especially those that support education, women, and children.
Summer can be a season of travel and rest, but even while apart, we remain united in purpose. Reach out, check in, and keep the Altrusa spirit alive in every conversation and kind act.
Wishing you a meaningful month filled with warmth, rest, and renewal.
In Service and Friendship
We Did It Again!
Altrusa International of Coachella Valley has been honored as a Distinguished Club for 2024–2025!
In just our second year as a club, we've earned this prestigious recognition for the second year in a row, a true testament to the passion, dedication, and teamwork of every single member.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to service and for making a meaningful impact in our community. Here's to continuing the incredible momentum!
August Grant Application Workshop
SAVE THE DATE AND RSVP TODAY!
We are thrilled to host our first Grant Application Workshop on August 9, 2025.
Join us to discover practical tips, expert insights, and proven strategies for successfully securing grant funding. This is a valuable opportunity to strengthen your skills and expand your impact.
We look forward to seeing many of our Altrusans there!
Member Spotlight: Gayleen Williams – Spreading Joy, One Thought at a Time
We are proud to celebrate Altrusan Gayleen Williams, who has just launched her inspiring new online video series, The Happiness Toolkit. This empowering 11-week program features 22 mini-courses—each under an hour—designed to help you become your most confident, fulfilled self. It’s all about learning how to get happy and stay happy!
As a special gift to Altrusans, Gayleen is offering her most powerful, life-changing mini-course—The Impact of Self-Talk—completely FREE. In this course, you’ll discover her breakthrough Inner Critic to Cheerleader Method, a simple technique to flip any negative thought into a positive one in just 30 seconds. It’s a small shift that can create a massive impact.
Ready to transform your mindset? Claim your free mini-course today at CriticToCheerleader.com!
Every contribution, big or small, helps us spread sunshine throughout our community. To get involved or learn more, visit our website here.
Find out more about our services projects here!
☀️ Summer Fun Corner – Altrusa Style! 🌻
“You know you're an Altrusan in July when…”
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You keep sunscreen and service project supplies in your tote bag.
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Your idea of a hot summer read is a grant application guide.
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You're planning a BBQ... and wondering how to turn it into a fundraiser.
Just for Fun: Quick Poll - Enter to win a little Altrusa summer surprise!
What’s your favorite way to give back during the summer?
Recipe of the Month: Altrusa “Sunshine Salad”
Perfect for potlucks or solo snacking!
Ingredients:
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2 cups diced watermelon
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1 cup cucumber, sliced
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¼ cup crumbled feta
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A handful of mint leaves
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Drizzle of balsamic glaze
Toss gently and serve chilled. Light, refreshing, and full of summer flavor—just like our Altrusa spirit!
INTERNATIONAL / DISTRICT ELEVEN
President - Michelle Bell
Vice President - Gayleen Williams
Secretary - Lydia Petrie
Treasurer - Alice Kluzak
ALTRUSA INTL. OF COACHELLA VALLEY OFFICERS
Currently meeting in Rancho Mirage, CA and on Zoom
Altrusa International of Coachella Valley
Email: altrusacoachella@gmail.com
Website: www.altrusacoachellavalley.org
Location: Coachella Valley, CA
Phone: 949-300-5619
Facebook: Altrusa Coachella Valley