Samantha Sarelli is the reigning Miss Globe USA. 2025. She placed second runner up at the international Miss Globe pageant, bringing the United States to a top 3 finish in the world. She is a proud first-generation Albanian-American with deep roots in her heritage and a strong commitment to service. A former Miss Connecticut Teen USA, Samantha used her platform to bring awareness to important social issues, most notably human trafficking. She launched an original video series featuring powerful interviews with survivors and global experts, created an educational anti-trafficking program for high school students, and has collaborated with nonprofits across the world as both a spokesperson and dedicated advocate. She is currently the President of Kaleido, Inc, a non-profit founded in 2006 with a shelter in Mexico City.
Samantha’s impact has reached national levels as she was invited to speak at the U.S. Senate Hart Building at the International Summit Against Human Trafficking where she spoke of her advocacy work at the White House. She also hosted an international panel at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC twice, most recently with actress Mira Sorvino.
In addition to her anti-trafficking advocacy, Sam is an advocate for women and for the Albanian community. She has hosted various events on women’s empowerment and met the President of Kosova. She also speaks three languages English, Albanian, and Spanish.
The Club Calendar is at the end of this newsletter. Please refer to it to see the meeting schedule, social events and more. It will be updated when speakers and events are added.

The updated Greeters and Openers schedule is also near the end of the newsletter, so please check to see if you are on there!
Friday Meeting - April 10
Deane Martire
Co-Chair Horizons SHU
Deane Martire shared how Horizons Sacred Heart University brings free education, cultural activities and college preparation for low-income school children in greater Bridgeport.
If you like to follow up on questions or thoughts may have, please use his contact information below
Deane F. Martire, Co-Chair, Horizons SHU (e) deane.martire@gmail.com (m) 917.476.9001 https://horizonsshu.org/
Jim Ezzes opened the meeting and shared how The Klein brings performing arts education to school children
Yvonne was the lucky raffle winner.
Matthew Mandell and Steve Violette are the greeters for April.
Rob Hauck and Matthew Mandell showing logo wear
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Four Way Speech Contest - High School Students
Our Rotary 4 Way Test Speech Contest Semi Finals brought together an incredible group of high school students who showed courage, thoughtfulness, and heart. Each participant delivered a speech that was uniquely compelling—rooted in their own experiences, values, and hopes for the world. Their willingness to stand on a stage, speak with conviction, and apply the 4 Way Test to issues that matter to them is something truly special. They all demonstrated bravery, creativity, integrity, and leadership.
We are so proud of every single student who participated, including three from Bridge Academy in Bridgeport.
Alex Burtzlaff, sponsored by Westport Sunrise Rotary Club, was one of the two winners from the semi-finals in Trumbull last month. The photo depicts Alex at the first competition at Staples High School in February, receiving his prize from Peter Helt, President of the Westport Rotary Club. WSR collaborated with Westport Rotary on the Westport contest and Alex won first place.
Alex is going to compete in the Finals on April 25 in Stratford. It would be great if some of our members could be there to support him! Please let Katie know if you can make it and ride with her.
Sustainable Westport, Earthplace and Boy Scouts Troop 36 are co-sponsoring another mattress recycling collection event on Saturday, May 2nd, 8:30-11:30, at Earthplace.
There are limited spaces available for pick-up, and should sign up soon, before the spaces fill up. Scan the QR code to complete the Pick-Up Request Form, only available to Westport residents.
However, ANY CT RESIDENT can drop off a mattress or bed spring at the drop-off site on May 2nd.
GUESTS LAST MEETING:
Deane Martire, speaker
Tucker Davies, Norwalk Rotary co-president
GILLESPIE CENTER COOKING / SERVING SCHEDULE
One of our club’s ongoing and rewarding commitments to community service is our commitment to serving dinner meals on the first Saturday of each month at the Gillespie Center here in Westport.
We are back to serving meals at the newly renovated Gillespie Center. We have the option to drop off prepared meals at 4:30 PM or to bring meals to serve in person at 4:40 PM (allow extra time if the meals need to be reheated). Meal service should include a main dish, side dish, vegetable, and dessert (no nuts or shellfish please). The number of meals to provide, currently 25, will be confirmed to you to in advance when it is your turn to serve.
If you choose to drop off prepared meals at 4:30 PM you have the option to prepare homemade meals, purchase prepared meals at the store/restaurant of your choice, or you can contact Fresh Market on the Post Road in Westport where you can purchase prepared meals (protein, two sides and cookies for $7 - $10 per meal). If you choose the Fresh Market option call Tory at 203 227-2910 on the Monday prior to your meal service to place your order. You can pay for the meals when you pick them up.
If you are unable to work on your assigned Saturday you will be responsible to call other Rotarians on the list to switch dates.
