With sincere gratitude, By: Ric Morgan President, Grants-Milan Rotary Club
On behalf of the Grants-Milan Rotary Club and Ty Detmer, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the people of Cibola County for their incredible support of the 22nd Annual Ty Detmer All-Star Weekend and Backpack for Kids Program Fundraiser.
This year’s event, held at the Coyote Del Malpais Golf Course, brought together families, volunteers, athletes, local leaders, and special guests—all united by a shared goal: ensuring that children in Cibola County do not go hungry over the weekend. The Backpack for Kids Program currently serves nearly 300 students by providing non-perishable food items every Friday throughout the school year. This initiative ensures that disadvantaged children across the county have reliable meals and snacks to take home—addressing a critical and ongoing need in our community.
Local youth had the unique opportunity to receive hands-on instruction and inspiration from a remarkable group of guests, including:
• Ty Detmer – NFL veteran and Heisman Trophy winner
• DeMya Wheatfall -WNBA
• Rodney Rice – NFL
• Bené Benwikere – NFL
• Rachel LaMont – Survivor Season 47 winner and fanfavorite strategist Alongside Friday evening’s dinner, heartfelt guest interactions, and Saturday’s golf tournament, the weekend was filled with energy, purpose, and lasting connections. It was a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when a community comes together in support of something greater than itself.
A special thank-you goes to our 2025 Detmer Legacy Partners, who were honored during the fundraiser dinner for 20 years of unwavering support: • Stewart Brothers Drilling
• Roxann and the late Willie Fields We are also deeply grateful to the individuals and businesses whose contributions helped make this year’s event a success:
• Toni’s Tacos
• Wild West Chuck Wagon
• Taco Village
• Pizza 9
• Rachel Galindo • Ken Brown Photography
• El Cafecito
• MAG Electric
• City of Grants
• Troy Kennington
• Carmen and the entire Coyote Del Malpais Golf Course team
• Mike Stephens To everyone who donated, sponsored, volunteered, or simply showed up—thank you. Every act of generosity, no matter the size, brought us closer to our goal of ensuring that no child in Cibola County goes without food.
We also proudly recognize the leadership of the 2025 Grants-Milan Rotary Club: Officers
• Ric Morgan, President
• Joanne Martinez, Secretary & Past President
• Josephine Hurtado, President Elect
• Nestor Griego, Treasurer Board Members (alphabetized):
• Mila Allen
• Sylvia Anzures-Gonzales
• Marlene Chavez Toivanen
• Jonathan Comacha
• Patricia Corley
• Stacey Corley
• Larry Diaz
• Rachel Gabaldon
• Jessica Joe
• Joseph Vigil
• Will Yarborough
• Rosalyn Williams – Honorary Member In closing, we reflect on the values that guide us as Rotarians—the enduring Four-Way Test, which challenges us all to lead with principle and purpose: The Four-Way Test Of the things we think, say, or do: 1. Is it the TRUTH? 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Thank you once again to everyone who made this event possible. Your continued support drives our mission forward—changing lives, one backpack at a time.
If you are interested in joining the Rotary Club or learning more about the Backpack for Kids Program, please contact me or any member of the Grants-Milan Rotary Club.