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Our speaker, Vitaliy Bezrodnov was raised in an area of Kazakhstan that was close to Iran and a very international community. Music was (and still is) his passion. From the ages of 15-19, he studied music and traveled for music. When he was near the end of these adventures, his friends encouraged him to continue exploring the world. So, he started life in the US when he almost 20. The more he saw, the he loved this country. In LA, he formed a musical group called "Moscow Nights" and they were quite successful, playing instruments that rarely seen or heard here. He soon found himself at a Rotary conference in Denver, CO. After having performed for them, they were asked to stay and join in the discussion of US and Russian relations. He was astounded by the way Rotary Clubs from across the nation came together and pooled together their manpower and funds to help a region of Russia in need of medical equipment. He became a Rotarian in the Cleveland are and began applying his love for music and the cultural exchange that he experienced, he created Golden Gates, a 501(c)(3), that is a cultural exchange program for young adults from countries like Armenian, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia and Lithuania with talents in the arts (music, dance, etc.) and participate in events and activities across the U.S. for about 4-5 weeks. Churches, civic events like parade and Rotary fundraisers, are just a tip of the iceberg. About 15 young people travel in a large passenger van donated by Mercedes. They will stay in the homes of locals, and while it all seems like fun upon fun, there is a lot of work - setting up equipment at venues and the breaking down afterwards. They rely solely on donations and the kindness of Rotarians and host families.. |
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