Last night, the Rotary Club of Huntsville celebrated its own with an awards ceremony at Hillside Farm.
Club president, Brandy Van Gelder, said in her opening remarks, “I was astounded by the numbers of our long-term serving members who have exemplified this motto of ‘service above self’ in our club, Serving years as community leaders, community chairs, boards of directors, and many as presidents of this amazing club… We would like to thank you for your years of service, your commitment to Rotary both locally and internationally and for truly exemplifying ‘service above self.'”
Gathered club members, family members, and sponsors honoured members who had 20 or more years of service with Rotary:
Don Dunton (joined in 1994, serving 22 years)
Doug Fairhall (joined in 1982, serving 34 years)
Vern Foell (joined in 1986, serving 30 years)
Hugh Holland (joined in 1996, serving 20 years)
Gord Mitchell (joined in 1984, serving 32 years)
Bill Sibeon (joined in 1979, serving 37 years)
Ron Strickland (joined in 1978, serving 38 years)
Peter Van Buskirk (joined in 1980, serving 36 years)
The spouses and family members of all the honourees were thanked for their support.
Don Dunton was also recognized as a multiple Paul Harris Fellow by Rotarian Peter Redwood. A Paul Harris Fellow is an individual who has contributed, or who has had contributions made in their name, of US $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, 50 per cent of which is returned to the local district to be used for local initiatives. It can also be awarded to other individuals to recognize significant achievements in their community. Dunton chose to use some of the credit he had built up to present Redwood with his first Paul Harris Fellowship in 2013. And on Monday night, Redwood had the honour of presenting Dunton with a ‘plus four’ Paul Harris Fellow pin to recognize his donations in excess of $5,000 to the Club. Redwood said of Dunton, “he’s a true gentleman.”
Rotarian Don Dunton with his family
Three honourary members – those who still contribute but who are no longer active members of the club – were recognized for serving more than 20 years with Rotary as well:
Dolores Jardine (served 23 years)
Tony Jardine (served 39 years)
George Snooks (served 32 years)
Rotary Club of Huntsville president Brandy Van Gelder said of all the honourees, “I really felt a strong desire to want to have this evening to thank you for all the work you’ve done for Rotary, your ongoing commitment, and your true hearts to Rotary.”
Rotary is an international service organization with more than 1.2 million members worldwide.The Rotary Club of Huntsville was chartered on May 26, 1934.
Don’t miss out on Doppler! Sign up for our free, twice-weekly newsletter here.
0 Comments