Rotary Happenings: Rotarians hand out Paul Harris Fellow Awards
Recently, the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club had the honor of recognizing several members as Paul Harris Fellows. Presenting a Paul Harris Fellow Award is the Rotary Foundation’s way of expressing its appreciation for a substantial contribution to its humanitarian and educational programs. It is named for the foundation’s founder, a Chicago attorney, who with three business associates started the movement in 1905. Today, there are 35,000 clubs in over 200 countries with 1.2 million members.
Paul Harris Fellow recognition is given in appreciation of anyone who contributes, outright or over time, a gift of $1,000 or more to the Annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus or an approved Rotary Matching Grant. Recognition consists of a certificate, medallion and special lapel pin. A multiple Paul Harris is one who has contributed additional $1,000 gifts to the foundation and their pins receive additional sapphires or rubies. While it is an honor to receive a Paul Harris Fellow, it is not just about recognition; it is about what we do in the world as Rotarians, and how we fund it.
The San-Cap club recognized four of its members with their multiple Paul Harris awards. John Gray received his Fellow-plus eight, Eldon Bohrofen received his Fellow-plus seven, Scot Congress received his Fellow-plus six, Paul Barlo received his Fellow-plus eight. Gray, Bohrofen, Congress and Barlo are Rotarians who use their time, talent and treasure to enhance the lives of others.
“I joined Rotary and our family business in 1984 after college. I learned very quickly that this was a terrific group and immediately signed up to help our club meet the then-new Polio Plus Campaign goal of $25,000 per club. I am so grateful for all of my Rotary friends and all of the humanitarian giving we have accomplished together over the last four decades,” Congress said.
Congratulations to these Rotarians!
The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club holds a meeting on Fridays at 7:30 a.m. at The Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, and via Zoom; doors open at 7 a.m. To attend in person, email Bill Harkey at William.Harkey@gmail.com by the Tuesday before the meeting. For more information, visit sanibelrotary.org or www.facebook.com/sancaprotary.