Replacing our usual noon meeting, the Service Above Self awards event was held at the Lincoln Center the evening of Wednesday, April 17th. Organized by Judy Boggs, Sue Wagner, and Susie Ewing along with a batch of other helpers, the event was a spectacular success. After half an hour of good fellowship encouraged by live music, cocktails, delicious appetizers and desserts (catered by Food For Thought), David Dunne, our Emcee for the evening, led us through a celebration of the contributions of many of our amazing members as well as one member of the community whose actions have been consistent with Rotarian ideals.
Before launching into recognition of activities of individual members, David gave us the solemn opportunity to remember the club members whom we have lost in the last year: Bob Lawrence, Kathy Nicol, Don Eversoll, John Roberts, and Kent Sutherland.
Following this sad reminiscence, Tanner Massey led us through a discussion of the mechanisms and impacts of donations to Rotary International followed by a celebration of the past year’s major donors to Rotary. Michael Stradt and Mike Sollenberger were recognized for their major donations to Rotary International. Don Jorgensen was recognized for his major donation to our club’s Legacy Fund.
On his return to the podium, Dave gave us the opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the contributions of an amazing group of people. There were two Service Above Self awardees. Dane Stratton, a School Resource Officer with the Poudre School District, was recognized for his accomplishments above and beyond the normal requirements of his job including learning Spanish to communicate better with school students (many are Spanish speakers), their families, the police, and our community. Sue Wagner was celebrated for her community contributions and the length and breadth of her contributions to the activities of the club.
Other awardees included:
Max Getts 4-Way Test Award: Tanner Massey
Alan Ashbaugh International Excellence Award: Martin and Mary Catherine Limbird
Quiet Leader Award: Dawn T-Baumgartner
Spirit of Rotary Award: Natalie Sundermeier
Longevity of Service Award: Lynne Baker
Impact Award: Judy Boggs
Rotarian of the Year Award: Kerrie Luginbill
After this celebration of accomplishments and recognition of our club’s leaders, all of the attendees were inspired to push forward into the coming year.
Rotarians enjoying hors d'oeuvres and conversation before the program
Great live music to complement our half-hour of fellowship
Five Rotarians carried flowers in memory of club members we lost in the past year.
Donor honoree Mike Sollenberger
Donor honoree Michael and Debbie Stradt
Donor honoree Don Jorgensen
Service Above Self awardee Dane Stratton
Service Above Self awardee Sue Wagner
Max Getts 4-Way Test Awardee Tanner Massey
Alan Ashbaugh International Excellence Awardee Martin and Mary Catherine Limbird
Quiet Leader Awardee Dawn T-Baumgartner
Spirit of Rotary Awardee Natalie Sundermeier
Longevity of Service Awardee Lynne Baker
Impact Awardee Judy Boggs
Rotarian of the Year Kerrie Luginbill