Ron Kelly Receives the Don Funk Memorial Award!
The Don Funk Memorial Award event was held on Thursday, November 17 at the Phoenix with approximately 70 members and guests in attendance from the 3 Abbotsford Rotary clubs. Ken Funk inspired all in attendance with his heart-felt presentation on Rotaplast. Thank you Ken! The recipients of the Don Funk Memorial Award (Rotarian-of-the-Year) were: Ralph Payne (Abbotsford-Sumas RC), Raj Patara (Abbotsford-Matsqui RC) and Ron Kelly (Abbotsford RC). Ron will be awarded a Paul Harris Fellow for this honour. The following are the words spoken by President Sara about Ron, before he was presented a plaque from our club:
Ron became a member of our club in 1992. He was fast-tracked to president for the 1995-96 year. He later found the role made for him and has been the Director of Foundation for as long as anyone can remember.
Ron is a quiet and steady supporter of club activities and programs. Without recognition or fanfare, Ron steps up to do his share of front desk duties and manning his Hole-in-One shifts and other activities the club is involved in. I don’t know if I’d be so eager after 25 years.
But this recognition came to me for Ron’s contribution to the club as our tireless foundation chair. The month of November (foundation month) is his, where he educates and engages club members to think beyond themselves to give financially to the Rotary Foundation.
A PHF +8, pennies away from major donor status, Ron, or “Captain Foundation” as I’m calling him, not only talks the talk, but walks the walk. Ron has inspired us to achieve Every Rotarian Every Year status for a number of years and, along with the president, sets ambitious goals for our giving. Our club has contributed over $335,000 to the Rotary foundation, and I am prepared to give credit to “Captain Foundation” for that.