PAUL HARRIS FELLOW RECIPIENTS
Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris
Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris
story by Lynda FarkasAfter setting up his law practice in Chicago, Harris gathered several business associates to discuss the idea of forming an organization for local professionals. He envisioned a place where professionals of diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.
On 23 February 1905, Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey gathered at Loehr’s office in Room 711 of the Unity Building in downtown Chicago. This was the first Rotary club meeting.
“I was sure that there must be many other young men who had come from farms and small villages to establish themselves in Chicago ... Why not bring them together? If others were longing for fellowship as I was, something would come of it.”
In February 1907, Harris was elected the third president of the Rotary Club of Chicago, a position he held until the fall of 1908. Toward the end of his club presidency, Harris worked to expand Rotary beyond Chicago. Some club members resisted, not wanting to take on the additional financial burden. But Harris persisted and by 1910 Rotary had expanded to several other major U.S. cities.
Harris died on 27 January 1947 in Chicago at age 78 after a prolonged illness. His death prompted an outpouring of contributions from around the world and his name continues to evoke the passion and support of Rotarians and friends of Rotary.
Paul Harris Fellows: Continuing the legacy of our founder, the Paul Harris Fellow program recognizes individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
The honor was established in 1957 to show appreciation for contributions that support our Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant.
Paul Harris Society: The Paul Harris Society recognizes Rotary members and friends of The Rotary Foundation who elect to contribute $1,000 or more each year to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus Fund, or approved global grants.
The purpose of the Paul Harris Society is to honor and thank individuals for their generous, ongoing support of The Rotary Foundation.
Our Akron Rotary club honors new members of the Paul Harris Society by presenting them with a certificate and chevron at a club luncheon. Due to Covid-19 our weekly Rotary luncheons were transformed into Zoom meetings and we have not been able to celebrate our members’ donations to the International Rotary Foundation.
August 5th and 6th Akron Rotary club VP Lynda Farkas with the help of PDG Jack Harig diligently delivered new Paul Harris Fellow pins and yummy Rotary cookies to the following Akron club donors.
If you have questions and/or would like to become a member of the Paul Harris Society, please contact VP Lynda Farkas, 330.819.3739 , lfarkas2@neo.rr.com
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 Sandy Naragon – PHF +5 |  Cheryl Warren – PHF +4 |  John Reyes – PHF + 7 (John was out climbing rocks!) | |
 Dr. Rob McGregor – PHF +2 |  Dr. Doug Hausknecht – PHF +3 |  Nathanael Billow – PHF +1 | |
Thank you to all of our Rotarians who volunteered at The Akron Urban League to assist with the distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for those in need in our community.
story by Julie Brandle
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AKRON ROTARY FOUNDATION
HELPS OTHER CLUBS
HELPS OTHER CLUBS
story by Julie BrandleWith the cancellation of all Rotary International Student Exchanges, our foundation has funds that will go unused for these programs. These funds have now been designated for emergency funds to assist Rotary clubs in other countries with unexpected expenses as a result of COVID. Rotary clubs around the world are struggling as members are losing jobs and the need for Rotary services is greater in their communities. What better way to support fellow Rotarians during this time than to support these struggling clubs. Thank you Claudine Schooley, Brian Chima, and Susan Colville-Hall for the idea. Over 1/3 of our club supports work internationally. The Board approved a $500 grant each to three clubs in Honduras, Columbia and Equador. With these funds we can help ease the burden of fellow Rotarians in Central and South Americas.
“Our foundation board recognizes there are people struggling around the globe as a result of COVID,” remarked James Redmond, Foundation Board President and Rotary Club of Akron Member. “To be able to send some love from Akron is a remarkable idea, and we were all too happy to do it.”
There are still limited funds that remain. Akron Rotarians - If you have an International club in need you would like to recommend, please contact Julie Brandle, Rotary Club of Akron Past President and Foundation Board Communications Chair at 330.858.6672 or jbrandle@metisconstruction.com.
Foundation Board Officers and Members
- James Redmond, President
- Katy Miller, Vice President
- Mark Krohn, Treasurer
- Sally Christman, Secretary
- Julie Brandle, Communication/Public Relations
- Steve Buie, Governance/Liaison to Club Board
- Marcia Holcomb, Nomination/Roster
- Rima Muakkassa, Ph.D, Scholarships
- Jeff Sitz, Finance
- Brian Steere, Fundraising/Development