Our Paul Harris honorees
On Monday May, 4th, the Rotary Club of Brampton held its Paul Harris Night at Rotary Glen. Along with Club members and many spouses and guests, many Paul Harris Fellows attended and enjoyed the evening.
It was quite an emotional evening, especially for President Jim when he was told there was no time for "Ask President Jim". But after drying his tears and giving him a stern talking to, First Lady Sandy got President Jim focused and the meeting proceeded.
Past District Governor Syd Harmon told everyone about the new Rotary Foundation program of giving $100 per month and asked those interested to contact him or DG Norm Bindon.
President Jim then introduced the evening's Master of Ceremonies, Warren Rasberry, and Warren promptly turned the meeting back to President Jim who acted as Sgt. At Arms.
President Jim fined Dittie Voegele/Hay for confusing him by using various surnames, and for dissing him. The Sgt. At Arms then turned his attention to Vice President Bob Cranch and fined him for avoiding "service" of a plaque commemorating Bob as a Founder of the Santa Claus Parade. President Jim pointed out that they had been trying to deliver this plaque for so long that the picture of Bob on it, had turned, like the portrait of Dorian Grey, into a white-bearded old man.
President Jim asked for Happy Bucks with the proceeds going to the Paul Harris Foundation. As a last bit of housekeeping, President Jim presented Bob McIntyre with his most recent Paul Harris medal, indicating that Bob had made donations to the Foundation over several years.
Warren then introduced District Governor Norm, who gave an excellent history of the Paul Harris Award and how it has become the most important award in the Rotary Club.
DG Norm asked all Paul Harris Fellows in the room to stand and a long ovation ensued. DG Norm's speech ended soon after and another ovation ensued.
MC Warren then asked Rotarian John Sudnikowicz to introduce the first Paul Harris Award of the evening.
John spoke of an individual who had given to the Club, the Region of Peel and the City of Brampton for many decades. He described how this individual exemplified the term "gentleman". He then presented the Paul Harris Award to Rotarian Jack Corney. Jack was humble, as usual, in acceptance and the room gave him a standing ovation, including two close friends of Jack, Bill Appleton and Don Fletcher.
MC Warren then asked Rotarian Jerome Dawson to introduce the second Paul Harris Award. Jerome spoke of a person who had contributed to a service club for many years, acting as President and everything else. This person did not limit contributions to community or one service club, but helped out other service clubs as well. With that, he named Glenda Coupland (Sanderson) and she was obviously greatly honoured. Glenda was further taken back when she saw so many other members of the Sanderson clan come out of the back room.
Warren then called upon Rotarian Bob McIntyre to present the third Paul Harris Award. He got right to the point in naming Gael Miles and then provided the lengthy description of the many things Gael has accomplished, including of course, the $5M funding and construction in only two years of the Wellspring Chinguacousy Cancer Support Centre. Her husband, Rotarian Larry Zacher, demonstrated a devious ability to keep a secret and bring 3 tables of Brampton Safe City guests to share the moment with Gael. Gael was able to get her two daughters to join her at the podium, although for only a moment as hey scampered back to their table, with Gael explaining that they hate it when she does that.
MC Warren then introduced the final Paul Harris Award himself. He spoke of a true "friend" of the Club and all of its members. By defining a friend as someone who is always there when needed, he perfectly captured the relationship we all have to Rotarian John Sudnikowicz.
John, like those before him, was shocked and humbled by the honour and graciously accepted it, only pausing to warn MC Warren that he would exact revenge at some point in the future.
President Jim was then tasked with summing up the evening and he asked all Paul Harris Fellow, including the newest 4, to stand and accept the appreciation of the room and once again, an ovation was offered. The ovation was well deserved for the dozens of individuals present who made and make the Rotary Club what it is today and who inspire all Rotarians to strive to achieve what these great people have done.
Congratulations must go to MC Warren Rasberry and Jerome Dawson for planning a wonderful evening. Dittie Voegele helped to arrange the dinner and provided the spectacular table centerpieces. Peter Ward did a tremendous job in the background obtaining the Paul Harris Medals and Pins and assisting whenever asked. DG Norm and Rotarian Bob McIntyre added class and flair to the evening with their speeches and formal attire and Bino Dalli provided an excellent dinner as always. The evening was, by every account, a wonderful one and will set the bar at a high level for next year.