On Saturday, April 28 approximately 300 Rotarians from District 5750 all came together in Edmond's new Hilton Garden Inn Hotel & Conference Center to celebrate what Rotary is all about and the accomplishments of 2017. With this year's conference being in Edmond Rotary Club's backyard we had a great turnout for the event.
Pictured from left to right: Cindy Dimit, Jessica Lyle, Mark Jones, Jack Warner, Dale Malody, JD Younger, Stan Kelley, Carol Wright, Sherry Klein, G.Kay Powers, Don Powers, Amzi Gregory, Chris Koehler, Victor Neal, James Kerr, Charles Lamb. Not Pictured who attended: Jeanean South, Jay Smith, Betty DeHart
Many accomplishments were recognized with the largest being Paul Harris Fellows. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. Many of Rotary Club of Edmond Rotarians hold this dignified honor, some even have multiple . Meaning each $1,000 contribution earns another recognition. In 2006, there were 1 million Paul Harris Fellows around the world.
District Governor, Hal Stevens, honored the current 2017-2018 Presidents with a special gift. This year's president, James Kerr, was in attendance to receive this honor.
The evening ended with the world's champion for close up magic, Shin Lim. Shin shared his passion for magic and classical piano and told his story of how he had to choose either magic or piano a young age due to his severe case of carpal tunnel. He ultimately chose magic and he has soared to the top. He was nothing short of magical.
To close the evening, District Governor Hal Stevens stated that a $1,000 donation had been given in Shin Lim's name and was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. In addition, Mayor of Edmond Charles Lamb, presenting Lim with a proclamation naming April 28, 2018 as Shin Lim Day. And to top it all off, Angela Rickman, DG Elect 2020-2021, gifted Lim with Oklahoma's state rock the Rose Rock to give to his mother.
Next year's District Conference will be May 3 - May 4, 2019 at Sulphur Springs. Rotarians will enjoy Bedre Chocolate Factory tours, hiking at Little Niagara, wine tastings at Rusty Nail Winery and a service project for a local school.