Each June, our club recognizes two exemplary individuals for their service. The Club's Board of Directors determine the winners each year. Any club member can submit a written nomination to the club president.

 

They are the Mark Sathe Service Above Self Award (to a Rotarian) and the Gil Braun Community Service Award (to a community member).

 

This award is presented annually by the St. Louis Park Rotary Club to someone who has provided exemplary leadership and service to the community of St. Louis Park. Gil Braun was a successful retail businessman and a long time Rotarian who gave of his time and philanthropy to the community. He supported Rotary International's Polio Campaign along with the St. Louis Park Rotary Foundation. When SLP Schools Superintendent. Carl Holmstrom spoke to our club about what was needed for the high school, Gil was one of two key individuals who stepped forward to assist in the start-up of Children First. Wayne Packard and Gil Braun were instrumental in the launch of Children First 25 years.

 

Rotary’s highest honor recognizes Rotarians who demonstrate Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self”, by volunteering their time and talents to help others. The St. Louis Park Rotary Club initiated the Mark Sathe Service Above Self Award for a lifetime of service following Mark’s passing in October 2007 after a long battle with cancer. Mark was only 59 years old. He served as SLP Rotary Club president in 2001- 2002 and was a champion advocate for Rotary at local and international levels and for St. Louis Park youth service. He supported many youth initiatives in addition to supporting The Rotary Foundation and our St. Louis Park Rotary Foundation. To all club members, we were “his” friend. He was passionate about serving others. He never was interested in getting recognized for his efforts. He always felt doing the right thing WAS the right thing to do. In 2008, there was overwhelming support by the club to initiate this award.