On May 11th, Smoky Hill Rotary hosted its first Paul Harris “Service Above Self” day honoring community members who improve lives locally and worldwide.

Twenty honorees were recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow with a $1000 donation to the Rotary Foundation in their name.  Jeff Kaes was our emcee for the event as he introduced each honoree with their contribution to the community and/or support of Smoky Hill Rotary along with what project that PHF recognition represented. We had special Rotary guests, District governor Elect, Cindy Chase, Assistant Governor, Skip Arms, District Foundation Chair, Mike Klingbiel, and the first female Past District Governor, Talee Crowe along with Chief Robnett from Aurora Fire Rescue.  This was an impressive event hearing about those in our community who are serving others in such meaningful ways.  Thanks go to Lloyd Gottman and Linda Forsythe for making this first ever event so successful and to Jeff Kaes for his work on the PowerPoint  and the introductions.

From Lloyd Gottman:

“A BIG congratulations to all of our club members.  Our Paul Harris Fellow recognition day meeting wasa huge success - a great buzz in the crowd, lots of smiles, lots of people sincerely appreciative of the honor of a Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Smoky Hill Rotary has made a positive impact on thousands of people's lives locally and throughout the world through our activities.  

AND NOW

A few more people in our community feel recognized for what they also do plus learning more about how Smoky Hill Rotarians  help people locally and throughout the world have a better life.”

The following comes the District 5450 Newsletter from District Fondation Chair, Mike Klingbiel:

“One of the privileges of serving as Foundation Chair is visiting clubs and seeing Rotary's impact firsthand. Last month, I visited Smoky Hill Rotary as they recognized 17 community members with Paul Harris Fellow awards. What made the event especially meaningful was the way each recipient was honored. Rather than simply presenting an award, the club shared the story behind each individual and how they have made a difference through service, leadership, generosity, and commitment to others. It was a powerful reminder that Rotary is about people. People who step forward. People who serve. People who make their communities stronger. The event also introduced Rotary to community members who may not have been familiar with our organization. It showcased who we are, what we value, and how Rotary recognizes those who are making a difference.”

 

For the Epic Day of Service project on May 16th, Smoky Hill Rotary hosted its third Public Safety Field Day in conjunction with the Aurora Rotary Club, Aurora Fire Rescue, and Aurora Police Department.  Nearly 400 residents (190 being children) participated in this free, family oriented community event that allowed them to meet local first responders, explore emergency vehicles, see fire and SWAT/K-9 demonstrations and learn about fire and crime prevention.  After three years of fundraising and grant writing, Smoky Hill Rotary and Aurora Rotary were able to present a check for $126,225 to Aurora Fire Chief Alec Oughton towards the purchase of a Mobile Fire Safety Trailer.  this trailer will go to schools to educate students on fire safety in the home. Thanks goes to Hugh Radke for being a part of the grant writing/fundraising committee and securing a district grant and to Linda Forsythe who chaired the committee responsible for planning and executing the Public Safety Field Day event. Smoky Hill Rotary had a lot of PR with the marketing and press coverage of this event.  Thanks to our volunteers for the event: Bev Edwards, Ted Michalakes, Hugh Radke, Gary Frisch, Craig Essex, and Clay Fell.

 

 

 

Our Golf tournament is Thursday, August 6th at Common Ground Golf Course. This is our only fundraising project so it is critical that we get players and sponsors.  Last year, we made $5000 less and this year’s budget is already looking dire as we are having to cut funds to projects we hold near and dear to our hearts. We need EVERYONE to contribute either by bringing in players or sponsor donations.