Congratulations Jake!
There are many deserving candidates for the Rotarian of the Year every year. However, the committee and club would like to congratulate, and honor Jake Cook as the 2019 Rotarian of the Year.
Jake joined the Faribault Rotary club in March of 2007 and lives the Rotary motto of service above self on a daily basis. Jake currently serves on the board of directors, as well as serves as the Rotary Youth Services President. He has held a variety of leadership roles and positions throughout his years in Rotary, and here are a few highlights as mentioned in his nominations:
- Jake chaired the community services committee and led our efforts with the Rotary Blood Drive, meals-on-wheels, Salvation Army Bell Ringing, Basic Blessings Backpack Program events., and more. You could also find Jake and his family volunteering during these events.
- Jake volunteered and served on the International Services committee traveling with the team to Sierra Leone in our club’s effort to establish a sustainable cassava farming and processing project in remote areas of Africa. He was also involved with the district and international grant process and helped raise the necessary funds for the project.
- As a believer in service above self, Jake became our Club President in 2016-2017. He really stepped up to the plate and filled this role a year earlier than planned, as our Badger/Packer friend Dan Hedge moved to his new home in Illinois the year he was supposed to fill this role.
- During his year as Club President Jake had many accomplishments. Most notable was the “Buddy Bench” project. Again, he helped raise the necessary funds and partner with other agencies within the community to make this project a success. Jake also led the efforts to partner with the Elks Ice Fishing contest and help get kids exposed to the great outdoors!!!
- As president of the Rotary Youth Services board, Jake has done an outstanding job with all areas of this great nonprofit entity. His office manages the camp schedule and Jake has spent countless hours helping preserve this great asset. Most notably this year with helping roof the camp, as well as getting the camp back into working order after the tornado last fall. Jake has also led or helped on the Picnic committee for several years…an event many look forward to every year.
- Jake has served on the raffle committee and is usually one of the top salespersons with this raffle, as well as our annual Rotary Rose Sale. The CWS offices look amazing this week as he typically delivers 75-100 roses each year.
- Jakes leadership abilities crossover to other community and family activities as well, with involvement in numerous board and other activities. He has been a chamber ambassador, served on the Ducks Unlimited Board, served on the Football Association Board and is the current president and a coach with the Faribault Fastpitch Association. You will also find him helping with the March of Dimes and Cancer Stroll fundraising efforts. I’m sure we have missed a few as well…but we thank Jake for his “Service Above Self” in the Faribault Community.
Jake, thank you for everything you have done for our club and will continue to do in the future. IF you want a project done and completed in a successful manner, Jake Cook will be there to lead or help in any way possible. The saying goes “the only thing that is equal in life is that we all get 24 hours each day, or 86,400 seconds to make a difference”. Although this will cost you a dollar, you are able to balance your work and clients at Comprehensive Wealth Solutions/Faribo Insurance, family time and community activities. Please help me congratulate Jake Cook, 2019 Rotarian of the Year.