Local Rotary Clubs Receive Several Honors at District Conference

The Rotary Clubs in Effingham received several honors at the District Conference held earlier this month in Champaign.

Rotary is an international people-helping organization established in Chicago in 1905. Rotary International helps worldwide in eradicating polio, promoting clean water, literacy and supporting enduring friendships as a way to resolve conflicts.

Effingham Sunrise Club, under the direction of Immediate Past President Michael Wall, was awarded the Small Club of the Year Award. The honor is presented to a club with fewer than 50 members. 

(THE PRESENTATION OF THE SMALL CLUB OF THE YEAR AWARD TO SUNRISE ROTARY IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT MICHAEL WALL BY IMMEDIATE PAST ROTARY DISTRICT GOVERNOR CONNIE WALSH)

(SOME OF THE SUNRISE ROTARY MEMBERSHIPS BEING RECOGNIZED AS SMALL CLUB OF THE YEAR AT THE DISTRICT CONFERENCE WITH IMMEDIATE PAST DISTRICT GOVERNOR CONNIE WALSH AT FAR RIGHT)

There are 44 clubs in Rotary District #6490, and 31 of those clubs fall into the Small Club category.

The award recognizes the club that has performed in the highest traditions of Rotary and their mission of Service Above Self during the previous year.

The Effingham Noon and Sunrise Rotary Clubs shared the Avenues of Vocational Service Award.

(IMMEDIATE PAST DISTRICT GOVERNOR CONNIE WALSH WITH IMMEDIATE PAST EFFINGHAM NOON ROTARY PRESIDENT ASHLEY DILLINGHAM AND IMMEDIATE PAST EFFINGHAM SUNRISE ROTARY PRESIDENT MICHAEL WALL RECEIVING THE AVENUES OF VOCATIONAL SERVICE AWARD)

The Avenue represents the opportunity that each Rotarian has to represent the dignity and utility of one's vocation as an opportunity to serve society. Rotarians promote and foster high ethical standards in business and professions, and promote the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations.

The clubs were given the award for their work together during Rotary Week, as well as their joint club meeting.

Effingham Sunrise was also presented the Avenues of Community Service Award. 

(ROTARY IMMEDIATE PAST GOVERNOR CONNIE WALSH PRESENTING IMMEDIATE PAST SUNRISE ROTARY PRESIDENT MICHAEL WALL WITH THE AVENUES OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD)

This Avenue relates to the activities that Rotarians undertake to improve the quality of life in their community. Particular emphasis is given to helping children, families in need, the aged, the disabled, and those in vulnerable circumstances. Rotarians strive to promote the ideal of service in their personal, business and community lives.

Sunrise was presented this award for their project with Enduring Freedom Ministries, where they transformed an old school room into a laundry facility for those in need.

Sunrise since the District Conference has now learned that they received recognition for their efforts at the Rotary Zone level, which involves a multi-state Rotary region.