Paul Harris Fellows Honored

Paul Harris Fellows: Mike Hennessy, Joliet Rotary Foundation chair (far left) and Joliet Rotary Club President Bret Mitchell (far right) welcomed Tricia Simpson, Judge Bob Baron, Jeff Tyner, Judge Jeff Allen, Carol Andrew, Mel Gray, Joe Turk, and Jim Costello as Paul Harris Fellows in recognition for their continued support of the Rotary Foundation.

At the June 9 meeting, members of the Joliet Rotary Club who achieved a Paul Harris Fellow status of higher were recognized. Mike Hennessy, chairman of the Joliet club’s Rotary Foundation, noted this year’s foundation drive, to date, has surpassed the initial goal.

“The Joliet Rotary Club members have been very generous in their support of this year’s foundation drive,” Hennessy said. “So far, we have raised $3,300 more than our original goal.”

According to Hennessy, these funds are used to support the Rotary International Foundation which are used for humanitarian and educational projects. The programs include an array of projects that save and invigorate the lives of people around the world and enhance international friendship and understanding. Rotary Foundation programs provide educational opportunities, food, potable water, health care, immunizations, and shelter for millions of persons.

“I am very proud to be part of the Joliet Rotary Club and proud of the continued commitment of so many of our members,” he said.

Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary and this award was established to recognize the financial contributions of club members. The newest Paul Harris Fellows are Judge Jeff Allen, Carol Andrew, and Jeff Plyman.

Joliet Rotarian Jeff Tyner was honored for achieving the Paul Harris Fellow + 1 and four Rotarians were honored for reaching the Paul Harris Fellow +2: Mel Gray, Jane Hopkins, Tricia Simpson, and Joe Turk.

Craig Wright has achieved the Paul Harris + 3 level and Judge Bob Baron has reached the Paul Harris + 4 level through contributions to the Rotary Foundation.

Jim Costello became a new member of the Major Donor Level 1 of giving to the Rotary Foundation. Jim Costello and Jane Hopkins were welcomed to the Paul Harris Society Level based on their annual contributions.

Joliet Rotary Club President Bret Mitchell said he is pleased with the generosity and dedication of the club’s members to this annual fundraising drive.
“Our club members embody the mission of Rotary, Service Above Self,” he said. “Through these generous donations, we are able to help many more people than any of us can possibly imagine.”