Three receive honors from Elizabeth Rotary Club

By CHRISTINE HAINES

chaines@yourmvi.com

The Elizabeth Rotary Club honored three people as Paul Harris Fellows for their efforts to raise funds for humanitarian and educational programs of the international organization.

Honored at the June Rotary luncheon were former club member Rich Kundman, who received his first Paul Harris Fellowship (PHF) lapel pin for raising $1,000, and members Keith Balint and Connie Thomas, honored with PHF+2 pins signifying that they have reached the $1,000 mark two additional times in the course of their membership, raising a cumulative $3,000 each to date.

“The first time you reach $1,000 you get a pin,” club President Cheryl Farrell said. “Each time you reach another $1,000, you get another pin.”

Paul Harris founded Rotary along with three business associates in Chicago in 1905. The fellowship was established in 1957 to express appreciation to those who have contributed to the array of projects undertaken by Rotary around the world, improving lives and enhancing international friendship and understanding.

“We have almost eradicated, internationally, polio around the world except for a few small pockets in Africa,” Farrell said.

Rotary Foundation programs provide educational opportunities, food, potable water, immunizations, healthcare and shelter to millions of people around the world. 

Each Paul Harris Fellow also received a certificate “in appreciation and significant  assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations between peoples of the world,” the certificates state.