Presidents of three Maui Rotary clubs — from left, Mary Albitz, Rotary Club of Upcountry Maui; Vanessa Moreno, Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset; and Leah Harbottle, Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise – present their “Award Frisbees” at the recent 2022 Rotary District 5,000 Annual Conference.
The Rotary International 2022 District 5,000 Conference was recently held at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Ko’olina, Oahu.
At this annual conference, District Governor Sandy Matsui presented awards to clubs that were judged in multiple categories for the final determination of Club of the Year.
The Rotary International District 5000 is made up of 53 clubs. Clubs are divided into SMALL (17 members and less), MEDIUM (18-29 members) and LARGE (30 members or more).
The awards were presented at the event in the Academy Awards-style ceremony. Award Frisbee crests were awarded to the first runner up and then to the first winner in each size division for seven categories: membership, foundation, community service, professional service, youth service, international service and public image.
Club presidents submitted information about their club’s activities in each category during the Rotary International year from July 1, 2021 to April 10, 2022. Submissions and supporting materials were then reviewed and scored by club presidents. presidents in categories other than their own. The scores were then submitted to the Awards Chair for final tabulation.
The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise received the first awards in the Community Service and Public Image categories for Medium Clubs. President Leah Harbottle accepted the awards for this club.
The Rotary Club of Upcountry Maui received first place in the Community Service and Youth Service categories for midsize clubs, as well as first prizes in the International Service and Professional Service categories. Accepting the awards for this club was President Mary Albitz.
The Rotary Club of Kihei Wailea received the first runner-up award in the International Service category for large clubs. The president, Dr. Allan Weiland, accepted the award for this club.
The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset was named Grand Club of the Year for earning the following top spots in the Major Clubs Division: Public Image, Professional Service, and Membership. They were also named the first winners of the second prize in the Youth Service category. President Vanessa Moreno received the awards.
According to Maui Island Resource President Joanne Laird, “All of these recognized members of the Maui Rotary Club have worked tirelessly to help make our Maui community and the world a better place. We relate to this quote from Muhammad Ali: “Service to others is the rent we pay for our chamber here on Earth. Members of these recognized clubs know the true meaning of Rotary’s motto, “Serving Before Self.”
Ten of the 53 clubs that make up Rotary District 5000 are located in Maui and Lanai.
Rotary is a leadership organization made up of local business, professional and civic leaders. Members meet regularly, get to know each other, form friendships and get things done in the community.
For more information on these clubs, contact Maui Island Resource Chair Laird at mamalrd01@gmail.com.
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