Munsey Park Rotarian Esther Miller was honored with the Rotarian’s highest award, the Paul Harris Award, at the most recent officer Installation Dinner held at Strathmore Vanderbilt Country Club. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. Miller has headed up the Manhasset Rotary for the past three years making significant contributions to the club.
It was established in 1957 to show appreciation for and encourage substantial contributions to what was then the foundation’s only program, Rotary Foundation Fellowships for Advanced Study, the precursor to Ambassadorial Scholarships. The Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth was on hand to present the award to Miller.
The event’s master of ceremonies was Fred Geiger, who welcomed the crowd. Shirley Ann Thomas sang an incredible “God Bless America,” which brought a standing ovation from the crowd, followed by Tony Buzzita who led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and Janice DaSilva, who spoke the opening prayer.
The event celebrated 40 years the Gift of Life had been in service of young children needing heart transplants and the first transplant recipient Grace Agwaru was on hand to speak to the crowd. Agwaru was from Africa and currently works as the ambassador for the Gift of Life there. She was just 5 years old when she came to the United States with her father to have the surgery.
Dr. Joe Gaffney also received the Paul Harris Award, which was presented by Rob Raylman. Both recipients spoke about the great honor this award meant to them. Miller was particularly pleased with the Interact Club of Manhasset High School (the junior Rotary) growing its ranks to over 100 members.
The newly appointed Manhasset Rotary officers were sworn-in for 2016-17. This new board includes Robert Donno as president, Terry Higgins, Jr., as vice president, Janice DaSilva as recording secretary and Fred Geiger as treasurer and sergeant-at-arms. Afterwards, the new president took the opportunity to say a few words to the audience before a customized cake was presented and coffee and cake was served to all.
The Manhasset Rotary Club is part of a 1.2-million member organization that started with the vision of Paul P. Harris, a Chicago attorney. The Rotary Club is a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful lifelong friendships. Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member. For information on joining the Manhasset Rotary, contact Robbie Donno at 516-707-8473.
