Two from Gallatin Rotary recognized as Paul Harris Fellows

The Gallatin Rotary Club recognized Karen Young and Jason Helton as the club’s 2005 Paul Harris Fellows during their regular meeting held Tuesday, March 29.

The Paul Harris Fellow Award, named in honor of Rotary’s founder, is one of the most prestigious awards within the Rotary International organization. The Paul Harris Fellow represents a substantial contribution to the humanitarian and education programs of Rotary International as supported by the Rotary Foundation.

The Foundation funds one of Rotary’s most noteworthy goals to immunize all the children of the world against polio. Rotary has joined with partner organizations to accomplish this important goal. The project to eliminate polio throughout the world by Rotary’s 100th Anniversary began in the early 80s. This year is Rotary’s 100th Anniversary and currently it appears the goal will be accomplished. However, the certification process requires three years of intensive surveillance.

In addition, Rotary programs provide a wide variety of help and assistance to people all over the world. The list of project carried on by Rotary International and supported by the Foundation include safe drinking water, providing a broad spectrum of medical services, aiding disabled to obtain artificial limbs, student exchange and group study exchange programs.

One of the most recent annual events is the collection of shoes for orphans. The Gallatin Club’s partner, Foster Shoes, helps make it possible for the Gallatin Rotary Club to provide hundreds of pairs of shoes.

Over the years, the Gallatin Rotary Club has enjoyed recognizing many of its members achieving the Paul Harris Fellow Award. Among those recognized are Charles and Katherine Brandom, Harold Condit, Bob Paul, Larry Richards, Joe Snyder, Phil Tate, Turpin Youtsey, Don Rains and others.

Five years ago the Gallatin Rotary Club formed a Paul Harris Fellows Pool program. Several members joined the new group. Since the inception of the pool program, Gallatin Rotary has had the opportunity to recognize several new Paul Harris Fellows: Don Fenn in 2001; Dale Alexander and Jan Johnson in 2002; Julia Filley in 2003; Vicky Corwin in 2004. A second pool started this year so the club can recognize two Paul Harris Fellows in 2005, the 100th anniversary of Rotary.

“We are pleased and proud to honor both Jason Helton and Karen Young with the Paul Harris Fellow Award this year,” said Roger Eichler, Rotary Foundation chairman. “The Gallatin Rotary Club extends its thanks and congratulations to both of our newest Paul Harris Fellows.”