Rhinelander Rotary Club raises $19,000 at annual gala, honors two Paul Harris Fellows

The Rhinelander Rotary Club held its Annual Gala in September raising $19,000 to support local and global community initiatives. According to a club press release, the evening’s highlight was the presentation of the Paul Harris Fellowship Award, one of Rotary International’s highest honors, to two individuals whose dedication to service exemplifies the spirit of Rotary.

Established in 1957 and named after Rotary International founder Paul Harris, the Paul Harris Fellowship recognizes individuals who make a meaningful difference in the world by contributing to the Rotary Foundation’s humanitarian efforts. Recipients are individuals who go above and beyond to help others in need, whether locally or around the globe, the release states.

This year’s awards were presented to Rhinelander Rotary Club member John Scheuer and community leader Dr. Lee Swank.

“John Scheuer has supported Rotary’s mission and efforts through volunteering and making impactful contributions to the Rotary Foundation,” the release states. “Last year the Rotary Foundation raised 477 million dollars and awarded over 1,800 grants to support projects around the world, including vaccination of 350 million children in 28 countries. Most of the funds came from individual Rotarians like John and Rotary Clubs. Dr. Swank was recognized for his extraordinary generosity and lasting impact on education and physical fitness in the Rhinelander area. Among his many contributions, Dr. Swank has supported the Nicolet College Foundation, the YMCA of the Northwoods, Art Start, and WXPR Public Radio. He was the lead proponent and a major financial backer of the Hodag Dome at Rhinelander High School, contributed equipment for the newly remodeled Technology Education facilities at RHS, and donated the land for the recently completed Heal Creek Recreation Area adjacent to the Northwoods Golf Course.”

The $19,000 raised at the Gala will support Rhinelander Rotary’s ongoing community programs, including youth leadership initiatives, scholarships, the Rotary Foreign Exchange Student Program, the Rhinelander High School InterAct Club, and new community improvement projects.

The Rhinelander Rotary Club extends its heartfelt gratitude to the table sponsors whose generosity made the evening possible: Dale & Marlene Janetka, David & Julie Holperin, Health in Motion, Heck Capital, Jim & Karen Brown, Nicolet National Bank, Paul & Karen Marquardt, Ripco Credit Union, Sowinski Farms, Stifel, The Pines Event Center, and the YMCA of the Northwoods.

The Rhinelander Rotary Club is a local chapter of Rotary International, a global network of 1.2 million members across more than 45,000 clubs in over 200 countries. The club is committed to service above self, supporting initiatives that strengthen the Northwoods community and make a positive impact around the world.