Sunrise Rotary Club Celebrates 30 Years

Fifty-five people attended the Charter Night and 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Rotary Club of Lexington Sunrise on Oct. 16 at Moody Hall at Virginia Military Institute.

The club was chartered on Oct. 18, 1994. Sponsorship was by the Rotary Club of Lexington (chartered on Feb. 1, 1922), which in turn had been sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lynchburg.

Guests were greeted by Rotarian Shannon Eskam. Lining the walls of the banquet room were three display tables of club memorabilia, photos, news articles, past balloon rally T-shirts, and posters. The club banner and Rotary 4-Way Test was also displayed on easels.

A PowerPoint photo slideshow essay of Rotarians thoughout the years, events, club fundraisers, and community members ran continuously on the large screen. On each table a tent card was placed with photos on one side and an accompanying narrative. The narratives were written by the following Rotarians: David Dugan (history of club foundation), Woody Sadler (history of club), Jim Halasz (president’s message), Monty Kennedy (international services program), Clay Devening (history of Road & River Relay), Lori Sadler (membership) and Ruth Parsons (memories of the balloon rally, Paul Harris Fellows, and Sergeant of Arms Al Hockaday).

Club President Jim Halasz welcomed everyone and Rotarian Steve Sanders blessed the meal. Rotarian Chuck Newhouse led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Rotarian Peter Gruner led the group in the song “God Bless America.”

Past President Carol Wheeler delivered a devotion sharing that during the first few years of the club there were several international exchange student programs. She said there was a strong interest and presence of Rotary in Rockbridge County High School, with the involvement of a number of students. There was one young student who coordinated raising money for an international program by having students donate their pennies by placing them in a wheel barrow. Approximately, $1,400 was raised and applied to international programs.

Lexington Mayor Frank Friedman presented Halasz with a proclamation which highlighted the accomplishments of service by the club throughout the years.

Immediate Past President Woody Sadler said, “When Don Miller and I first sat down to organize the Rotary Club of Lexington Sunrise, we had no idea how successful it would become. The club exceeded all expectations. The first 25 members eventually grew to 63 and the club quickly became part of the fabric of our community. Our major event, the balloon rally, not only raised money for philanthropy, but also gave the community a spectacular event that drew thousands. The Road and River Relay, now 45 years in existence, continues to engage Rotarians, community and beyond.”

President Halasz presented Kaydance Sadler with a Paul Harris Fellow from her grandparents Lori and Woody Sadler. The Paul Harris Fellow is the highest form of recognition a Rotary Club can bestow on a Rotarian and it is presented to a Rotarian or member of the community who has made an outstanding contribution to the community.

The speaker for the evening was District 7570 Governorelect Andy Van Hook of Weyers Cave. He spoke about how he became involved in his hometown Rotary club. He started out promoting the club on social media. He has traveled internationally to many countries working on Rotary service projects.

Rotary Club of Lexington Sunrise has provided funds for projects in the community and abroad, thus living up to the ideals of Rotary Current efforts include highway trash pickup, meal delivery to shut-ins, backpacks for children, Christmas Baskets financial support, working with students at two colleges, Rockbridge County High School scholarships to attend Mountain Gateway College, and purchase of wheelchairs for distribution in Latin America and more.

Established in 2003 as a nonprofit Foundation, Treasurer David Dugan (serving for 21 years) reported, “Over the years, the Foundation has granted $227,400 to local nonprofit organizations and given college scholarships $30,700 to graduating high school students in Rockbridge County.”

The club surprised Woody Sadler with a matted photo entitled, “Gift of Mobility,” as a token of its appreciation for his outstanding service to Rotary. Woody and Lori Sadler, and Marc Hudson and other Rotarians have delivered wheelchairs to Latin American countries.

All the guests enjoyed a buffet meal catered by VMI. The evening concluded with the reciting of “The Four Way Test” led by Club President-elect Ruth Parsons.