Local Rotarians honored as Paul Harris Fellows

From left: Steve Kennedy, Pat Walsh, Dawn Smith, Dennis Martin, Tom Yuzer, Melanie Rice, Debbi Manion.

Four individuals were presented as Paul Harris Fellows for their contributions to the Rotary Foundation at a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Menifee.

Those honored were Menifee Police Chief Pat Walsh, Menifee Union School District Superintendent Steve Kennedy, Dawn Smith and Dennis Martin. When Rotarians contribute in increments of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation, they become Paul Harris Fellows. The presentations were made by Tom Yuzer, Rotary Foundation Chair.

Paul Harris was the founder of the Rotary Club in Chicago in 1905 with three others. Since then, Rotary has become an international non-profit organization with more than 2.5 million members.

The mission of the Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education and the alleviation of poverty. Rotary Clubs acquire grants from the Foundation to fund their local and international projects.

In addition, Rotary International has reduced cases of polio throughout the world by 99.9 percent. Bill and Melinda Gates are major contributors to wipe out polio.

Also during the meeting, Club President Debbi Manion recognized Martin for producing the club’s monthly newsletter.

In addition, Rotary District 5330 Governor Melanie Rice signed applications to charter Interact Clubs at Ethan A. Chase Middle School and Bell Mountain Middle School. Interact Clubs are Rotary-sponsored student service clubs on elementary and middle school campuses.