Our club’s 2019 version of debunking - Roast and Toast - was held at Villa Ragusa on June 25th, 2019. The evening of fun, food and conversation provided the background for recognizing the accomplishments of many Rotarians in the club, with a special focus on President Andrew’s accomplishments and contributions, and then handing the gavel forward to Marty F.
President Andrew noted the Board’s hard work during his tenure, and specifically pointed out two accomplishments this year: 1) shifting finances such that philanthropy budgets can be fixed and known each year, and 2) an evolution of the Rotary membership model for families and businesses to further expand the appeal of membership.
To recognize Andrew’s contribution, the club gave him a Bay Area sightseeing trip for four in a private plane - piloted by our own Gordon L., and Gordon handcrafted a beautiful wooden trail mix jar for Andrew as well.
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A big portion of the evening was recognizing various Rotarians for their accomplishments. Ron C. was the master of ceremonies, but he got many presenters involved. Presenters included President Andrew, Marty F., and others.
| Rotarian Recognized | Selected Contributions |
Andrea L. | Seven years of service connecting club members in need with the general membership by leading the WeCare committee. |
Nicholas W. | World service committee, Board member, vibrant club participant since 2017. |
David K. | Handled permits for Great Race, Welcome committee, membership committee, crab fest setup/tear down, debunking, BBQ and trustee of Scholarship Board |
Dave D. | Service over many years, and in many capacities: member since 1999, past president, leadership in working with rebuilding Silicon Valley |
Suzanne B-G | Immediate past president, leading crab fest, ELC participation, work on Charities Foundation, on Board, and planning committee. |
The Recognition Committee also named two club members for special awards that came with a special plaque.
| Rotarian Recognized | Selected Contributions |
Mike F. | Recognized for his outstanding leadership in veterans support work, including as an early force behind the Fisher House program, and highlighted this year with the dedication of the Veterans Memorial in Los Gatos. |
LeRoy N. | Forty year Rotarian exemplifying the four way test in all of his daily activities. A cheerleader for Rotary and our club (he got a pom pom too :-). Someone dedicated to truth, goodwill and good friendship. |
Finally, one of our members received two awards.
Mike N. was named Los Gatos Rotary Club Rotarian of the year to a standing ovation, and with his wife and sons present. Mike has been in the club for 17 years, he has been a director, on many committees and serves outside of Rotary in community activities such as Union Little League. In 2019 Mike chaired the ELC program and co-chaired the Great Race.
Separately, our Rotary Board recognized Mike N. for his consistent work on the Great Race each year - getting us to the finish line!
The evening was rounded out by an entertaining presentation by Paul K., along with an outstanding magic show by new member Erik B.