Marking a return to in-person events, the "Service Above Self Safari" raises $5,400 for the Utica Zoo and features several service awards.
CHECK PRESENTATION AT UTICA ZOO -- (L-R) Joe Caruso (Rotary), Darby O’Brien (Rotary), Stephen Turnbull (Rotary), Andria Heath (Utica Zoo), Tina Pavlot (Rotary), Joann Fornino (Rotary).
The Rotary Club of Utica recently hosted a "Service Above Self Safari" at the Utica Zoo pavilion, originally built with funds from The Rotary Club..
It was a huge success on several levels. The event marked the return of in-person events for the Rotary Club, with 100 people in attendance, and culminated a fundraising projected that raised $5,432 for the Utica Zoo.
A few awards also highlighted the event, including:
- the Paul Harris Fellow Award to Travis Rabbers,
- the Service Above Self/Club Award to Michelle Brandstadt,
- the Club’s ‘Quiet Giver’ Award to Devon Hoffman and Bart Gorman,
- the Service Above Self/Community Award to Patrick Johnson, a local advocate for social justice.
Three Past District Governors were in attendance -- Randy Wilson (Sauquoit), Don Reese (Utica) and Gerry Gortner (Canastota).
This event also featured a transition of the Rotary Club of Utica presidency from Israel Acosta to Stephen Turnbull.
Israel Acosta receives plaque and pin in recognition of his year as president from incoming President Stephen Turnbull.