The Rotary International Service Above Self Award is the most honored and respected award that Rotary International awards each year. There are 534 Rotary Districts in the world and only up to 150 are awarded in any given year. This year, only 151 Districts submitted nominations and only 80 were awarded this year.
Dave Baumgartner of the Rotary Club of Knoxville received the award this year. He was nominated by District Governor, Susie Cantrell, in recognition of his efforts the last several years to raise funds to help eradicate polio. He definitely was surprised to hear his name called out by Past RI President, John Germ, who presented the award to Dave, along with District Governor, Susie Cantrell, at his club’s weekly meeting on May 28th.
This is well-deserved recognition for Dave and Margo Hughes, his point person for the effort called the Purple Pinkie fundraiser. The effort started with jars at each of his Dunkin’ Donuts stores and raised a few hundred dollars to last year’s effort when 150 stores participated in six states and raised $1.5 million. So far, the Purple Pinkie campaign has raised over $6 million dollars. And this year, the numbers will reach $2 million dollars.
Congratulations, Dave. You earned it. You exemplify Service Above Self. Thank you.