Caldwell Rotary Takes Home Top Award

The took home the top prize, the annual “Governor’s Choice Award” for the most outstanding project in the district, in addition to several other notable awards, at this year’s Rotary 7470 District Conference. Representatives from Rotary District 7470’s 55 clubs were in attendance on May 18 and 19 at The Madison Hotel in Madison.

The distinguished “Governor’s Choice Award” trophy, presented by Rotary District Governor Jim Allison, was accepted by Caldwell Rotarian Mike Kambourakis on behalf of the Rotary Club of the Caldwells. Kambourakis, owner of in Caldwell, was also recognized as the District’s “Rotarian of the Year” for his ongoing work in bringing the basic quality-of-life necessities, including water, plumbing, electricity, food, clothing, first-aid, and school supplies, to the most remote, .

Caldwell Rotarian Bob Markman was awarded membership in The Paul Harris Society of Rotary District 7470 in appreciation of his support of The Rotary Foundation. The mission of Rotary International’s Foundation is to promote good will and understanding among peoples of the world.

The Rotary Club of the Caldwells also received the “Best International Service” award, “Best Formated Bulletin” (weekly newsletter) award, and was recognized by The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International for its financial support of Rotary’s “$200 Million Challenge” to eradicate polio worldwide. 

On the local level, the Caldwell Rotary highlighted its key Community Service projects which include:

- the design and construction of the new,

- a special $6,000 donation to the Caldwell Food Pantry Program to help the increased number of local families in need,

- the sponsorship of Caldwell College’s new Autism Center Examination Room,

- the funding to continue Caldwell L.I.V.E.’s (Lifelong Involvement for Vital Elders) for local seniors,

- the total repair and refurbishment of North Caldwell’s recreational field restroom facilities,

- the donation of a brand new cotton candy machine and cart to the Caldwell Community Center,

- furnishing a new prefabricated 300-square-foot boathouse to , a camp for children with special needs in Hackettstown, N.J., and

- the donation of new dictionaries to more than 400 students, locally and abroad (Liberia).

Rotary, founded in 1905, is an international association of more than 1.2 million business and professional leaders who make up more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Rotary’s motto is “Service Above Self”—in the community, in the workplace, and around the globe.

Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a member of the Caldwell Rotary Club should contact Rotarian Jerry Smith at JSmith@dialpestcontrol.com.

This article was contributed by the Rotary Club of the Caldwells.