ROTARY CLUB OF CANTON CELEBRATES "100 YEARS OF SERVICE" AT GALA EVENT

Posted by Rick Taylor 
on Apr 14, 2015
 
 
The Rotary Club of Canton celebrated its historic “100th” anniversary milestone of the founding of the club on Saturday, April 11, 2015.  Over 200 Rotarians, partners and guests attended this event at the Historic Onesto Lofts in downtown Canton.  The Rotary Club of Canton met in this very ballroom of the Onesto Hotel every Friday for over 40 years from 1933-1973.  It was a wonderful feeling for members to be back in the venue site where so much history of the club and “Service Above Self” took place.
 
The evening began with President Tom Clevenger welcoming the Timken High School ROTC with the presentation of the Ohio State Flag along with the American Flag.  Rotarians Michelle Mullaly and Ryan Parkinson began the singing of the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.  PDG/PP Bob Pattison gave the Invocation for the evening’s meal.
 
The Chairman of the event, President Elect Paul White, introduced the speaker for the evening, Ohio Lt. Governor Mary Taylor.  The Lt. Governor spoke very highly about the work of Rotary and how honored she was to be in attendance at this very historic event.
 
President Elect Paul then introduced the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Marvin Montgomery. Marvin is a business trainer, author and motivational speaker who kept the audience entertained.  He had everyone laughing when instead of saying “Rotary” he accidentally said “Rodeo”!
 
The presentation of the 100 year Citation Award was then presented by the Congressional Aide to Congressman Bob Gibbs, Jennifer Kiko.  Mayor William Healy took to the podium to present the Proclamation to the club.  The Master of Ceremonies then recognized all past District Governors and Past Presidents who were in attendance at the evening’s event.
 
A special moment then took place when Vice President Craig Young announced the “Rotarian of the Year” Award to recipient Past District Governor/Past President Bob Pattison.  Bob was congratulated with a standing ovation by the 200+ attendees.  Bob is a 42 year member of Canton Rotary and is currently the Parliamentarian for the club.  He is a PHF+8.
 
The evening concluded with a live auction by Theresa Blocher from Kiko Auctioneers & Realtors.  Theresa was much honored to provide her services to a club that meant so much to her uncle, Richard Kiko.  Dick was a longtime Canton Rotarian who passed away in 2013, having served 19 years with the club. 
 
President Tom then closed the evening off by thanking everyone for attending this historic event.  We all look forward to the 125th anniversary of the “finest Rotary club in the world!”