Oak Bay Rotary hosts its first Paul Harris Awards Dinner - October 2, 2014

Reported by John Jordan and Perry Bamji, with photos by Tricia Timmermans

Paul Harris Award recipients: Maria Consalvo, Paul Destrooper, & Helen Hughes

For the Rotarians and non-Rotarian guests who attended the Paul Harris Awards Dinner, it was an inspiring experience. One could feel the power for good that thrives in remarkable independent efforts throughout our community and which came together last Thursday evening, October 2nd, in the David Foster Foundation Theatre at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, under the banner of Rotary. All three award recipients – even while being lauded for visionary service – spoke humbly of how honored they felt to be recognized by Rotary, a model of committed service worldwide.

Each recipient was cited for applying their unique skills to the belief that each person in the world is worthy of the investment of respect and resource to realize their potential.  Maria Consalvo who was nominated by Dr. John Snively and Tricia Timmermans and presented to the audience by Tricia Timmermans, provides 5-6 weeks every year to project management and dental hygiene to the Mayan people of Lake Attitlan, Guatemala. Paul Destrooper, Director of Ballet Victoria was nominated and presented by Lori McLeod. She described Paul as one who engages youth and remote communities in the healing and liberating power of dance. Helen Hughes was nominated and presented by George Pritchard. After many years of activism and serving on Victoria City Council, Helen continues to guide Victoria toward compassionate and nurturing outreach to the marginalized. The Oak Bay News featured the three recipients in this article.

Rotary District 5020 Governor, Michael Procter, presented the awardees with a Paul Harris Medal, a Paul Harris pin, and a citation. He was assisted by President Jim Force and Foundations Director Neil Rawnsley.  Perry Bamji was the evening’s Master of Ceremonies.

Among the 90 attendees present at the event were the Past District Governors, Ross White, David Stocks with their wives, and Judy Byron. Also present were the Mayor of Oak Bay, Nils Jensen, and owners of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Kevin and Shawna Walker.

President Jim thanked the evening sponsors - the Oak Bay Beach Hotel for sponsoring dinner tickets for each awardee and a guest, for the printing of the tickets and the souvenir program, and for providing the service of their reservation system for booking of tickets. David Maxwell donated the dinner wines.

The evening’s focus on inspiring examples of service was animated by the sparkling wines, lovely music, and happy conversations between friends, new and old.  The beautiful venue and sense of belonging at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel proved a marvelous platform to highlight the ideals of Rotary: service and fellowship.  It seemed that all who were present would acknowledge that Oak Bay Rotary fulfills the Rotary ideal.  

Below are a few photos from the evening. Steve Sharlow will be posting more photos to Oak Bay Rotary's Facebook page. Click photo to enlarge. Right-click, Save Image As ... to save to your computer or for printing. Enjoy!