Today, we recognized and celebrated Susan Van Wieren and her commitment of giving to the Rotary International Foundation. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. Rotarians have a tradition of supporting the Foundation by honoring others.
Susan made contributions that honored family members, Laura Jean Proctor, Vicki Jo Tarro, Janet Louise Chamberlain, Van Shepherd Atchison, Catherine Marie Atchison, Drew Cooper Edmonds, Gordon W. Van Wieren II, and posthumously Gordon W. Van Wieren Sr., and Scott Gerald Shepard. Finally, we also acknowledged that Susan was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow for the 5th time! Thank you to Susan for living by example and helping the Rotary Foundation. Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.
Following Susan's example, we can all make lives better in our community and around the world. Susan shared, "It has been my fervent wish to instill a sense of philanthropy in my children and grandchildren. A perfect way to do this is through the Rotary International Foundation and the awarding of Paul Harris Fellows. It has been a privilege and an honor to have my six children and two grandchildren be awarded Paul Harris fellows, plus my husband who was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Charlevoix".