ROTARY CITIZEN AND CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS OF THE YEAR LUNCHEON

Willoughby Rotary Club honors dedicated members of our community

Willoughby, OH - The Willoughby Rotary Club will honor community residents at their annual awards luncheon on Monday, February 4, 2008. This year’s Citizen of the Year is Robert Mell of Waite Hill. Mr. Mell epitomizes the definition of a “Good Neighbor” with his friends, family and even strangers in need of assistance. Still amazingly active for his 84 years, he also serves his local community by volunteering as a math and reading tutor at Edison Elementary School, with the United Way, guest lecturing at Lakeland Community College, greeting at LakeWest Hospital and ushering at Playhouse Square.

The Rotary Club will also honor the members of the Willoughby Evening Lions Club, which has participated in local activities since 1982 – celebrating 25 years of service to our community. While the majority of their efforts lead to monetary and used eyeglass donations to doctors, clinics and many eye care programs, the club participates in other worthy community causes with many education, health, and youth programs. They are also well known for their long-time fundraisers, including their 14-year holiday auction and their 23-year pancake breakfast. This special award honors this long-time distinguished civic organization, currently under the direction of their president, John Tigue, and all of their past and present members.

The Rotary awards luncheon will be held on Monday, February 4^th at 11:30am, at Pine Ridge Country Club in Wickliffe. The luncheon is open to the public and tickets are $15. To make reservations or for more information, call Andrea at 440-946-2040.

About the Willoughby Rotary Foundation
Since 1998, the Willoughby Rotary Foundation has contributed over $150,000 to Rotary International humanitarian programs and more than 30 Ohio charitable causes. Charities include the News Herald Clothe-a-Child, The Art Holloway and Christie Montrella Scholarships, Hospice of the Western Reserve, Lake County YMCA, the Salvation Army, local church
food banks, and many more. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization.