Club Awarded District and International Service Citation

Posted November 6, 2019

Betty Roberts, Past President of Rotery Club Pensacola, was awarded the 2018-19 Rotary District Governor’s Citation from Rotary Club District Governor Innes Richards and Assistant District Governor Dan Sulger, and the 2018-19 Rotary Citation with Gold Distinction from Rotary International President Barry Rassin. “These awards were accomplished by Board Members and Club members for our achievements in meeting Rotary goals and making a difference in improving lives in our communities and around the world,” said Betty.

“Some activities this past year have included: aid to Hurricane Michael destruction in Panama City, a Studer Children’s Hospital Brain Bags grant, Manna Food Bank, Rotary Leadership Awards Camp for 10th Graders, Community Non-Profit grants, Pensacola State College Rotaract, Military recognitions, participation in member leadership and development training, attendance at District and International Conferences plus supporting Rotary International number one objective the eradication of polio worldwide,” added Betty.

Current President John Trawick, noted that Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons united worldwide who support humanitarian service and said, “our goal this year is to continue to support the goals of Rotary International.”

Since Rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative nearly 30 years ago, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year to just 37 cases in 2016. To sustain this progress, and protect all children from polio, Rotary has committed to raising $50 million per year over the next three years in support of global polio eradication efforts. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match Rotary’s commitment 2:1. Without full funding and political commitment, this paralyzing disease could return to previously polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk.