Presidents of three Maui Rotary Clubs — from left, Mary Albitz, Rotary Club of Upcountry Maui; Vanessa Moreno, Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset; and Leah Harbottle, Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise — display their “Award Frisbees” at the recent 2022 Rotary District 5,000 Annual Conference.

The Rotary International 2022 District 5,000 Conference was recently held at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Ko’olina, Oahu.

At this annual conference, District Governor Sandy Matsui presented awards to clubs who were judged in several categories for final determination of Club of the Year.

Rotary International District 5,000 is comprised of 53 clubs. Clubs are divided into SMALL (17 and under members), MEDIUM (18-29 members) and LARGE (30 or more members).

The awards were presented at the event during the Academy Awards-type ceremony. Award “Frisbee” patches were presented to the first runner-up and then the first place honoree in each size division for seven categories: Membership, Foundation, Community Service, Vocational Service, Youth Service, International Service and Public Image.

Club presidents submitted information on their club’s activities in each category during the Rotary International year of July 1, 2021 to April 10, 2022. The submissions and support materials were then reviewed and rated by presidents in categories other than their own. Ratings were then submitted to the awards chair for final tabulation.

The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise received first runner-up awards in the Community Service and Public Image categories for Medium Clubs. Accepting the awards for this club was President Leah Harbottle.

The Rotary Club of Upcountry Maui received first place awards in the Community Service and Youth Service categories for Medium Clubs, as well as first runner-up awards in the International Service and Vocational Service categories. Accepting the awards for this club was President Mary Albitz.

The Rotary Club of Kihei Wailea received the first runner-up award in the International Service category for Large Clubs. Accepting the award for this club was President Dr. Allan Weiland.

The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset was named Large Club-of-the Year for earning the following first place awards in the Large Club Division: Public Image, Vocational Service and Membership. They were also named the first runner-up award winner for the Youth Service category. Accepting the awards was President Vanessa Moreno.

According to Maui Island Resource Chair Joanne Laird, “All of these recognized Maui Rotary Club members tirelessly worked to help make our Maui community and the world a better place. We relate to this quote by Muhammad Ali: ‘Service to others is the rent we pay for our room here on Earth.’ The members of these recognized clubs know the true meaning of the Rotary motto ‘Service Above Self.’ “

Ten of the 53 clubs that make up Rotary District 5,000 are located on Maui and Lanai.

Rotary is a leadership organization made up of local business, professional and civic leaders. Members meet regularly, get to know each other, form friendships and get things done in the community.

For more information about these clubs, contact Maui Island Resource Chair Laird at mamalrd01@gmail.com.