Over 200 Rotarians attended the One-Plus-One Anniversary Gala hosted by 14 Rotary Clubs of Division II, in District 6650, on Wednesday, November 15 at LaPizzaria in Canton, Ohio.  The unique highlight of the celebration was the presence of present trustee of The Rotary Foundation, Mary Beth Growney-Selene.
 
The Celebration, centered on the 101st year of service of The Rotary Foundation, showcasing our club’s achievements collectively and individually in our communities and those throughout the world.  Dr. Peter Apicella, District Rotary Foundation Chair, offered information about our local Foundation campaign efforts.   PDG Dr. Meena Patel highlighted unique history of Rotary's visionaries of Ohio and service of our Rotarians in District 6650, which ran parallel to that of The Rotary Foundation for all these 101 years.  The Best part of the evening was the presence of Mary Beth Growney-Selene, who addressed the Rotarians, thanked them for their service and challenged them to continue to serve.
 
The Rotary Clubs of Louisville and East Canton hosted a breakfast for military veterans and their families, gold and blue star families, on the morning of the gala.  Blue star mother Susan O'Conner shared her experience and agonies as the parent of five veterans and how equine therapy has been a lifesaver for several of her children.
 
Ken Harbaugh, a retired Navy Pilot, the founder and Past President of Team Rubicon,  a disaster relief organization utilizing the skills and talents of the military veterans, presented information on how this organization grew from 8 volunteers to 50,000, working tirelessly in USA as well as different parts of the world making a difference. 
 
Retired Army Veteran Brook Harless provided information on the services available to military veterans and their families at the SAM (Serving Area Military) Center.  Harless was recently inducted into the Veterans Hall of Fame.  Growney-Selene thanked those in attendance for their service and dedication to advocating for and assisting our service men and women.
 
Growney-Selene was also treated to a tour of the new Military Family Center and learned more about how District 6650 clubs joined forces with various the Stark County Foundations and several local charities along with the Rotary Foundation global grant to raise additional funds for the rehabilitation center benefiting military veterans, first responders, and their families.  During her stay, Growney-Selene also visited the Warther Museum with Meena and toured the Pro Football Hall of Fame with PDG Dave Ewing. 
 
 
To view pictures from this event click on this LINK