Rotary on the Ridge Named 2019-2020 Club of the Year

Rotary on the Ridge was honored Sept. 22 as the 2019-2020 Club of the Year in Rotary District 6890, which includes 37 clubs in four counties.

District Governor Kip Kipnis announced the selection during an awards ceremony online event attended by more than 100 Rotary district leaders from Polk, Highlands, Hardee and Hillsborough counties.

2019-2020 Rotary on the Ridge President Herb Gillis accepted the award remotely, joined by his wife, Megan, who served as club president in 2018-2019.

"Knowing how exceptional our District is, I am truly humbled," Herb Gillis said. "Without a doubt, I was fortunate to have exceptional members in Rotary on the Ridge and the greatest District leadership possible.

"Words cannot describe how amazing this honor is for our club, especially since we are not even four years old."

Kipnis and Assistant Governor Linda Johnson plan to visit the club in the near future to personally present the large, silver trophy cup, which the club will display for the next year.

Rotary on the Ridge is a regional after hours service club, chartered by Rotary International in December 2016. The club meets on Mondays from 5-6 p.m. at the Ouellette Law Firm in downtown Lake Wales, but its 36 members come from throughout East Polk County.

Kipnis noted that Rotary on the Ridge is one of the most fun clubs in the district, but also demonstrates a strong commitment to community service, even during this year's pandemic.

He gave special accolades for Herb Gillis's leadership of a project involving Rotary clubs throughout Polk County to renovate and furnish a Scholarship House in Winter Haven for homeless Polk State College students. Rotary on the Ridge also was recognized for its Josh the Otter Water Safety Initiative to help drown-proof local children, for its coordination of Toys for Tots collection in the area and for members volunteering in support of numerous other clubs and community organizations. The club also sponsored two candidate forums this year and two artists' breakfasts during the Lake Wales Arts Festival.

Rotary on the Ridge priorities include business networking, fellowship and community service. The club is looking to expand its membership, and welcomes visitors. For more information, email [email protected] or check out the club's social media presence at https://www.facebook.com/RotaryontheRidge.