2015 Service Awards Press Release

Service Awards
Rotary Club of Scottsdale Honors Local Volunteers
 
 
Rotary Club of Scottsdale members and over 115 guests filled the Lakeside Ballroom at Scottsdale's The McCormick to honor selected men and women who serve the Club and the community of Scottsdale in a manner Rotary International calls "service above self."  This year's award winners were: Jason Washo, Rotarian, recognized for leading the City of Scottsdale Clock Project - a 3-year project which included a detailed plan to involve members, solicit funds and donations, direct clock design, gain city approval, coordinate contractors, lead clock's installation at City of Scottsdale's Civic Center, and host the clock's dedication ceremony.  Jason is involved in many youth-oriented community service projects and serves on Club's board of directors.  Max Rumbaugh, Rotarian, was recognized as a dedicated City of Scottsdale ambassador, especially through his leadership and support of Scottsdale's Sister City Program, City of Scottsdale's Leadership community projects  and Rotary's Youth Exchange Program.  Max joined Rotary in 1969 and has served in Rotary leadership roles throughout the US; he serves as Club's President-Elect.  Rachel Sacco, Rotarian, was recognized for leadership and service to Scottsdale in her role of President and CEO of the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.  Rachel's vision helps bring 7.5 million visitors to Scottsdale annually and these visitors contribute $2.6 billion in economic impact, including $1.1 billion in direct spending in Scottsdale.  Rachel serves on many community boards, including National Advisory Board for the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at ASU. Jeanette Griswold, Rotarian, was recognized as a business owner and President of Scottscom Insurance Services, Inc, now merged with Crest Insurance Group, for her sharing with her employees and business associates the values of integrity and community service. Jeanette has made community service for herself and her staff a way of life by supporting many community organizations, to name a few, Miracle Network, Feed My Starving Children Program, St. Mary's Food Bank, Make-a-Wish and Phoenix Symphony.  Jeanette is a former club president and initiated its Computers for Kids Project.  Jim and Donna Piscopo, community volunteers, were recognized for founding and initially funding Bridging AZ Furniture Bank which quickly evolved into a federally recognized nonprofit.  Through their social service agency partners, Bridging AZ has impacted the lives of over 60,000 Arizonians and veterans.  Over 250,000 donated items valued over $5 million have been distributed to families in need.
 
Chair of the Service Award Dinner, Dr. Honora Norton, and Tim Baughman, Club President congratulated award winners and expressed appreciation to Mayor Jim Lane for his genuine support and participation in this annual signature Scottsdale event - the Rotary Club of Scottsdale's Service Above Self Award Dinner.  Attendees enjoyed an inviting buffet along the lakeside, and received a "baseball" update from the evening's keynote speaker - Joe Garagiola, Jr, Senior VP of standards and on-field operations for Major League Baseball.  Joe shared personal stories of his involvement in a variety of matters including on-field discipline, pace of game, stadium-related issues and people, such as, Jim Bruner, Rotarian and Club member, who was one among many who were instrumental in bringing major league baseball to Arizona.
 
For more information about Rotary Club of Scottsdale's upcoming speakers, projects, programs and meeting dates/locations - go to www.scottsdalerotary.org.  Visitors to club meetings are always welcome - call 480-945-6158.  At noon on May 18, 2015 at the McCormick Scottsdale,  the club is hosting a Guest Day - keynote speaker is Douglas Price, Special Agent in charge of FBI Phoenix Division.
 
Picture:  Joe Garagiola, Jr, keynote speaker at Rotary Club of Scottsdale's Service Above Self Award Dinner
 
Group Picture:  LR Front - Donna and Jim Piscopo, Jeanette Griswold, Rachel Sacco, Max Rumbaugh, and Jason Washo; LR Back - Tom Baughman, Club President, Dr. Honora Norton, Event Chairperson and City of Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane
 
District Supporters:  John Pennypacker - RI 5510 DG; Marilyn Minihane;  Jim (RI District 5510 AG ) and Wendy Bissonett; and Sherry Mischel, RI District 5510 DG-Elect