On February 23rd, District 5830 Rotarians gathered at the beautiful Northridge Country Club in Texarkana, TX for the 2019 District Foundation Banquet.  Approximately 120 Rotarians, spouses, and guests shared a lovely meal.  Very generous Rotarians who had attained their first Paul Harris Fellow award and additional levels were honored.  Others were honored as new Paul Harris Society participants. Trey Smith of Longview was honored for his advancing in his Major Donor level to Level II.    PDG Ted and Angela Huffhines were given a standing ovation for their generous support of the Rotary Foundation, achieving Arch Klumph Trustee’s Circle status. 
 
The following were recognized for the PHF advancements: IPDG Ted Huffhines, DGE Jim Finstrom, Carolyn Franks, Amanda Folmar, Diane Kavanaughn, AG John Hart, Bill, DG Judy Guthrie, PDG Carroll Greenwaldt. Clubs were also honored for their Polio Plus and Annual Fund (SHARE) contributions in 2018.
The highlight of the evening was the keynote address by Ann Lee Hussey from Maine.  Ann Lee shared her story as a Polio Survivor and then shared her experiences in being a global leader in the fight to eradicate Polio, having led or participated in over 30 National Immunization Days in various parts of the world.  In each of these, millions and even 10’s of millions of children are immunized within the short space of a week to 10 days.  Ann Lee’s address was truly spellbinding! 
 
Presentation of Appreciation to Ann Lee Hussey - From left to right: PDG & Foundation Chair Carroll Greenwaldt, Ann Lee Hussey, DG Judy Guthrie
We are grateful for all District Rotarians who are participating in helping to fund the global Polio eradication work; we were truly, “THIS CLOSE!”  Thanks also to all for helping us to fund humanitarian work through Rotary all over the world through Rotary Foundation contributions.
 
PDG and District Foundation Chairman Carroll Greenwaldt
 
Below are some of the highlights of the evening that were capture in pictures.   Thank you to Texarkana Sunrise Rotary Club President Steve Collier for being the photographer of the evening.   All the pictures taken at the event can be found on the District Website Photo Album. 
 
DA Shirley Pinnix Evans received the 2018-2019 District Rotarian of the Year Award Left to right: PDG Carroll Greenwaldt, DA Shirley Pinnix-Evans, DG Judy Guthrie
 
DG Judy Guthrie presented PDG Shirley Griffin the award " Devotion to Service"
 
 
DG Judy Guthrie and PDG Carroll Greenwaldt presented IPDG Ted Huffhines and PDG Lee Montgomery "Supermen Hats" for driving to Little Rock Arkansas and getting back to Texarkana at midnight to rescue our Keynote Speaker Ann Lee Hussey who was rerouted to Little Rock, Ark airport due to a flight cancellation in Shreveport La.
 
 
 
Ouida and PDG John Henson - A Big "Thank You" for Ouida Henson for the beautiful music during the dinner.
 
 
Governors Line - from Left to right: PDG Fay J. Durrant, PDG John Henson, PDG Jim Archer, PDG Shirley Griffin, PDG Carroll Greenwaldt, IPDG Ted Huffhines, DG Judy Guthrie, PDG Jo Ann Parkman, DG 6910 Cecil Campbell, PDG 6910 Pamela Stewart, PDG Dr. Phil Bandel.
 
 
 
What better way to close a Rotary Event by Rotarians signing " Let there be peace on Earth"!