Rotary Club of Edina President Sam Thompson recently recognized five Rotarians for outstanding service to the club and community. Robb Breding, Catherine Gump, Don Hutchison, Lindsey Smaka and Sylvester Thomas were each named “Rotarian of the Year.Breding developed a leadership series for Rotarians and guests offering career development. Gump led the annual fundraiser for the Edina Rotary Foundation, finding a unique way to raise nearly $98,000 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hutchison arranged speakers for the club’s weekly meetings while juggling the many schedule changes caused by COVID-19. Smaka led the Edina Rotary Global Scholars program, enrolling more than 60 students at Edina High School. Thomas established a new Race & Equity Committee to help the club become more diverse and inclusive.
“Oftentimes, one member in a club is singled out as our Rotarian of the Year,” Thompson said. “Yet, as our club navigated through COVID-19, five members stepped up and went above and beyond. They equally contributed to the success of our club during the pandemic.”
Breding, Gump, Hutchison, Smaka and Thomas each received a plaque and pin for their dedicated service during the 2020-2021 Rotary year, which ends June 30.