August 31, 2006

Almaden’s Elaine Luksus named Rotarian of the Year

Elaine Luksus was recently named Rotarian of the Year for 2005-2006 at a Rotary Club of San Jose Sunrise meeting by outgoing Co-Presidents Joe Pfahnl and Bob Pfahnl.

Left to right: Ed and Elaine Luksus, at a charitable dinner/auction to raise funds for Holy Spirit School in Almaden. Photo courtesy of the Luksus Family

This honor is awarded each year to the Rotarian in the club who demonstrates leadership, involvement, and support of club and community service projects during the year. Current President Dave Gonzales unveiled the perpetual award now inscribed with Elaine’s name in recognition of her significant contributions to the club.

On hand to assist in the award ceremony were Rotary District 5170 Governor Russ Hobbs and Assistant Governor Mark Franich. Governor Hobbs presented a personal history of the founder of Rotary, Paul P. Harris, who hosted the first Rotary meeting in Chicago on Feb. 23, 1905 along with three other gentlemen. The name Rotary was selected because the meeting place rotated from each member’s place of business.

The West played an important part in the development and growth of Rotary. The second club, San Francisco, was founded in 1908. Oakland was number three, followed by Seattle, Los Angeles, New York City and Boston in 1909. Rotary became international in 1911 with the charters of Dublin, London and Belfast. District 5170 has over 4,000 members in 60 clubs and encompasses Alameda, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties. Today, Rotary International has 1.2 million members in 32,000 clubs in 200 countries and geographical regions through the world. The Rotary motto is “Service Above Self.”

Rotary’s projects have global impact. PolioPlus, Rotary’s commitment to eradicate polio, began in 1988 resulting in the reduction of reported cases in all but four countries. Wheelchairs are distributed for the disabled in developing countries. Burn units in South America, fresh water in Africa, and medical care in underserved areas around the world are examples of Rotarians in action

Luksus serves as the director of stewardship and development at Holy Spirit School, which opened in Almaden in fall 2000.

“It is an honor to be a Rotarian, especially in my club,” said Luksus. “We have tremendous community projects including good works internationally.”

The club describes itself as “The Best Darn Morning Club in San Jose…Period!” The Rotary Club of San Jose Sunrise meets at 7:30 every Thursday morning at Bay 101 Club, 1801 Bering Drive in San Jose. Guests are welcome. For more information about Rotary, contact Elaine Luksus, membership chair, at 268-1866, or visit the club’s Web site at www.sanjosesunrise.org.