On November 15, for the first time in many years, District 2482 hosted a thematic evening dedicated to the recipients of the Paul Harris Fellow recognition.
In an atmosphere of friendship and appreciation, the event brought together Rotarians from various clubs across the country. The main organizers of the event were District Governor Margarita Bogdanova, Past District Governor Valentin Stoyanov, who this year serves as the Coordinator of the Major Donor Society, Past District Governor Mitko Minev, the Coordinator of the Paul Harris Society for this year, and District Governor-Elect Plamen Tsvetkov.
The official ceremony was opened by Galya Pencheva, President of the symbolic host, the Rotary Club Ruse Danube.
Recalling the founding of the Rotary Foundation, numerous contributions, the establishment of the Paul Harris Fellow recognition, and the ways Rotarians and their friends can support Rotary's programs, the historical contribution of District 2482 over the years was highlighted.
The Chairman of the Rotary Foundation Committee, Konstantin Stoyanov, emphasized that after recent years of fluctuations, Bulgarian Rotarians are once again returning to their previous levels of contributions. The current pace indicates that during just the first half of the Rotary year, contributions are likely to exceed those of any of the past three years.
Since July 1, 29 Bulgarian Rotarians have been newly recognized as Paul Harris Fellows. Many of them attended the ceremony and received their pins from Past District Governor Valentin Stoyanov. Additionally, District Governor Margarita Bogdanova and Past District Governor Mitko Minev presented them with a special certificate and a swallowtail insignia, a symbol of membership in the Paul Harris Society. Two Rotarians—Galya Pencheva from the Ruse Danube Rotary Club and Plamen Ilarionov from the Gabrovo Rotary Club—are among those who have expressed their commitment and willingness to support the Rotary Foundation through their regular and significant contributions.
At the end of the event, the Rotarians who are part of the Major Donor Society were also recognized. District Governor Margarita highlighted that earlier this year, Marin Dimov from the Radnevo Rotary Club reached Level 2, which means he has contributed over $25,000 to the Rotary Foundation. The attendees observed a moment of silence in honor of a late Rotarian member of the Major Donor Society, Past District Governor Lyuben Atanasov from the Haskovo- Aida Rotary Club.
The subsequent fellowship dinner was a wonderful conclusion to a revitalized event dedicated to supporting the Rotary Foundation—the cornerstone that distinguishes our organization from so many others.
