Arlington Hts. Rotarian honored for 'Service above self'
Arlington Heights resident Matthew Bennett has received the distinguished Paul Harris Fellow from Rotary International and awarded the Rotarian of the Year from the Rotary Club of Arlington Heights.
Placing “Service above self” is more than a motto for Rotarians it is part of their being and the reason Bennett joined the Rotary Club of Arlington Heights in April of 2010.
Since joining the club, Matthew participated with immunization clinics in Arlington Heights, helped to plan a vocational study exchange for a group from Taiwan and coordinated the club sponsorship of a student to Brazil. In addition, he became a board member for the Rotary Club of Arlington Heights, chairing the International Services Committee.
“Receiving the respect and admiration from my fellow Rotarians is humbling,” comments Matthew Bennett. “I learned what it means to be a Rotarian, not just a Rotary Club member. A Rotary club member is a person that pays their membership dues, supports the club and the values of Rotary. A Rotarian on the other hand is a person that invests their time and puts forth the effort to make the values of Rotary a reality.”
Matthew attributes the encouragement and support he received from his Arlington Heights Rotary club members for fostering his desire to provide service above self.
Rotary's main objective is service — in the community, in the workplace, and around the globe. The 1.2 million Rotarians who make up more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in nearly every country in the world share a dedication to the ideal of Service above Self.
The Paul Harris Fellow is a tribute to Paul Percy Harris the founder Rotary International and honors individuals who meet high professional and personal standards set forth by Paul Harris. Paul Harris recognition is not limited to Rotarians.
Arlington Heights has the Rotary Club of Arlington Heights, which meets every Thursdays, 12:00 PM, Trackside Arlington Park located at 2000 West Euclid Avenue and the Arlington Heights Sunset club meets 6:00 PM the first and third Wednesdays at Eddies, 10 East Northwest Highway, with a service project on the second week.
Matthew has been employed by Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd.,located at 1520 North Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights, since 2006 and is currently a Manager.