Libertyville Sunrise Rotary installs new president

Libertyville Sunrise Rotary held its 35th annual installation dinner June 30 at the home of outgoing President Tom Zengeler.

The club's traditional "changing-of-the-guard" was once again presented with the usual amount of good friendship and humor, signaling a return to more normal times after the 2020 event was held virtually due to the pandemic.

Zengeler closed out his term with remarks about LSR's successful fundraising efforts and continued commitment to service, while encouraging all club members to remain involved and continuing to make an impact in the community.

Zengeler noted that he was particularly proud that LSR earned the Governor's Challenge Award during his term. The challenge, created by District 6440 Governor Lyle Staab, had goals specifically designed to help clubs navigate the perils of the pandemic.

Of all the goals in the challenge, Zengeler said he was especially proud that the club was able to retain more than 95% of its membership during the past year, and continued its historic support and assistance for other organizations in the local community.

"Libertyville Sunrise Rotary achieved these goals because of the contributions of our remarkable members," Zengeler said.

"Our team of amazing volunteers consistently delivered when we needed them, especially with our spring fundraiser, the 'Remarkable People Variety Show.' This idea sounded so challenging when presented - hosting a dinner party with a live and silent auction - yet, our team was able to execute it so well that it has become a model for use by Rotary clubs everywhere."

The funds will be used by LSR's Foundation, which supports other local not-for-profit organizations, most notably Mothers Trust Foundation of Lake Forest, who received more than $34,000 from the "Remarkable People Variety Show."

The club's fall fundraiser, a virtual wine tasting event created by Jon Robb, the club's public relations coordinator, was also highly successful. The event raised more than $27,000, with total expenses under $200. Robb personally covered those expenses as a donation to the club.

For his role in the fundraiser, along with his ongoing contributions as the club's PR coordinator, Robb was named Libertyville Sunrise Rotary Rotarian of the Year.

Zengeler concluded his remarks by thanking a number of members who were key to the club's success, citing both John McDonald and Diana Taylor for their roles in coordinating Zoom meetings during the height of the pandemic.

During his remarks as new president, Schoeneman thanked Zengeler for his leadership and vision during the challenges of the past year.

"Keeping the club together, vibrant and active was not easy, but the effort resulted in the ability to strongly support those in need. The new Rotary year will have its own challenges as we work together to grow our membership, develop strategies to continue to provide needed funding for local charities, and have a positive impact internationally," Schoeneman said.

In addition to Rich Schoeneman, other Libertyville Sunrise Rotary board members for the coming year include: Immediate Past President Tom Zengeler; Secretary Bob Zamor; Treasurer Tom Miller; Foundation Treasurer Steve Risley and Patricia Bleck, Social Media/Website/ Communications; Rick Mittelman, Club Service/Fellowship; Greg Hill, Community Service; John McDonald, International Service/Programs; Scott Hezner, Vocational Service; Bill Taranowski and Tom Gore, New Generations; Doug Fendon, Membership; Diana Taylor, Club Administration and Liaison to Lake County Service Partners; Grants Chair B. Tucker Olsen; Sergeants-at- Arms Ron Lapins and Tom Stanczyk; Bulletin Editor Patrick Hart; and Member At Large Tim Dempsey.

Since its inception in 1987, the Libertyville Sunrise Rotary has donated millions of dollars to both local and international charities, including literacy and scholarship programs; programs to combat hunger, homelessness and domestic violence; the eradication of polio; local food banks; charities and scholarships.

The club's members are always accepting interested new members and welcome anyone wishing to find out more to attend one of the club's weekly meetings.

For more information about Rotary International, visit www.rotary.org.

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