Rotary’s Newest Paul Harris Fellow is Jay T. Elliott

On Aug. 27, 2022, Jay T.  Elliott became a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow at a ceremony held by the Rotary Club of Marlin. He received a Certificate signed by the Rotary International President and the Chairman of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation and the distinguished Paul Harris Fellow lapel pin. 

The certificate states that Jay T. Elliott has been named a Paul Harris Fellow in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations between peoples of the world.

The Paul Harris Fellow pin is worn with pride to show that the wearer has contributed substantial funds to The Rotary Foundation - an organisation that strives to bring peace to our world through the programs it implements.

As a Paul Harris Fellow, Jay T. Elliott goes above and beyond in serving our community through promoting change and understanding.

The Paul Harris Fellow program recognizes individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation.  

The honor is named for Paul Harris who founded Rotary at age 36.” (Rotary.org)

There are five reasons to become a Paul Harris Fellow, and Jay T. Elliott supports them all.

Firstly, accountability and transparency have earned The Rotary Foundation 11 straight years of four-star ratings — the highest possible — from independent evaluator Charity Navigator. Ninety-two percent of Foundation funds are spent directly on programs. No high administrative costs dilute gifts.

Secondly, Rotary partners with other organizations to increase our impact and make your donations work even harder. In giving to PolioPlus, for example, one has the satisfaction of knowing that every $1 Rotary commits to polio eradication is matched by $2 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Thanks to this partnership, all donations to end polio (up to $50 million per year) are tripled, providing critical funding toward creating a polio-free world.

When asked why donate to the Paul Harris Foundation, Jay Elliott explained, “It is a priority to help make a difference in the world, I can help here and I know I am helping in thousands other places.”

Thirdly, Rotary Clubs have a record of success because it unites leaders who have the skills and resources to tackle some of the world’s most difficult problems and deliver sustainable, long-lasting results. For decades, Rotary has been a leader in the battle against polio and has caused cases to plummet from 350,000 in 1988 to only a handful this year. Rotary members have also achieved notable results in other areas, like eradicating Guinea worm disease in Ghana.

Fourthly, Rotary International has a global reach with “1.2 million members spanning the globe, uniting people who have a common desire to serve others.” (Rotary.org) From teaching children to read in Ecuador to a microcredit program in Indonesia, Rotary members identify local problems. In Marlin every year, Rotary members support food drives and award academic scholarships. Last winter, it partnered with a local business and other non-profit groups and provided blankets, knit caps, and wool socks for elderly and poor. Rotary Club of Marlin uses Rotary’s vast network and the resources of The Rotary Foundation to take action in such as sponsoring a $5,000 vocational scholarship. 

Finally, Jay Elliott became a Paul Harris Foundation Fellow understanding its local Impact. Half of everything contributed to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund comes back to the Rotary member’s home district. At the end of every Rotary year, contributions directed to the Annual Fund-SHARE from all Rotary clubs in the district are divided between the World Fund and the District Designated Fund(DDF). Districts can use the DDF to pay for Foundation, club, and district projects that the Marlin club and others in the district choose.

Rotary is an international organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide, who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

Rotary is better described as 1.2 million neighbours, friends, and community leaders like Jay Elliott who come together to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world. 

 “The Rotary Club of Marlin recognises Jay Elliott’s outstanding commitment to the Club, the Marlin and Falls County community, and beyond. As Falls County Court Judge, there are numerous other things towards which The Honorable Judge Jay Elliott could be directing his talents. Contributing to the Rotary Foundation for its worthy causes says a lot about his priorities and character. He Imagines Rotary,” commends Marlin Club President Letitia Estep.

Photographs:

Jay T. Elliott receives Paul Harris Fellow certificate and pin from Rotary Club President Letitia Estep