The Rotary Club of Niagara Falls and the Sunrise Club hosted a wonderful evening to celebrate and recognize this years’ Paul Harris Recipients. The winners recognized by the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls were Rotarian Dalt Lindsay, Mayor Jim Diodati and Joanne McRae. The Sunrise club awarded Diane Kon, Judy Todd, and Dan Giancola. These award winners have shown an outstanding contribution to the Community.
- Dalt Lindsay has volunteer genes built into him and joined Rotary International in 1974 - which is 50 years of service just with Rotary!
- Jim Diodati is the Mayor of Niagara Falls and has a long history of volunteering.
- Joanne McRae has been the owner and chef extraordinaire of Gabriele’s Catering for over 30 years.
- Diane Kon has been an active member of the Rotary community for years.
- Judy Todd has been a dedicated volunteer with the Dinner program at Niagara Falls community Outreach.
- Dan Giancola is a former professional football player who had a successful career from 1999 to 2009. Dan is actively involved in various philanthropic endeavors.
- Libby Bordenave
Dalt Lindsay has served in several Service Clubs in his lifetime and has received many awards, including Rotarian of the Year. Dalt has assisted with fundraising and hands-on community projects such as Out of the Cold and the Soup Kitchen. Dalt was also a member of the Rotary curling team that represented Canada 6 times in the World Championships Rotary Curling. The Club is so proud of Dalt’s Service Above Self.
For Jim Diodati, entering politics only allowed him a larger outlet to help more people, start and assist with charities and go above and beyond to promote the City. Jim has switched his State of the Union address to a fundraising BBQ that raised over $30,000 for Niagara Health and a Hospice center in Niagara Falls. Jim hands out dinners for Meals on Wheels, and is currently assisting with the Campaign for the new Niagara Falls Hospital. Jim has continued to be approachable and cares about the City and its Residents. Our Club was thrilled to award Jim with a Paul Harris Award.
Through her restaurant Joanne McRae has helped many organizations such as the local Soup Kitchen and “No One Goes Hungry” with donations of food and raw products. She has volunteered for many years, assisting several grassroot groups who often do not have stable funding, and Joanne helps connect them to funding sources while raising money simply and quietly behind the scenes. Thank you so much Joanne for all that you do!
For several years Diane Kon chaired the Community Service committee for the Sunrise Club and helped raise millions of dollars for local charities. She has also been a major influence in helping to break down the stigma of mental health. Diane continues to live her life, serving and caring for others ahead of herself.
Judy Todd continually searches for new resources and partnerships within the community to help the Soup Kitchen grow and succeed. She took the initiative last year to launch the Community Fridge pilot program, providing additional pre-packed meals to individuals who might otherwise be missed during regular service hours. Judy is admired for her unwavering positivity, which not only encourages new donors but also tackles the essential task of grant writing with diligence and efficiency. Thank you Judy for all that you do!
Dan Giancola is founder of the “Give The Boot To” foundation, which supports different causes each year including Cystinosis Disease, Parkinson’s, Mental Illness Disease, and Sick Kids. Dan has raised an impressive $150,000 in 6 years through his foundation. His commitment to charitable work extends to participating in fundraising events and visiting Hospitals with sick children during his playing years. Dan’s dedication to making a positive impact on the community is truly commendable.