Asheville – The Rotary Club of Asheville held its second annual People of Action Gala on March 6 at the Renaissance Hotel, honoring seven community leaders for their significant contributions across Rotary International’s Seven Areas of Focus. The event aimed to recognize contributions of community members who are seen as people of action and whose work aligns with the work done by Rotarians around the world.
Recognition of Community Contributions
Nominations for the award were taken from the community, and a selection of awardees was made based on their lifelong commitment to community service, impact of their efforts, and collaboration with other organizations.
“It was such a wonderful event to be a part of, and the way we honored the award recipients truly shone a light on the heart and spirit of Asheville,” said Rotarian Alan West. “Everyone I spoke to had such a fantastic time. The energy, the atmosphere, and the overall vibe were incredible from start to finish.”
Awardees included Dr. Oralene Simmons for her civil rights work, which aligns with peacebuilding and conflict resolution, and Lang Hornthall for environmental work to protect and restore Southern Appalachian Forests. Dr. Shannon Dowler leads public health initiatives in our community and was recognized for her work in disease prevention and treatment, and Dr. Amy Maietta was celebrated for her work in Maternal and Child Health. Marta Alcalá’s work in basic education and literacy stood out for her dedication to promoting literacy, racial justice, and educational equity. Jeffrey Kaplan is well known for helping entrepreneurs and creating opportunities for economic and community development.
The Rotary Club normally recognizes individuals, but this year also had the opportunity to thank the collaborative efforts of the city, federal and state workers, contractors, volunteers, and individuals whose combined efforts were needed to restore the water infrastructure destroyed by Helene. The club chose to award the City of Asheville Water Resource Department in the area of water sanitation and hygiene for its collective achievements in restoring potable water.
Future Initiatives and Community Support Strategies
The event not only recognized individual contributions but also aimed to raise funds for various club initiatives in the community and beyond. “One of the great things about this event is it also gave us an opportunity to show what we do in the community, and the funds that we raised go back into that work,” said Pat Snyder, Co-Chair for the Gala.
This year, the Rotary Club raised over $400,000 from 41 states to support storm relief efforts, awarded eight public school teachers as teachers of excellence, recognized first responders, awarded $72,000 in scholarships to local students, bought and filled backpacks of supplies for elementary school students, and also did a host of other local and international projects.
As the club moves into its 111th year of service, members see new opportunities to support the community as Asheville navigates its recovery. The Rotary Club’s historical presence in Asheville has allowed it to adapt to changing community needs over time. Collaborations with organizations like Black Wall Street AVL have highlighted a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment within the business community. Also, a community grants program led by the club helps other non-profits fund projects and ongoing work across Asheville and Buncombe County.
Asheville’s Rotary Club has a long-standing tradition of recognizing community leaders and fostering connections among community members. The gala served as a platform to honor those who exemplify the Rotary motto of “service above self,” while also addressing pressing community needs through fundraising efforts.