More than 200 local and regional dignitaries helped kick off a 59th Cadiz Rotary Radio Auction the right way Monday morning at the Lake Barkley State Resort Park Convention Center, as the W.J. Hopson Annual Kick-off Breakfast saw special awards doled and more than $14,000 raised for the youth and seniors of Trigg County.
Named in his honor under a unanimous club decision, local lawyer, banker, farmer and philanthropist Ben Cundiff fittingly received the first-ever “Service Above Self” Award — coming with it a $5,000 Spirit of Rotary donation to Helping Hands.
Known, among many things, for his belief in local education and battles against food insecurity, Cundiff shared his message by video alongside Dr. Scott Sutherland, while his granddaughter, Alli Cundiff-Shanks, accepted the honor on his behalf.
Edge Media Group President/CEO and long-time Cadiz Rotarian Beth Mann said this honor will be selectively given over the years, and perhaps not annually, as certain lifetime characteristics must be met before garnered with this praise.
And it’s Cundiff, she said, that helped usher in a new era of foundational support to the Cadiz Rotary Club.
This year’s auction co-chairs — Rotary President-Elect Angela St. Clair and Vonda Wilson — each earned their own hardware. St. Clair was named “Rotarian of the Year,” while Wilson was tabbed by the outgoing Beth Sumner with the “President’s Award.”
Meanwhile, a spry 89 years old, Arnold Chlupsa spent the better part of three years carving this year’s wooden waterfowl for the auction, and a swan — his largest-ever creation for the fundraiser — went for $6,500.
A National Wild Turkey Federation clock, signed by Harold Knight and David Hale, of Knight & Hale fame, went for $4,500.
Two magic hats, both filled with cash, went for $1,000 to Friend of Rotary’s Toni Martinazzi.
Rotarians Keith Washer and Chappell Wilson were both named Paul Harris Fellow, as people recognized by Rotary International for contributing, or having contributions made in their name, of no less than $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation.
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