At our annual Installation banquet, Gary was named as the recipient of our John Peterson Kiwanian of the Year Award, the highest honor our club bestows each year. This award pays tribute to the service and dedication that John Peterson exemplified during his more than 50 years of service to our club and the community. Our members cast their votes for the individual they believe embodies the core values of Kiwanis and has made the most significant contributions towards advancing our organization's objectives. Thus, it is incredibly fitting that Gary Blume is the recipient of this recognition.
Gary is an exceptional member who demonstrates the same level of commitment and devotion to his community as John Peterson did. When Gary's name was announced as the winner, the applause resounded with enthusiasm and appreciation. Gary has been a member of Kiwanis for 24 years and has held various roles, including serving as president. He is highly respected by all members.
In his current role as vice president, Gary has been responsible for coordinating guest speakers for each of our weekly meetings, a task that is by no means small. Furthermore, as we now convene at the Palisades Church meeting hall, Gary oversees the planning, preparation, and service of our meals. He can always be relied upon to manage all aspects of our meeting room, doing so with an infectious smile. Additionally, Gary takes the initiative to kickstart our meetings with his enthusiastic leadership in song. His dedication to our community events and his role as the chair of our Scholarship Committee, which provides thousands of dollars annually to support our sponsored youth with their college expenses, underline his unwavering commitment to Kiwanis' mission.
This marks the third time that Gary has received this prestigious honor, and there's every indication that it won't be his last.