David Aubry is Vicksburg Rotary’s nominee as this year’s Paul Harris Fellow, an award named for Rotary’s founder and given to a member who has made a significant contribution to the organization.
“I joined Rotary to be helpful, and donating to Polio Plus and the Rotary International Foundation is a way to be helpful beyond my local community and my lifetime,” Aubry said.
He helped set up the local club’s 50-50 weekly drawing with proceeds going to the Rotary Annual Fund and dedicated time to maintaining the Vicksburg Rotary commitment to working with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to eradicate polio.
When club member Dick Coppes found himself alone and in failing health, Aubry, along with his wife Kristina and fellow Rotarian Warren Lawrence, saw to it that Dick had transportation and companionship. Most recently, Aubry is leading the club’s metal-scrap fund raiser. He is actively involved, coordinating pick-up and hauling of items to the recycling facility. “He has been extremely creative and personally very generous,” said President Mary Marshall.
Aubry is a native of Monroe, MI, and served as an educator in the Paw Paw Schools for over 35 years before retiring in 2010. David and Kristina live in Vicksburg. He has been a member of the Vicksburg Rotary Club for 10 years.
Paul Harris, a Chicago attorney, founded the Rotary Club in 1905 and served as the third president of the club. During his presidency he worked to expand Rotary beyond Chicago. His death prompted an outpouring of contributions from around the world, inspiring the Paul Harris Fellow program, established in 1957 to show appreciation and recognition for individuals who make significant donations in dollars and dedication to the Rotary Foundation at Rotary International. These ongoing contributions support the organization’s Annual Fund, Polio Plus or any other approved global grant.