In the vast and impactful world of Rotary, few recognitions speak more powerfully to a lifetime of service and leadership than The Rotary Foundation Distinguished Service Award. Each year, this award is reserved for no more than 50 Rotarians worldwide whose exceptional dedication to The Rotary Foundation uplifts communities, empowers leaders, and leaves a lasting global legacy.
Recently, our very own Past District Governor and former Regional Rotary Foundation Chair Rich Kaye joined this extraordinary group. Rich is no stranger to Rotarians throughout District 5870 and beyond. For years, he has been a pillar of support, a relentless advocate for The Rotary Foundation, and a selfless mentor to countless leaders. He is the Rotarian we turn to for guidance, wisdom, and the kind of clarity that only comes from experience - steady encouragement when it matters most, backed by vast knowledge and perspective.
Presenting this award to Rich at a recent club meeting was more than an honor for me, it was personal. Rich is not just a remarkable Rotarian. He is my mentor, my confidant, and my dear friend. His passion for Rotary is rooted in lived experience and in the people he’s served, mentored, and empowered. He doesn’t just support Rotary’s mission; he embodies it, every day, in every interaction.
Whether he’s championing global grants, advocating for support of The Rotary Foundation, or coaching club leaders, Rich doesn’t just talk about “Service Above Self” … he lives it.
Rich is the kind of leader who builds others up, not to be remembered, but so they can carry the mission forward. In fact, the only thing Rich asked of me during my mentorship is simple and profound: “Don’t let the knowledge end with you.” Those words have shaped how many of us now lead - with generosity, humility, and a drive to multiply impact by building up others to carry the torch forward.
To be awarded the Rotary Foundation Distinguished Service Award is to be recognized as one of the world’s most impactful Rotarians. It is a statement not only of what Rich has done, but of who he is: a Rotarian whose reach spans continents and whose influence is deeply rooted in the lives he’s touched here at home.
So in sharing this special achievement with you, we don’t just celebrate Rich’s award. We celebrate the values it represents: visionary service, mentorship, enduring impact, and the powerful truth that one Rotarian - committed, inspired, and grounded in service — can indeed make a world of difference.