The Lawrence Rotary Club honored two Lawrence residents Monday with the organization's highest award for non-Rotarians.
Marilyn Dobski, co-owner of the Lawrence McDonald's franchise, and Douglas County Commissioner Bob Johnson received the club's Paul Harris Award during a luncheon at the Hereford House restaurant, 4931 W. Sixth St.
"We received some 13 nominations for this award and it took a great deal of effort to try to reduce that number to one and we were unable to do so," said Rotary member Glee Smith.
The award is given to people who have contributed to the advancement of the community and worked to promote the city of Lawrence, Smith said.
Rotary member Ann Evans, who is executive director of the Lawrence Arts Center, introduced Dobski. Evans read a list of Dobski's contributions to local groups, including her work with Lawrence public schools through the Business/Education Partnership and her work on the arts center's capital campaign to secure its new facility at 940 N.H.
A Chicago native, Dobski said her community efforts had been a joy.
"I take great pride in some of the things I have been involved in," Dobski said. "I still do whenever I drive on New Hampshire Street and see the arts center building and know that it's there. I know that they are doing such wonderful things for the people in the community and the surrounding areas."
Johnson was introduced by Rotary member Peter Curran. Johnson, who originally is from Kentucky, worked in the insurance business for more than 30 years.
"One of Bob's principal strengths is his ability to help people find common ground for the common good," Curran said.
Johnson has served on several boards, including those for the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, Bert Nash Community Health Center and St. John's School.
"I have long held the belief that the luckiest people in the world are the people who have an opportunity to make a difference," Johnson said. He said he accepted the award on behalf of the people who gave him the opportunity to "make a difference."
Bob Johnson and Marilyn Dobski are recipients of the Paul Harris non-Rotarian award honoring people who have contributed time and service to their community. Johnson and Dobski received the award Monday at the Rotary Club luncheon at the Hereford House.
No comments
Commenting is turned off for this story.