Paul Harris Society
The Paul Harris Society (PHS) is a new level of recognition of Rotarians and friends who contribute $1,000 or more each fiscal year to The Rotary Foundation's humanitarian, educational, and cultural programs. The Foundation Trustees adopted the Paul Harris Society as an official recognition program to be administered at the district level effective in 2006-07.
In 1999, District Governor Wayne Cusick created the first Paul Harris Society in District 5340. Today 119 districts around the world have a PHS program with a total membership of more than 2500. In District 5160, District Governor Brian Thiessen initiated our PHS in 2005-06. During its Charter Year, 59 Rotarians and others became PHS members.
Our district has a tradition of generous Foundation giving to promote world peace and understanding. We are increasingly involved in and supportive of Rotary Foundation Programs. Our Paul Harris Society was established in response to the need for more contributions to Annual and Restricted Giving.
Each PHS member receives an officially-presented recognition certificate signed by the District Governor, a distinctive gold and blue PHS recognition pin to be worn with a Rotary pin or a Paul Harris pin, an invitation for two to the annual Paul Harris Society Dinner, and recognition at selected other events or activities during the year.
While this new level of recognition will not be appropriate for every Rotarian, it is available for those who chose to give at this level each year. For more information or with questions, please contact Sheila Hurst, Paul Harris Society, District 5160 Chair, , (530) 244-2111.