During the Holiday Party a special presentation was made to Rotarian Jimmy Leon for an annual gift of $5,000 in a single Rotary year to the Rotary Foundation. The presentation of the "White (Cowboy) Hat" was made by Past District Governor Bill Palko. He gave some background on the "White Hat Society" in Rotary, which is actually not given by Rotary International but rather is given within the District. PDG Bill Bryce was the inspirational co-founder of the White Hat Society at the Zone conference in Arizona in 2004. The name and policies of the White Hats were his creation. He and Sarah were the first donors to the White Hat Society that has grown to a level of $6,300,000 in support of the Rotary Foundation. From that small beginning, it has reached Rotarians in many Districts on five continents. Bill has left a Rotary legacy and his ideas still inspire the Rotary World. Members receive a White Hat Certificate, a White Hat pin marked with a Southwestern Concho provided at no cost by
Russell-Hampton, an email subscription to the White Hat newsletter, and an invitation to the annual White Hat celebration held in major cities around the world.
Donations on behalf of the White Hat Society must be made directly through the member’s own Club, District, or Foundation account in the usual manner. No funds should ever be sent to the Society. Donations must represent new contributions to the Foundation and not ‘Points’. Once the $5,000 level has been reached in a Rotary year, simply notify The White Hat Chairman, PDG Bill Palko of District 5890.
CONGRATULATIONS, JIMMY LEON!!! He shared that he LOVES ROTARY and is honored to be a part of sharing to help others. Jimmy joined the Rotary e-Club of Houston in July, 2017. He has served our District 5890 as an Assistant Governor from 2017-2020 and shared Rotary with others as he brings in new members. He served as Area Membership Chair from 2016-2018 and was Area Membership Chair of the Year 2017-2018. Before coming to our e-Club, Jimmy served as Club President of Rotary Club of Hermann Park 2015-2016 and received the Rotary International GOLD Citation. He is a Lifetime Charter Member of International Fellowship of Rotarian Educators. He is married to Odelia who is understanding of his commitment and dedication to Rotary.