Distinguished Service Award - awarded to our own Chris Etienne

When Chris realized the award was for her!       Her husband, Dennis Lindeman with her award!
 
 
Distinguished Service Award
 
The Distinguished Service Award is an internationally competitive award granted annually to a maximum of 50 Rotarians (world-wide) who have exhibited exceptional active service to The Rotary Foundation. Financial contributions to the Foundation, however notable, are not relevant to this award. 

On July 22, 2020 the Rotary Club or Petoskey awarded PDG, Chris Etienne with the Distinguished Service Award.  PDG, Jane Millar presented Chris with this award under the pretense that both Chris and Jane would be speaking on The Rotary Foundation.  The club wanted to make sure that Chris was present at the meeting.  Due to a scheduling conflict they had to re-arrange the order of the meeting.  Jane described what the Distinguished Service Award was, and what a Rotarian needed to achieve in order to be honored with this prestigious award.  The club then recognized Chris Etienne as the recipient.
 
Here is a little history on Chris:
 
Since attending her first district conference in 1992, where is met a Group Study Exchange team, Chris was intrigued with the work of The Rotary Foundation, which resulted in her becoming a zealous advocate for TRF.  She has been actively involved in PolioPlus humanitarian trips, implementation of grants, TRF presentations and trainings, scholar and alumni advocacy, and fundraising.  What matters most to Chris is the outcome of her efforts, making the world a better place in which to live. 
 
The following is what Chris has done for our district and TRF:
 
  • Co-chairperson of District 6290 Grant Management Seminars (2-3 per year) - 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
  • District 6290 Rotary Foundation Training Seminars - 2011 and 2012
  • District 6290 Rotary Foundation Break-out sessions at District Training Assemblies - 2014 and 2015
  • One Rotary Summit Training Events:
    • District 6290 – 2015 and 2017
    • District 6380 – 2016
    • District 6630 – 2015
Giving Rotary Foundation presentations at district or regional events:
  • Great Lakes Rotary PETS: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2019
  • District 6380 District Conference Speaker: 2018
  • District 6380 Rotary Foundation Gala: 2017
  • District 6290 District Conference Speaker: 2016
  • District 5610 PETS: 2012
  • Rotary Club of East Lansing, 50th Anniversary Dinner: 2011
  • District 6290 District Conference Speaker: 2009
  • President’s Rep Assignments with TRF presentations:
    • District 6510 – 2019-20
    • District 6540 – 2018-19
    • District 6250 – 2016-17
    • District 7280 – 2015-16
    • District 7710 – 2013-14
    • District 5960 – 2012-13
    • District 5870 – 2011-12
    • District 6400 – 2010-11
    • District 1070 – 2009-10
Organizing and carrying out successful fundraising efforts at the district or multidistrict level: 
  • Chris chaired District 6290 Rotary Foundation Gala events in 2011, 2012, 2013. Keynote speakers were PRIP Ray Klinginsmith, Scholar Alice Chapman, Past Trustee Mary Beth Growney Selene, Past RRFC Neil McBeth
  • She assisted in the 2008 and 2010 Galas. Keynote speakers included PRID Tom Thorfinnson and Past Trustee Carolyn Jones.
  • During her years as District Rotary Foundation Chair, she introduced a matching program using Rotary Foundation recognition points. The contributions raised during this promotion in each year are the following:
  • 2015-16:  $39,500
  • 2014-15:  $27,500
  • 2013-14:  $39,500
  • 2012-13:  $32,000
  • 2011-12:  $32,500
  • In 2015, District 6290 won one of the top ten districts worldwide in giving on a single day (#Giving Tuesday), which resulted in a personal visit from Ray Klinginsmith, who attended District 6290’s Governor Exchange of Officers event in 2016.
Providing exceptional leadership in PolioPlus projects and activities: 
  • Chris participated in a National Immunization Day for Polio eradication in February 2004 in the State of Uttar Pradesh, India, immunizing children at several NID stations throughout Varanasi and surrounding villages.
  • She also participated in a National Immunization Day for Polio eradication in Nigeria in 2015. In doing so, she traveled throughout the areas of Kaduna state visiting schools, local markets and going door-to-door to immunize children. 
  • She has presented to clubs and districts on polio eradication, including NID participation, promoting Gates Foundation match, and purple pinkie projects.
Participating in other special projects or activities in support of The Rotary Foundation:
  • In the 2014-2015 Rotary year while Chris was the District Rotary Foundation Committee Chair, D6290 broke all past records by surpassing one million dollars in total giving. The district was recognized by Zone 29 for being
    • 1st in total contributions to PolioPlus in Zone 29
    • 1st in cash contributions to PolioPlus in Zone 29
  • Donating 20% of its total DDF to Polio Plus
  • During her tenure in the above position, District 6290 consistently surpassed its Annual Fund and PolioPlus giving goals by significantly growing the number of Paul Harris Fellows, Major Donors and Endowment donations.
  • Chris worked side-by-side with the District Grants Chairperson to organize and implement the plan to lead District 6290 to the New Grant Model in 2013.
On behalf of all the Rotarians of Rotary International District 6290, we congratulate you Chris on your achievements.  We are lucky to have you part of our district. 
 
 
Chris, I am very lucky to have you as my friend, travel partner and mentor.  Chris has introduced me to so many wonderful Rotarians from all over the world.  I am in awe every time I am in your presence.  Kathy Hegedus, CAO, District 6290