“Service above self,” the motto of the Emporia Rotary Club and words embodied by Emporian and local philanthropist Jane Reeble.
Reeble is best known as the director and founder of the Jane and Bernard Reeble Foundation, which has contributed to community organizations and causes since its establishment in 1996. While she has stated she prefers to “be in the background” when it comes to the foundation’s work, Reeble has found herself highlighted by many who have witnessed the foundation’s great work as well as her charitable and giving nature.
This includes the Emporia Rotary Club which on Tuesday bestowed one of its greatest honors on Reeble, the Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Reeble was nominated for the award by several individuals including her close friend Shirley Antes who tells KVOE News that Reeble’s generosity and care for others has reached far beyond the borders of Emporia.
Antes says when it comes to the perfect representation of the Rotary Club motto, you don’t have to look much further than Reeble.
When asked about her reaction to the honor, Reeble said she was “speechless.”
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition was established in 1957 in honor of Rotary International Founder Paul Harris. The award is given to individuals who have made contributions or have had contributions made in their name in support of the Rotary Club.
Notable recipients have included former President Jimmy Carter, polio vaccine developer Jonas Salk, Mother Teresa and entertainer Pearl Bailey just to name a few.
