Rotary member recognized for 50 years of perfect attendance

GRANGER TWP. — Medina Sunrise Rotary Club member Toby Butt was recently recognized for 50 years dedicated to Rotary and his maintenance of perfect attendance throughout that time. During the first 46 years of his membership, Butt was a member of the Rotary Club of Wadsworth. He served in many leadership positions throughout the years, both within the club and on a district level. In 2020, Butt retired and moved to his newly built house in Medina with his wife, Chris. When moving to Medina, he began considering transitioning to Medina Sunrise Rotary. "It was something that I talked with my wife about for a long time before I made that decision," Butt said. "It was one of the toughest decisions I've ever had to make." Butt already knew several Medina Sunrise Rotary members through his role at the district level. He felt it was a good move to make. Werner said Butt was inducted into the Medina Sunrise Rotary on July 13, 2020. "From the beginning, he wanted to be engaged and involved," Werner said. "He has a real passion about Rotary." Butt now serves as the membership chair for the Medina Sunrise Rotary. On Tuesday, Medina Sunrise Rotary recognized Butt for his 50 years of perfect attendance. Members of the Wadsworth Rotary Club attended to congratulate him, as did his wife. Butt said he was humbled to see those who surprised him and that he never expected anything like the recognition he received, stating it was more of a personal achievement than anything else. "The people that I've met through Rotary have been the key to my life over the years," Butt said. The Medina Sunrise Rotary also recognized Butt for his contributions to the Rotary Foundation. "Individuals in our Medina Sunrise Rotary Club have a great track record of supporting the foundation," Medina Sunrise Rotary Foundation Chair Don Spickler said, stating that more than 50 percent of its members have donated this Rotary year. Butt was recognized as a major donor. "This award is presented when a Rotarian's cumulative donations to the foundation total $10,000," Spicker said. According to Spickler, only one other Medina Sunrise Rotary member has received the recognition throughout the club's 30-year existence. Contact reporter Sara Crawford at (330) 721-4063 or scrawford@medina-gazette.com.