Visiting Rotarian Tom Weatherton spoke eloquently of the need for continued financial support of Hurricane Floyd flood victims in eastern North Carolina. Our help is still seriously needed; contributions may be forwarded to Claire Erb at the Rotary office: 801 Baxter St., Ste. 405, Charlotte, NC 28202.

Graeme Keith, (longtime YMCA supporter and family friend to the Harry Brace family), was on hand to accept the 1999 Excellence In Management Award on behalf of the family of the late Harry Brace, this year's hands-down winner. Tom Meckley (Ernst & Young) and Andy Calhoun (acting president of the YMCA) listen as our membership is reminded of the many, many contributions to this community were made by the late Harry Brace --- fellow Rotarian, YMCA president, and good friend to so many.

Jeannie Faulkner (The Business Journal), Leroy Robinson and Byron Bullard (who offered our touching invocation) were at the head table on this special day naming the late Harry Brace as our 1999 Excellence in Management Award in recognition of his 16-year leadership of our YMCA program.

Gorge Shinhoster, director of PR for our central YMCA, spoke of "The Chief 's" (Harry's) vision, wisdom, character and integrity. He said that in his own humble way and through his concern for people, Harry gave them hope and courage.

Graeme Keith told us that during this very week, the YMCA s 125 years old.  Thanks to people of excellence like Harry Brace.  Graeme talked about Harry's love for his fellow man, and how well Harry managed to give total credit for to others for all the good things the YMCA  has done in this community.

Jean Brace and her family were on hand to see the tributes paid to her beloved, late husband.

Don Steger, (Reeder Memorial Baptist Church,) Tom Burgess (a 28-year Rotarian and very active member of Charlotte Rotary) and Fred Lowrance (Parker, Poe, Adams & Bernstein) represent the finest of what Charlotte Rotary is all about from professional, personal and civic-minded aspects.

Byron Bullard and Rex Welton combine for 58 years of "service above self" and we're fortunate to have both men active in our club.

Ronnie Pruett (immediate past president of Charlotte Rotary) (Ronnie A. Pruett, Attorney At Law) chats with Graeme Keith about Harry Brace's development of our YMCA --- doubling its membership, increasing its budget from $5 million to $40 million, and bringing recognition to Charlotte's expertly-run YMCA nationally and internationally.

Hal Bouton (WTVI) and

Jean Brace and Jeannie Faulknor smile in pride after hearing about all the accolades given to Harry in tribute to his outstanding YMCA, church and community leadership.

Mark Norman (Central YMCA) talks business with Carroll Gray (Charlotte Chamber of Commerce prez) who was on hand for the salute to Harry Brace.

Graeme Keith and Jimmy Justus take a moment to share warm and wonderful Harry Brace stories.

Bob Freedman (BellSouth) enjoyed the company of Rusty Brink (Presbyterian Hospital Foundation) and his terrific daughter Karen Brink.

Ronnie Pruett (Ronnie A. Pruett, Attorney At Law), Tom Weatherton, Ray Killian, Sr. and George Robinette (Charlotte Douglas International Airport and soon-to-be Retiree) listen intently as Roger Sawor (WFAE) gives us our weekly news update.

Marilynn Bowler (Charlotte Hornets) and Fred Parker (incoming Charlotte Rotary member and owner of Bluegrass Promotions) listen intently to President Worth's encouraging message to our membership to bring in new or gently worn winter coats, blankets or sheets for Crisis Assistance Ministries.   We'll be collecting those badly  needed items through November or - for a larger load - please call Claire Erb at the Rotary office.

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