The Geneva Rotary Club will recognize several community leaders and organizations later this month during its annual Service Above Self Gala.
The event is scheduled for March 21 at Ventosa Vineyards and will celebrate individuals and groups whose work has had a significant impact on the Geneva community.
The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Rotary Club’s highest honor, the Ralph Springstead Service Above Self Award, to Father Thomas Mull, pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to serving others and improving their community.
Father Mull, a native of Waterloo, has spent decades serving in the priesthood and local communities across the region. He attended St. Mary’s School and graduated from DeSales High School in 1967. He later earned a bachelor’s degree from St. John Fisher College and a Master of Divinity from St. Bernard’s Seminary. In 1986, he also received a Master of Theology in Liturgy from the University of Notre Dame.
Ordained in 1976 at St. Andrew’s Church, Mull began his ministry at St. Ambrose Church before serving at Sacred Heart Cathedral as both parochial vicar and later pastor. He also served as Director of Liturgy for the Diocese of Rochester. From 2000 to 2013, he was pastor at St. Mary’s Church and St. Bridget Church before becoming pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Geneva in 2013.
Beyond parish leadership, Mull has also been active in the broader community. He previously served on the board of trustees at Aquinas Institute and spent 15 years on the board of trustees at Thompson Health, where he chaired the organization’s ethics committee. He has also served as chaplain for the Canandaigua Police Department, Geneva Police Department, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, and Troop E of the New York State Police.
This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Father Mull’s ordination.
During the gala, the Rotary Club will also present its Organization of the Year award to the Geneva Public Library, recognizing the library’s role as a key educational and cultural resource for the community.
Several Rotary International Paul Harris Awards will also be presented. Named for Rotary founder Paul Harris, the award honors both Rotarians and non-Rotarians for outstanding community service. This year’s recipients include Rotarians Tamara Carter, Diana Perry, and Ford Weiskittel, as well as Jennifer Harris, co-founder and assistant director of the nonprofit Thrive to Survive.
The evening will also feature guest speakers Max Harris and Antoinette Infurna, who will share personal stories about overcoming challenges and perseverance.
The gala begins with cocktails at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Former Rochester television news anchor Doug Emblidge will serve as emcee. The presenting sponsor of the event is the Brenda and Dave Rickey Foundation.
Proceeds from the fundraiser support grants distributed by the Geneva Rotary Club to local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives.
Tickets and sponsorship information are available at the Rotary Club’s website.
