On July 18, 2020, District 5810 comprised of 60 clubs, conducted a virtual “Awards Night for the Rotary Year 2019-2020”. McKinney Rotary Club member CC Theophine Chamakala received the District Leadership Award.
This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated leadership in an exemplary manner, inspiring fellow Rotarians to leadership and/or action.
Mr. Chamakala received this award for taking the lead on a decision by the McKinney Rotary Club in 2012 to do one international project each year. Beginning in 2012, Mr. Chamakala has successfully led this yearly charge and this year secured a $120,000 global grant. This grant provided nine Kidney Dialysis machines and an ambulance to transport patients in need of dialysis to hospitals in Kerala, India. Individuals who fall below the poverty line will be eligible for free treatment. The two-year process to secure the grant began by Mr. Chamakala identifying an international humanitarian project. Conversations began between Mr. Chamakala and the Rotary Club of Kottayam East, India regarding the dire need for medical and funding necessary to bring medical treatment to those suffering from Kidney disease requiring dialysis. He then began making presentations to various clubs to secure funding to ensure financial stability. Rotary District 5810, ten (10) local Rotary Clubs and the host club in Kottayam East, India readily joined the McKinney Rotary Club with funding. The grant was submitted to Rotary International requesting approval and for a matching grant. Approval has been received for the project and matching grant. The McKinney Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Kottayam, are now aggressively moving forward to complete the project and begin serving the people of Kerala. Through treatment and educating individuals on how to manage kidney disease, the number of patients requiring dialysis in Kerala will begin slowing down and the number of people fighting kidney disease will decrease.
 
CC Theophine Chamakala's dedication to the Kidney Dialysis project in Kerala,India, and his persistence in obtaining the necessary project 
funding is an excellent example of Rotary's People of Action.  His Service Above Self attitude is why CC is this year’s Rotary District 
5810's Leadership award winner.  District 5810 Governor John Moser
 
 
I, on behalf of the Rotary Club of Kottayam East, would like to congratulate you on the receipt of the “District Leadership Award & Star Award” from your district. We wish that you may be bestowed with many more recognitions for the service activities you undertake and for the service of Rotary. Naveen Sunny Alex, President, RC Kottayam East
 
The McKinney Rotary Club voted CC Theophine Chamakala to be this year’s recipient of the STAR Award and was recognized during the Rotary District Awards Night.  This award is given to an individual that has demonstrated exemplary leadership and accomplishment during the Club Year 2019-2020. He continues to uphold the Rotary 4 Way Test and demonstrating Service Above Self.
 
The Rotary Club of McKinney was awarded the Rotary District 5810 Midsize Club of the Year Award and recognized at the Rotary District Awards Night. This award was given for the club’s continued journey toward excellence in service above self for the betterment of our community, state, nation, and world. The Club began a journey 3 years ago with the development of a new vision, mission, and a 3-5 Year strategic plan. In year one of implementation, it achieved the Rotary International Citation Award for the first time. The Club achieved their second RI Citation Award in year two. This past year the Club not only achieved its third RI Citation, it was recognized as the mid-size Rotary District 5810 Club of the Year. This is the first time in the 100-year history of the Club to win such an award.
 
The Rotary Club of McKinney has become recognized in the District as a Club that takes on challenging projects and forges forward until completed. The COVID-19 pandemic energized the club to engage with the McKinney community and internationally at a higher level by providing goods and financial support through the Rotary Club Foundation. The club donated thousands of dollars to deserving organizations locally and around the world. They collected food for local food pantries, are Meals on Wheels drivers, provide meals to first-line medical personnel, provide care packages for our soldiers, collected shoes, stuffed animals, hand sanitizer, paper products, and cards and much more for multiple organizations. The COVID-19 did not even deter the Rotarians from having the Christmas Rotary Parade of Lights and flag program.
The Club wishes to thank its many flag customers, parade entrants & sponsors, the 5810 District, and others who have donated time/money/services providing us with the funding and ability to really make a difference in the lives of others.
 
The Rotary Club of McKinney, being recognized as the mid-size Rotary District 5810 Club of the Year, was a great honor and tribute for all the hard word of the Club members, especially during these challenging times.
 
Mike Bell 2019-2020- Club President