Congratulations to Tom Dawdy of the Rotary Club of Millbrae for being selected as Rotary District 5150's Rotarian of the Month for March 2023! Tom joined Rotary and the Rotary Club of Millbrae in 1980. Right from the start, he became the historian to record the events and projects offered by his Club and volunteered in many of these activities.
Tom also has a creative side and a passion for inspiring youth:
- He and fellow Rotarian Jim Erickson created the Football Luncheon that honors the local high schools' Senior Football Players and Senior Cheering Squad members. The Football Luncheon is held annually prior to the final game between Mills and Capuchino High Schools and is Tom's way to give back to the youth in the community.
- Tom also created the Kids' Carnival which just completed its 24th year at Rotary Park as another way to give back to the children of the community. Children ages 10 and under play games, win prizes, get into a firetruck, and receive gifts from the Sheriff's Department. The Carnival provides treats such as cotton candy, drinks, and a snack for each child and entertainment such as Boswick the Clown, an extraordinary showman who blows up animal balloons and delivers a half hour show full of fun and surprises.
- Tom and his wife Faye went to La Serena, Chile to improve conditions at a children's orphanage. Interact students from Mills High School accompanied the Dawdys on this mission.
When not doing something for Rotary, Tom and Faye own and operate Dawdy Photography. He holds a Masters-Photography degree from the Professional Photographers of America.
Some of Tom’s accomplishments in Millbrae include Past President of the Rotary Club of Millbrae, three times Rotarian of the Year, Board member of the Millbrae Community Television, former Chair of the Millbrae Sister Cities Commission, Historian for the Millbrae Historical Society, Millbrae Business of the Year in 2000, and Millbrae Man of the Year in 2002. Tom created Memories of Millbrae in 1998 for Millbrae’s 50th Birthday and Growing up in Millbrae in 2010.
Rotary Club of Millbrae President Deirdri Gladwin said: "Tom is a cornerstone of our Club. He is a positive and cheerful person who does what he can to help others. We at the Rotary Club of Millbrae are honored to have Tom as our valued member. Tom Dawdy is most deserving to be recognized as District 5150’s Rotarian of the Month for March 2023!"
