Cranberry Sunrise Rotary past presidents, from left, David O'Brien and Jack Cohen stand with fellow Rotarians Vic Conrad and Pat Francis at the 20th anniversary dinner Saturday at Treesdale Country Club. O'Brien was honored as the recipient of this year's Paul Harris Fellow Award.

GIBSONIA — More than 70 Rotarians from around Butler County braved bad weather and gathered Saturday evening at Treesdale Country Club to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Cranberry Sunrise Rotary Club, as well as honor the club’s Rotarian of the Year and Paul Harris Fellow Award recipient.

“It was really great to bring everyone into the same room together,” said Karen Newpol, treasurer for the Sunrise Rotary and event organizer.

Sunrise Rotarian Matt Fiore was recognized as the service organization’s Rotarian of the Year.

Newpol said Fiore has been a member of Rotary for three years and was instrumental in organizing the Cranberry Cheers event, which is a beer and wine festival that raises money for the Cranberry Community Chest.

“It was a big deal, and Matt stepped up to run that,” Newpol said.

David O’Brien, former Sunrise Rotary president, was also honored as the recipient of this year’s Paul Harris Fellow Award, named in honor of the Chicago attorney who founded the nation’s first Rotary club in 1905.

O’Brien was a charter member with the Cranberry Sunrise Rotary Club and served as its first president.

“It was unexpected, but I’m certainly proud they chose me for this recognition,” he said. “It’s nice to be recognized by your peers for your service to the local Rotary club over the years.”

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation, according to the national club’s website.

Newpol said the festivities continued despite almost a table full of people who could not make the event due to the flu, including the master of ceremonies, Michael Peuler, and keynote speaker, Jerry Andree.

Cranberry Sunrise Rotarian Jack Cohen stepped into both roles at the last minute.

Cohen said he was happy to see so many of the club’s charter members make its 20th anniversary celebration.

“It was fun,” he said. “We had a great time.”

Cohen said he was honored to present the awards, especially to O’Brien.

“He’s a good man,” Cohen said. “A good soul and a great guy.”

Cohen said Rotarians have the power to change the world.

“There are 1.2 million Rotarians in the world,” Cohen said. “It’s a service organization and community is always first.”