Local volunteer honored by Rotary for service to area

The Lakes Area Rotary Club surprised Pat Wlodarczyk, the owner of Modern Floors, with a Paul Harris Fellow Award at a luncheon in her honor on Tuesday, May 17 at Bayside Sports Bar.

The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, the Walled Lake Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Hospitality House, Relay for Life, and Rebuilding Together joined the Lakes Area Rotary Club in thanking Wlodarczyk for a lifetime of service in helping others in the community.

“I was humbled — it’s quite an honor,” Wlodarczyk said.

Wlodarczyk’s involvement in the community includes eight years of volunteering in the Relay for Life, which raises money for the American Cancer Society. She chaired the event for four years.

She has also been integral in fund-raising for Hospitality House, the local food pantry and served as a board member for several years.

Wlodarczyk is also known for her activity on the DDA board.

“When Pat came on board with the DDA she was so shy, but after a few years she stood at the forefront and has been terrific for the DDA and the promotions committee,” said DDA Chairman Casey Ambrose. “She’s our ‘go-to’ gal.”

As a business owner, Wlodarczyk has given generously, donating thousands of dollars of floor coverings to the Rebuilding Together campaign.

Wlodarczyk was donned with a crown, a fur-trimmed rhinestone cap and was handed a heart-shaped scepter as more than 60 people in attendance celebrated her “Service Above Self,” the motto of the Rotary.

Rotary Club President Chris Nesbitt along with Rotary District 6380 Incoming Governor Steve presented her the Paul Harris Fellow Award, which is named for the founding father of the Rotary. The award is used to express appreciation for members who contribute to the humanitarian and education program of the Rotary Foundation, both internationally and in local communities.