Florence Rotary Club 2022 Citizen of the Year
Written by: Adam Curry (@Adam95194630), Ignite Intern (@IgniteAtRIC), Stinger Media
The Rotary Club of Florence (@FlorenceRotary) 2022 Citizen of the Year award will be presented to Mr. and Mrs. Steve and Jen Kollar honoring all of the selflessness and dignity they have demonstrated throughout the years.
The Kollars have always gone above and beyond when it comes to helping their community. Whether it be volunteer work or opening their home to a foreign student, both Jen and Steve have made it a priority to help others. 
The Kollars have been huge supporters of the Florence based non-profit GoPantry, with Jen going as far as involving GoPantry in her workplace Toyota. As Laura Dumancic, executive director of GoPantry says, “There is an old saying, ‘If you need to get something done, ask a busy woman to do it!’ Jen is that ‘whatever-it-takes to get-it-done’ kind of volunteer for GO Pantry. Despite working full-time, commuting to Elizabethtown daily, and managing two very active kids in all their activities, she still finds time to be a consistent supporter and helper to GO Pantry.”
Throughout their childrens years of athletics and activities, Steve has always been behind a camera. It is not the fact that he takes photos of his children that makes him an exceptional citizen, but it is rather the fact that he photographs ALL of the children. His talent behind the camera results in action shots that many parents would not have access to otherwise. He takes hundreds of photos and sifts through them to send them to each individual parent.
Possibly the most selfless, caring, and wholesome thing the Kollars have accomplished over the years is housing Mardoche Havertz, a student from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mardoche was struggling with the many tasks that come with applying to NKU, but Steve took the time to go with Mardoche to meet his advisors and work through his application so he could attend the school. The following summer, Mardoche had nowhere to live. That is when the Kollars truly set themselves apart, opening their arms and their home to Mardoche. As Mardoche himself put it, “I’m grateful because they let me spend the entire summer with them, and I’ll be eternally grateful to this family because they saved my life so many times without even realizing it, and if it hadn’t been for them, my name could’ve been pronounced dead.”
Guests are always welcome to join and we would love to have new club members!
Date: Monday, September 12, 2022
Location: Hybrid – In person at Florence Nature Center, 7200 Nature Park Dr, Florence, KY 41042
Livestreamed on Rotary YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0rWdT1IYR622wWraomH5Hw
11:45 am – Lunch Buffet $12/person
12:00 pm – Meeting Begins
Greeting, Prayer, Pledge & 4-Way Test
12:15 pm – Program Begins
1:00 pm – Meeting Adjourned
https://www.florencerotary.org/coy-2022-1
Facebook Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/505794541314186
#FloRo #Rotary #ServiceAboveSelf #PeopleofAction #ImagineRotary #Volunteer #GoPantry #Dignity #Selflessness #COY
