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Acclaimed graphics artist Patti Fallini was honored with a Paul Harris Fellowship at the Rotary Club of Santa Paula’s annual Scholarship Dinner and was congratulated by her Rotarian husband Pete Fallini (middle) and Rotarian Chris Bartleson, who surprised Patti with the presentation.
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Acclaimed graphic artist Patti Fallini
honored with Paul Harris Fellowship
June 06, 2014
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
You may not know Patti Fallini but you see her all the time... or perhaps better said, you see examples of her distinctive work donated by the acclaimed graphic artist for a variety of nonprofit events and fundraisers.
Patti’s talent and generosity were recently recognized by the Rotary Club of Santa Paula, which awarded the artist a Paul Harris Fellowship for her contributions to community.
Patti, married to Rotarian Pete Fallini, received the surprise award during the club’s annual Santa Paula High School Scholarships Award Dinner held recently at the historic Glen Tavern Inn.
Rotarian Chris Bartleson told the crowd that although the celebration was primarily to “present scholarships to deserving students,” present with their family members, “We also have a special award as well for one of our family... “
Named for the founder of Rotary, the Paul Harris Fellowship recognition is “Known around the world,” as only given to those who “Exemplify ‘Service Above Self’ “ the motto of Rotary.
When he made the announcement Bartleson said the latest Paul Harris Fellowship recipient “Has given to so many organizations,” and is widely recognized as “talented and gifted and known for wonderful graphic design... Patti Fallini!”
Once the surprised Patti made her way to the front of the room Bartleson noted her contributions of art to community nonprofits such as Santa Clara Valley Hospice-Home Support Group, Citrus Classic Balloon Festival, California Oil Museum, the Santa Paula Art Museum, Faulkner Farm Pumpkin Patch and the Rotary Club among others.
Aside from her original art and graphics, Fallini also volunteered to take the winning student artwork for each annual Rotary-sponsored Faulkner Farm Pumpkin Patch and make it suitable for posters and posters including all pertinent event information.
Said Bartleson, “Patti creates programs and invitations, posters and art... she designed tonight’s program and it’s beautiful. Our scholarship students should take them home as mementos of the evening as well as examples of fine art.”
He thanked Patti, “For what you do and what you will continue to do,” on behalf of the numerous nonprofit organizations that benefit from her fine talents.
Rotary President and Santa Paula Fire Chief Rick Araiza said “Patti is really an example of someone who is doing great things for the community all the time, and in her case they are things you can truly see,” with her graphic arts.
Patti was presented with the Paul Harris Fellowship certificate, pin and Medallion.
The fellowship recognition is the Rotary Foundation’s way of expressing appreciation for a substantial contribution to its worldwide humanitarian and educational programs.
Paul Harris Fellowship is awarded to those who have supported Rotary either as a member or non-member and embraced the ideals of world understanding.
Throughout the world the Rotary Foundation promotes peace, fights disease, provides clean water and supports education and growing local economies, among other efforts.
Harris was a Chicago lawyer who started Rotary with three business associates in 1905.
