Stoller exemplifies 'service above self'
Dr. Bryan Stoller considers it an honor to receive this year’s Pontiac Rotary Citizen of the Year award.
A ceremony was held in Stoller’s honor earlier this month at the Pontiac Elks.
“It’s one of those things where you go through your days and you never even expect the fact that it’s going to happen,” the optometrist with Pontiac Family Eye Care and Fairbury Vision Center said.
Stoller admits he was surprised the day representatives of the Rotary club showed up at his office to present the honor. As he entered the building that day for staff meetings, he had a hard time finding anyone until he got to the reception area.
“All of the staff was gathered and there were a few folks from the Rotary club there and it still didn’t dawn on me what was happening,” recalled Stoller.
Community outreach has been important to Stoller over the years as he was on the Livingston Family Care Center Board, a clinic which provided free medical care to those who fell between the cracks of public aid and insurance. He has worked with the OSF Diabetes Education Group, served on the Chamber board for a term and has been with Pontiac Rotary for 26 years.
“Through that organization, I made a number of contributions with the trips to other countries doing eye care,” Stoller explained.
He partnered with Rotary in places such as Zambia and Ethiopia, helping them secure grant money for projects which benefitted their people.
Stoller considers it a great thing to live in the communities we live in as there are opportunities to have a wonderful life here.
“To do things for other people without ever thinking about receiving anything in return – I think that’s what makes everything work well for all of us,” adds Stoller.
A post from Pontiac Rotary on Facebook said Stoller exemplifies the true spirit of the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.”
“His philanthropic efforts, graciousness with both his time and talents and dedication to the community make him an invaluable asset,” said the organization.
Pontiac Family Eye Care and Fairbury Vision Center provide a wide range of eye care services such as helping people see better with glasses and contact lenses to treating eye disease.
Bình luận