Posted on May 20, 2024
Felix LaBella and Michelle McCarrick Truett will be honored at Utica Rotary's 3rd annual "Service Above Self" Gala on June 7 at the Stanley Theatre.
 
 
The Rotary Club of Utica is pleased to announce that Felix LaBella and Michelle McCarrick Truett are the recipients of the 2024 ‘Service Above Self’ Awards. LaBella and Truett will be recognized at the Club’s Third Annual ‘Service Above Self’ Gala, presented by the SBS Marketing Group, on June 7 at the Stanley Theatre.
 
LaBella, a land surveyor by day, has dedicated countless hours to helping the area’s homeless population through his involvement with the Rescue Mission and Cornerstone Community Church, collecting and coordinating donations of food and clothing to help those most vulnerable.
 
Truett, owner of 484 Design, is involved in several causes including bringing music, culture and the arts to the community through the Levitt AMP Music Series; inspiring local youth as an instructor at the Mohawk Valley Community College’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy; and starting the Run Against Racism, a 5K promoting unity.
 
“Our Service Above Self Award winners embody the spirit of Rotary community service, and inspireus to become better versions of ourselves,” said Joe Caruso, awards committee chair.
 
“Felix and Michelle are rockstars that set a positive example for all of us to follow,” said Stephen Turnbull,chair of the Gala committee. “We can’t wait to celebrate them and all the good they’ve done in our community on the Stanley stage at this year’s Gala.”
 
The ‘Service Above Self’ Award recognizes individuals for their tremendous service to the community. Past winners of this award are the late Patrick Johnson (2021), Sister Elizabeth Greim (2022), and James Hamer (2023).
 
This year’s Gala benefits the ‘Arts for Many Hearts’ program at the Resource for Independent Living (RCIL) . The black-tie event, held at the majestic Stanley Theatre in Downtown Utica, begins with red carpet treatment as guests arrive, followed by a cocktail hour, live music by Soul Injection, and a seated dinner on The Stanley’s stage. Tickets are $150 per person, and going fast! Make sure to get yours before the May 24 ticket deadline.
 
For more info about the Gala, visit https://uticarotary.org/page/service-above-self-gala-1.