2011-2012 John Dennen

                                        Indrani Dennen, Recipient John Dennen
                                        and Brunswick Club President Dave Gleason

Brunswick Coastal Rotarian John Dennen was presented with the Service Above Self Award by Rotary International President Sakuji Tanaka at the Brunswick Rotary Club’s lunchtime meeting on Monday, July 2, 2012.

Past District Governor Ann Lee Hussey nominated John for this award and gave his introduction.  John was honored for his work over the past two decades to provide humanitarian relief to the people in his native South Africa.

John grew up in South Africa, and he has said that he never gave apartheid much thought until the day he fell in love with a woman who happened to be a different color.  It was dangerous for them to be together, even to be seen walking down the street together, so they immigrated to the US and ended up in Maine.

John is a charter member of the Brunswick Coastal club, and quickly discovered that he could leverage Rotary Foundation grants to help his native country and continent.  He has been behind about 10 grants - mostly doing work in pediatric AIDS in South Africa.  At a time when AIDS is not even discussed, recognized or dealt with, John has created health centers and vocational programs, clean water and hospice care, all in his native Kwazulu Natal.  Other African concerns have not gone unnoticed, his most recent area of interest is the east African famine.

In accepting the award, John said that it really belonged to the entire Brunswick Coastal Club, which has been with him every step of the way.  John and his club have raised almost $1 million to help out in pediatric AIDS care.  Brunswick Coastal Rotarians attended in masse to cheer on their most honored fellow Rotarian.