Residential Properties Ltd. is excited to announce that The Rotary Club of Providence has selected RPL VP of Corporate and Relocation Services Liz Messier as their Rotarian of the Year. At the organization’s recent installation of officers, Messier was also awarded the Paul Harris Award and was installed as First Vice President for the 2024-2025 term.
Residential Properties has had a long, proud association with the Providence Rotary Club. RPL Broker Associate Holly Applegate is a former President of the chapter and her husband, RPL Sales Associate Bill Applegate, is the current Vice President. Messier has worked tirelessly in support of the organization and children’s literacy in Rhode Island. Founded in 1911, the Rotary Club of Providence is a fellowship and service organization of people dedicated to the Rotary motto of: Service Above Self. It is one of over 35,000 clubs in more than 150 countries with over 1.2 million members worldwide. In an ongoing literacy partnership with Providence Public Schools, the Rotary Club will continue helping to address one of the city’s most critical issues.
To learn more about Liz, her new role at Rotary, and her tireless work for literacy, we sat down for a Q&A.
Congratulations on winning your awards! Tell us about them.
“I was honored to be installed as First Vice President and was so surprised to be presented with these two awards – both totally unexpected! The first was the Paul Harris Award, named after the founder of Rotary. It is the club’s highest award, given to a Rotarian or a member of the community who has made an outstanding contribution to the club and community.
Rotarian of the Year is an annual award designated for the one Rotarian in our club who stands out in demonstrating ‘Service Above Self.’ It is given to the person who has made the most significant contributions to the mission and operation of the club and to one or more avenues of Community or International Service. This recognition, from an organization I care so much about on top of having been named the Providence Chapter’s First Vice President, was an overwhelming surprise and honor.”
What have you and the Providence Rotary Club accomplished this past year with regard to literacy?
“In addition to many other initiatives to support the community, the Providence Rotary Club has dedicated the largest share of its philanthropy to supporting literacy education in Providence's public schools. In collaboration with school and district leaders, we have selected and purchased innovative literacy teaching tools valued at more than $150,000, funded by club members as well as generous corporations and individuals in the community.
Each year, I am very involved in our biggest fundraiser, the Legends for Literacy Gala. Our event looks to individuals and corporate sponsors to come together to support our Jane Babcock Literacy Initiative. Supporters and guests mingle with our Legends – retired, well-known sports figures, television personalities, representatives from local theaters, and more – all to support our literacy cause. Residential Properties is one of our corporate sponsors and has been for many years.”
What are you responsible for as the club’s First Vice President?
“I am responsible for assisting the President and Vice President in realizing the overall goals of our club. I will assist with the planning and delivery of club activities and provide support where needed.”
What are you looking to accomplish as Providence Rotary’s First Vice President?
“My focus this year will be to help move the needle of success with our literacy initiatives. Literacy touches so many important parts of how a society functions. It’s fundamental to how community members acquire education, secure employment, start businesses, make informed decisions about their health, participate in the democratic process … the list goes on. I’m eager to continue this important work on behalf of the Providence Rotary Club.”
Our heartfelt congratulations to Liz on her awards and new role, and to all RPL colleagues who help the Rotary Club fulfill their mission. If you’re interested in Providence’s local Rotary chapter or want to learn how you can become a member, please visit ProvidenceRotary.org.
