GENEVA — The Geneva Rotary Club will host its annual Service Above Self Gala March 21 at Ventosa Vineyards in Fayette, celebrating extraordinary individuals and organizations whose commitment strengthens the community.
The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the club’s highest honor, the Ralph Springstead Service Above Self Award, to Father Thomas Mull, pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Geneva. This distinguished award recognizes individuals who exemplify outstanding and selfless service to the community — giving of themselves without seeking recognition.
Father Mull, who was born and raised in Waterloo, is the second son of Russell and Elizabeth Mull and one of nine children. He graduated from St. Mary’s School in Waterloo and DeSales High School, Class of 1967. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from St. John Fisher College in 1971, followed by a Master of Divinity from St. Bernard’s Seminary in 1975. He later received a Master of Theology in Liturgy from the University of Notre Dame in 1986.
Ordained in 1976 at St. Andrew’s Church, Father Mull began his priestly ministry at St. Ambrose Church in Rochester (1976-82). He then served at Sacred Heart Cathedral as parochial vicar (1982-88) and pastor (1988 to 2000), while also serving as director of Liturgy for the Diocese of Rochester (1982-94). From 2000-13, he was pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Canandaigua and St. Bridget in Bloomfield.
In 2013, he was named pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Geneva, where he continues to serve today.
Beyond parish leadership, Father Mull has dedicated himself to community service. He served on the Board of Trustees at Aquinas Institute in Rochester and, for 15 years, was a member of the Thompson Health Board of Trustees, chairing its Ethics Committee. He also served as chaplain for the Canandaigua Police Department, the Geneva Police Department, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, and Troop E of the New York State Police.
In 2026, Father Mull celebrates the 50th anniversary of his ordination — a milestone he considers a profound blessing. He remains deeply grateful to the parishioners who have welcomed him into their communities throughout his ministry.
The Service Above Self Gala is a major fundraiser for the Rotary Club. Proceeds from the evening are returned directly to the community through grants awarded to local nonprofit organizations and initiatives.
The club also will honor the Organization of the Year, presenting the award to the Geneva Public Library. The library provides a wide array of services to residents far beyond books and magazines, serving as an essential educational, cultural and community resource.
In addition, Rotary International Paul Harris Awards will be presented. Named for Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris, the award honors Rotarians and non-Rotarians for outstanding community service. This year’s recipients include Rotarians Tamara Carter, Diana Perry, and Ford Weiskittel, as well as Jennifer Harris, co-founder and assistant director of Thrive to Survive.
Guest speakers Max Harris and Antoinette Infurna will share inspiring personal stories about overcoming challenges and persevering through adversity.
The gala will begin with cocktails at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Former Rochester television newscaster Doug Emblidge will be the emcee.
The presenting sponsor of the gala is the Brenda and Dave Rickey Foundation.
Community members are encouraged to attend and celebrate the everyday heroes who make Geneva stronger.
For ticket information and sponsorship opportunities, visit genevarotaryclub.org.
If you are interested in serving your community in a new way and are interested in becoming a Geneva Rotarian, please contact secretary@genevarotaryclub.org for more information or visit us on our website at www.genevarotaryclub.org. Geneva Rotary meets most Wednesdays at noon at Dana’s Time Out.