VanNoppen to be honored at Rotary Club celebration

The celebration honoring Allen VanNoppen’s selection as Distinguished Person of the Year for 2024 by the Morganton Rotary Club will be held Thursday, May 1, at 6 p.m. at the Burke Arts Council building, 506 S. Sterling St., Morganton.

The celebration will include heavy hors d’oeuvres prepared by Chef Lara Hicks of Queens Catering. A cash bar will be available serving beer and wine.

Tickets to the event are limited and may be purchased for $30, cash or check. Tickets may be purchased at Mimosa Insurance, 207 N. Sterling St., or at Thornwell Books, 202 S. Sterling St., Morganton.

Tickets may also be purchased by calling Rotary Club Secretary Deborah Jones at 315-601-5357.

The speaker for the evening will be VanNoppen’s longtime friend and well-known community leader, Sam Avery.

Each year, the Rotary Club of Morganton collects nominations and selects one person who has contributed significantly to the betterment of the community.

“It is a special honor that transcends politics and personalities,” the club said, “and it is reserved for those individuals whose leadership and service extend far beyond the range of the average citizen, exemplifying the Rotary motto of ‘Service Above Self.’”

VanNoppen is the founder and publisher of The Paper, Burke County’s only locally-owned print and digital newspaper which was launched in February of 2023.

He is also the founder and board chairman of VanNoppen Marketing, a 23-year-old, full-service marketing agency in Morganton.

VanNoppen is a long-time member and former president of the Morganton Rotary Club who has served on the boards of many local community organizations including the Western Piedmont Community College Foundation, Burke County United Way, Burke Recovery, UNC Blue Ridge Health Care Board of Directors, Blue Ridge Health Care Foundation, and Morganton Day School.

VanNoppen is married to Jean Collett VanNoppen, and they have four children and two grandchildren.

In announcing VanNoppen’s selection earlier this spring, the Morganton Rotary Club said, “Beyond his work in media and marketing, Allen has been instrumental in supporting nonprofits, the arts, and economic development efforts. His involvement with local organizations showcases his dedication to strengthening the community. Additionally, he has invested in mentoring young professionals and fostering a spirit of collaboration, always working to bring people together for the greater good.

“Through his leadership, generosity and commitment to service” the club continued, “Allen has made a profound and lasting impact on Morganton. His passion for the community and selfless contributions make him a truly deserving recipient of the Rotary Club’s Distinguished Person of the Year Award.”