The Rotary Club of Raleigh on May 18, 2026 presented to Smedes York, Chairman of York Properties and McDonald York Building Company, the Club’s highest award, the Wilson Hayman Vocational Service Leadership Award. The Club also named York, a former Raleigh Mayor, a Paul Harris Fellow. On behalf of York, the RCoR made donations in his honor to Transitions LifeCare and the Rotary International Foundation. Jim Dorsett, a past president of RCoR, stated that, “Smedes York more than anyone I know has used his vocation and leadership positions in service to individuals and the community, always setting an example of fairness and integrity. Smedes has led and supported with his time and resources innumerable charities, public and private schools, hospitals, museums and other organizations.” Dorsett interviewed the former mayor in a “fireside chat” format before RCoR members and guests at the Club’s award presentation.
