The world’s first service club, the Rotary Club of Chicago, was formed on February 23, 1905 by Paul P. Harris, an attorney who wished to recapture in a professional club the same friendly spirit he had felt in the small towns of his youth. The name "Rotary” derived from the early practice of rotating meeting among members’ offices.
Rotary’s Popularity spread throughout the United States in the decade that followed; clubs were chartered from San Francisco to New York. In 1918, the Rotary Club of West Palm Beach was formed. By 1921, Rotary clubs were meeting on six continents and the organization adopted the name Rotary International a year later.
As Rotary grew, its mission expanded beyond serving the professional and social interests of club members. Rotarians began pooling their resources and contributing their talents to help serve communities in need. The organization’s dedication to this ideal is best expressed in its principal motto: Service Above Self.
Today, 1.2 million Rotarians belong to some 30,000 clubs in more than 160 countries. More than 100,000 women have joined ranks and about 2,000 serve as club president.
WHY JOIN ROTARY?
There are many benefits to membership in Rotary -- both personal and professional. Some of our club members have been Rotarians for more than 50 years. Here are a few reasons they keep coming back:
Fellowship -- Being a Rotarian allows you to network with the kind of people you want in your business and personal lives. Our members are highly successful professionals who live by Rotary’s unique code of ethics, called the 4 Way Test.
Distinguished Speakers -- At our Tuesday luncheon meetings, we hear thought provoking remarks from leaders of local and national organizations.
International Ties -- Rotarians from around the world regularly visit our club, and your Rotarian pin will guarantee you a warm welcome at Rotary club meetings on six continents.
Joining Rotary is a commitment -- to both our club and your community. As a member, you are expected to become involved and pitch in. We would like you to attend as many lunch meetings as possible; but, with today’s hectic schedules, we understand this is not always possible. We want active members who want to make a difference.
Making a difference
Rotary is at work – both in our community and around the globe. As a member of the Rotary Club of West Palm Beach, your fundraising efforts and donations help to improve the lives of millions.
The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International was created in 1917 "to do good in the world.” An initial contribution of $26.50 has grown to annual gifts of more than $73 million.
One of the Foundation’s major humanitarian programs is PolioPlus, which seeks to eradicate the polio virus worldwide. Through its educational programs, the Foundation provides funding for thousands of students to study abroad each year. Grants are also awarded to university teachers to teach in developing countries, and for exchanges of business and professional people.
The Rotary Club of West Palm Beach Charity Fund supports community organizations and local elementary schools; provides scholarships to graduating area high school students, distributes food baskets and toys to more than 100 needy families during the holiday season; and more.
Be Our Guest!
The Rotary Club of West Palm Beach meets for lunch on Tuesday at 12 noon at the Cohen Pavilion in the Kravis Center West Palm Beach. Please join us for a meeting.
