Seventy years ago, on September 15, 1954, the Rochester Rotary was chartered as the 2,998th club of Rotary International. This long-standing history is a testament to its commitment to service. Rotary International, formed in 1905, was the first service club in the world. Although not the first service club in the Rochester area, the Rochester Rotary is the largest service club in the area today. Rochester Rotarians raise about $100,000 annually by selling poinsettias during the holidays, hosting a wine tasting at Bordine’s of Rochester Hills, and hosting an annual golf outing. This money is then distributed to local, national, and international organizations that help those in need and support a scholarship program for high school seniors.
“The Club’s motto is Service Above Self, and although financial contributions are always welcome by the organizations supported by Rotary, Rochester Rotarians are also interested in lending a hand,” said Rotary President-Elect Rachel Aviles. The club, along with the Rochester Hills Lions, the Rochester Lions, and the Rochester Kiwanis, is collecting underwear, socks, and pajamas for foster kids in the Detroit metro area. Drop boxes for donated items will be available at the Rochester Hills Public Library and Eugenia’s 3rd Street Hair/Gallery, both in downtown Rochester. Donation boxes will be available from September 3 through September 30.