WELCOME TO THE ROTARY CLUB OF East El Paso!
Jeanine Peterson, President 2014-2015
HISTORY OF ROTARY
Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and helps build goodwill and peace in the world. Over 1.2 million Rotarians belong to approximately 34,000 clubs located in 167 countries.
Rotary was formed on February 23, 1905 in Chicago. Founder Paul Harris and the original members rotated the meeting site from one member’s business to another, leading to the name “Rotary.” Clubs formed rapidly throughout the United States over the next decade. By 1921, Rotary Clubs were established on six continents.
Rotary meetings provide an avenue of networking and fellowship among business and professional leaders in our local community. It also provides an opportunity to respond to the needs of other people on both international and local levels.
WHAT WE DO – INTERNATIONALLY
Through our network of clubs, major international projects have taken place. In 1985, Rotary made a historic commitment to immunize all of the world’s children against Polio. Since that time Rotarians have contributed over $850 million and mobilized hundreds of thousands of PolioPlus volunteers to immunize more than one billion children worldwide. This effort has been so effective, that during 2008-09 the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation donated $355 million, in a matching grant, to help Rotary eradicate polio. Many other projects undertaken have focused on clean water, hunger, and literacy.
Another major international program is Rotary Youth Exchange which started in 1929. Each year Rotary sends over 8,000 men and women from over 80 countries to study abroad. These connections with other clubs and projects outside of our area help foster understanding and goodwill.
MEETING LOCAL NEEDS
The Rotary Club of East El Paso has also responded to many local needs. After all, this is where we live. Of special interest to us are projects involving youth. Many projects have benefitted both Boy and Girl Scouts, Miracle League and various other local youth groups. In prior years, the Irving Schwartz Library received remodeling assistance and donations that were made possible by donations from our members. We also help sponsor a Literacy program in Fabens, Texas. Students are provided good nutrition during the weekday through the school lunch programs, but would spend a hungry weekend at home were it not for Rotary helping to support the local food bank.
To learn more about the Rotary Club of East El Paso, please visit other areas of the website, contact one of our members or myself, or email eastelpasorotary@yahoo.com I would also ask you to take a moment to review the website of our International affiliate. www.rotary.org
Yours in Rotary,
Jeanine Peterson
