THE ROTARY CLUB OF RICHMOND

Since 1905, members of Rotary have been creative and

impressive in fulfilling their motto of 'Service Above Self.' Our first

club began in Chicago with only four members. Today, known

collectively as Rotary International, we are comprised of 1.2 million

members in 170 countries. Serving locally and internationally we are the largest,most diverse and successful non-governmental, non-

denominational philanthropic organization in the world.

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation recently selected Rotary

as recipients of $100 million to assist completion of the project

called PolioPlus. Since 1985 Rotarians worldwide have raised $600

million to eradicate the crippling polio virus. This effort has been so

successful in reducing the presence of polio that in April 2005 the

Wall Street Journal wrote that Rotary's effort "deserves the Nobel

Peace Prize."

Of the 32,000 Rotary Clubs which exist worldwide, the first to

form in Virginia was the Rotary Club of Richmond, chartered 1913. All

Rotary clubs are comprised of community leaders in diverse fields

such as business, the professions, education, and public service. Our

current 105 members actively subscribe to Rotary's motto of 'Service

Above Self.' We work in a wide variety of projects which

benefit people in all walks of life both locally and internationally.

Our Tuesday meetings are held each week at the beautiful

Willow Oaks Country Club. Here a featured speaker highlights a topic

in current events, regional history, the arts, or contemporary business.

The most enjoyable aspect of Rotary is developing contacts and

friendships in a spirit of service with leaders in fields completely different

than your own. It's not just a great lunch! Rotary serves its community by

providing financial support, fellowship, energy, and inspiration.