Rotary International's birthday is February 23rd. Every year on this day, Rotarians around the world celebrate the organization's founding.
Here's a bit more information about Rotary's history and why this date is significant:
Founding: Rotary was founded on February 23, 1905, in Chicago, Illinois, by Paul Harris, a lawyer, and three friends: Gustavus Loehr, a mechanical engineer; Sylvester Schiele, a coal dealer; and Hiram Shorey, a merchant.
First Meeting: The first Rotary club meeting was held that evening in Room 711 of the Unity Building in downtown Chicago.
Original Idea: Paul Harris's initial vision was to create a club where professionals from diverse backgrounds could connect, share ideas, and build lasting friendships. This simple concept evolved into a global service organization.
Evolution: While fellowship remained important, Rotary quickly expanded its focus to include community service. The organization's motto, "Service Above Self," encapsulates this core value.
Growth: From that small gathering in Chicago, Rotary has grown into a worldwide network of over 1.4 million members in more than 46,000 clubs in almost every country in the world.
Celebration: Rotary clubs around the globe celebrate the anniversary of their organization's founding in various ways. These celebrations often include special meetings, community service projects, fundraising events, and recognition of the organization's achievements.
