WHY WAS ROTARY STARTED?
February 25, 1905, Paul P. Harris, a young Chicago attorney, asked three friends to meet with him. The intention of that meeting was to stimulate fellowship among members of the business community.The result was the advent of Rotary International, the nation's first professional service organization. Subsequent meetings were rotated among each member's place of business, resulting in the name Rotary.
WHAT IS ROTARY?
Rotary is a professional service organization of individuals who encompass business, the professions, human service, education, government, and other vocations. Rotarians pledge to uphold the highest professional and ethical standards.Connected internationally, Rotarians provide humanitarian service, encourage ethical standards in all occupations, help build goodwill, and promote shared comradeship. Rotarians understand they have a responsibility to help others and follow principles that have served as the moral compass for people throughout time.
WHERE IS ROTARY LOCATED?
Currently there are 1.2 million Rotarians in over 30,000 clubs in more than160 countries. Every club welcomes and encourages you to attend any meeting. As a visiting Rotarian, club members will greet you on a first-name basis and welcome you to join the shared comradeship. For more information about Rotary International, visit www.rotary.org.
WHEN DID THE ROTARY CLUB OF ALEXANDRIA BAY NY BEGIN?
The Rotary Club of Alexandria Bay was founded in 1938 and is very proud of its heritage of supporting the Bay community. Today's members follow this rich tradition by supporting:
- Local community projects like the River Hospital and Macsherry Library
- School activities: Backpack program, scholarships and dugouts
- Supplying many Christmas baskets annually for the needy
- Supplying international programs like Shelter Box
- Conducting at least 2 international exchange programs annually
- Sponsoring an annual Senior Citizen boat ride and luncheon
- Sponsoring Club and home of the 2012 Ambassadorial Scholar