ROTARY CLUB OF JONESBORO
P. O. Box 654 TEL: (870) 972-1978
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Eugene J. Wing, President
e-mail at president0405@JonesboroRotary.org
Rotary Leaders Gather to Celebrate 100th Anniversary
[Jonesboro, February 25, 2005] — Marilyn M. Hummelstein, Jonesboro, Arkansas was among more than 500 Rotary leaders from 66 countries gathered outside Los Angeles, Calif. February 18-25 to celebrate Rotary’s centennial and plan for its second century of service. "Governors-elect” representing 529 Rotary districts focused on how the world's first service organization can better meet the needs of communities around the world.
Often called "Rotary University," the eight-day training meeting highlighted innovative Rotary activities from around the globe — including poverty, literacy, health education, micro-credit, urban peace, disabilities training, disaster relief and food distribution projects. Plenary and small group leadership sessions at the International Assembly incorporated six languages to prepare governors-elect to lead Rotary's 32,000 clubs in more than 165 countries beginning July 1.
February 23 marked Rotary’s 100th birthday. After the organization began in Chicago in 1905, the ideals of community service and volunteerism quickly spread around the globe. By its 25th anniversary Rotary had more than 150,000 members in 3,349 clubs in 62 countries on six continents.
“There are few organizations that last 100 years. The fact that Rotary has reached this important milestone is a sign that there is tremendous need for Rotary service,” said Glenn E. Estess, Rotary International’s President for 2004-2005. “We must draw inspiration from past success to help us face the challenges of a second century of service.”
Today Rotary members incorporate technology, progressive membership strategies and “hands-on" projects to make their volunteer efforts more effective, while maintaining nearly a century-long commitment to excellence in community service.
In 2005 Rotary hopes to celebrate a polio-free world. Rotary has contributed more than US$500 million dollars and countless volunteer hours since 1985 to immunize more than two billion children in 122 countries.
Hummelstein said, “building the Jonesboro Rotary Centennial Park is just one of the many ways the Rotary clubs in Jonesboro celebrate Rotary’s 100th Anniversary. Attending the International Assembly has reinforced my personal commitment to help all thirty-eight Rotary clubs in our district continue their work for our local communities and our world through Rotary International and the Rotary Foundation.”
Rotary's 1.2 million members worldwide remain dedicated to volunteer community service, promoting high ethical standards in all vocations and furthering international peace. In addition to thousands of volunteer hours, each year Rotary contributes millions of dollars in humanitarian aid and relief around the globe, funds 1,000 scholars to study abroad and provides cross-cultural exchange for 7,000 young leaders.
Founded in Chicago in 1905, Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide to provide humanitarian service and help build goodwill and peace in the world. There are approximately 1.2 million Rotarians who are members of some 31,000 Rotary clubs in more than 165 countries. For more information visit www.rotary.org.
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