Rotary International is the world’s leading service organization. Founded by Paul Harris in 1905,

Rotary has more than 1.2 million members and 35,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and has been recognized for facilitating the near annihilation of polio throughout the world. Rotary initiatives include bringing fresh water to the world’s communities and promoting literacy. St. Simons Island Rotary is proud to be among the leading clubs in Georgia, participating in national and international programs, as well as contributing to the local community.

The ObjecT Of ROTaRy –

To foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage:

• The development of fellowship as an opportunity for service • High ethical standards in business and professions• Service by each Rotarian in their personal, business, and community life• The advancement of understanding, goodwill and peace through worldwide fellowship MeMbeRship – Perhaps the greatest attribute of the St. Simons Island Rotary Club is the bond of fellowship among new and long-time members. Here on our resort island, we have an unusual opportunity to pool great talent – from young professionals to retirees. We welcome seasonal Rotarians and invite them to participate in fellowship and projects. New members take part in our Red Badge Program, which familiarizes them with Rotary. To keep the club informed, we distribute the SPRAY newsletter at our weekly luncheon meetings.

serving the club

Founded in 1950, our club has a long history of charitable giving and donations of time and

energy to the community. Notable, ongoing projects include:

flag pROgRaM, Taps aT TwilighT and VeTeRan’s walk –

Our club has always looked for projects that honor our country and its veterans. Proceeds from the sale of American flags to individuals and organizations allowed us to place the American flag at the entrance to our island and in more than 500 Glynn County classrooms, among other prominent

displays. Thousands of people each year enjoy our Memorial Day program Taps at Twilight, which features patriotic band music, a military color guard, and a keynote address by a renowned speaker. Individual brick sales along the Veteran’s Walk surrounding a grand U.S. flag in Neptune Park memorialize men and women who have served their country in the military. Proceeds from these projects help our club provide services to the community.

serving the local community

chaRiTable giVing–

scholarships – The St. Simons Island Rotary Foundation is a separate corporation established in 1961 through the efforts of charter member Edward C. Bruce. It became an endowed fund in 1965 through a generous bequest to the Foundation by the late Gil Tharp. Members are encouraged to contribute to the fund granting college scholarships

to approximately seven high school seniors each year. To date, the club has awarded more than 475 scholarships amounting to more than $700,000 to deserving students in our community.

literacy action – Reading Rockets is a club initiative that has expanded to a community-wide effort. The club supports the program financially and with volunteer hours and leadership by providing

books for libraries and schools, the creation of the Imagination Reading Room, and an active reading aloud program for preschoolers.

golf fundraisers – Each year, our club donates thousands of dollars to more than a dozen charities supporting children. These funds are generated from two major annual events – Meet the Pros and Swing for the Kids. Held in the fall around the McGladrey Classic Golf Tournament, Meet the Pros is an upscale meet-and-greet event with tournament PGA Golf Pros and includes a popular silent auction. Swing for the Kids is our golf scramble, which teams four adults and one child golfer from the Boys and Girls Club to compete for fun and fellowship.

In addition, our Rotary Club has provided computers and classroom supplies to elementary schools, gives emergency assistance and food to families through the Child in Crisis program, supports the Salvation Army’s bell-ringing fundraiser at Christmastime, and pursues research grants through the Alzheimer’s CART initiative, among other worthwhile projects.

Lt. John SmithU.S. Army

Each Tuesday, we meet for luncheon to hear a local, regional or nationally

recognized speaker on topics of interest to our members and the community.

First Tuesday, the Fall & Spring Socials, and the Christmas Luncheon bring members and guests together for fellowship, fun and entertainment.

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Service Above Self

The Rotary Club of St. Simons Island

International service opportunities are available through Rotary International

(the Paul Harris Foundation) and through our Rotary Club. We’ve helped fund a polio immunization project for children in India, and provided substantial dollars to our Rotary District for school desks, sewing machines, and tricycles for polio victims in India, as well as heating/cooking stoves desperately needed in Central America. We provide scholarships to international students to attend Georgia colleges through the Georgia Rotary Student Program and host young international business professionals visiting our country.

serving the inter-national community

The Rotary Club of St. Simons Island

P.O. Box 21887 /St. Simons Island GA /31522www. ssirotary.org

Rotary encourages business networking. Each member is classified by a business/

professional category. Our periodic “Meet the Member” talks at Tuesday meetings give members a chance to share their life and career experiences. The club presents Vocational Awards to outstanding community business leaders and local businesses. Our high school student Speech Contest sends a worthy local winner to the District level competition each year.

recognizing vocational excellence

Rotary International: World’s first service organization!Initiation fee: $50

Dues are paid quarterly and cover all lunches and funds to run the club.

Optional contributions:Rotary International Foundation – Paul Harris Sustaining Member $100/year, or as desired

St. Simons Rotary Scholarship Foundation – Sustaining Member $100/year, or as desired

Georgia Rotary Student Program

Membership form at www.ssirotary.org

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Join us in service to the community

Group study exchange

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