"Getting to Know Us"

Chartered on August 29, 1984, the Addison Rotary Club, like all Rotary Clubs worldwide, was created to be of service to the Addison community and throughout Rotary internationally. Unlike many Rotary clubs that have existed for generations, a youthful profile of its 65 members adds a level of enthusiasm and spirit to its many service and social activities. As Rotarians, Addison members build goodwill and peace, provide humanitarian service and encourage high ethical standards while enjoying each other. While many of its projects go on independently, the men and women of the Club come together every Friday morning at 7:30 AM at Lawry's for a breakfast hour. The Club, is non-political, non-religious, and welcomes members of all cultures, races and creeds.

Operating through various committees, Addison Rotary members plan and carry out service projects that address critical issues such as children and their families with HIV-AIDS, low-income families, handicapped persons needing wheel chairs and children needing tutoring. However, not all volunteering is targeted at helping those in need. Emphasizing youth and working with tomorrow's leaders in our local high schools also has a high priority for the Club.

Many of the Club's activities are funded through the Addison Rotary Foundation, a 501c3 organization. Its funding comes from the activities and efforts of the members of the Club and their businesses. The Rotary motto is "Service above self." This club sets a standard that many clubs have followed.

1. Club Service

Rotary's 'Four Avenues of Service' start with Club Service. Janet Meyer, Director and her committee focus on strengthening the social aspect of Rotary membership. While volunteerism is important, the Addison Rotary Club also fosters relationships between members and other nearby clubs. This is evidenced at its high-energy weekly breakfast meetings with top speakers, an annual family picnic, a fall chili/football party, a year-end holiday party, meetings at member's businesses and occasional outings to sporting events.

An atmosphere of fun and fellowship, while giving back to the community assures that the Club stays important to our members. It also helps us attract new Rotarians.

2. Vocational Service

Vocational Service is that part of Rotary which is designed to give members an opportunity to represent their business or profession while serving Rotary. Ken Fults and his committee arrange regular talks and panel discussions about the members businesses. They also encourage members to set an example for their employees or participate in ethical discussions in their workplace about Rotary's 'Four Way Test.'

Beyond vocations, the Addison Rotary Club was one of the first clubs to embrace the RYLA program (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards). It provides scholarships for top high school juniors to attend a one-week leadership camp each spring. Addison Rotarians volunteer at the camp and share their expertise with the youth. This that gives them a better understanding of teamwork and what awaits them in various career paths.

In addition, a student and his or her parents are honored at the Club each month. They are given "The Addison Rotary Student of the Month" award and addresses the Club on their plans. The student is selected from one of the three high schools in the area.

The Club produces a career day for the sixth grade students at the Anne Frank Elementary School to allow the students to have one on one conversations with leaders from many walks of life. The Career Day is designed to encourage the student to be aware of many career paths and to encourage them to examine the many career choices available to them.

3. International Service

Making our world a better place in which to live is one goal of International Service. The Addison Rotary Club is deeply committed to advance international understanding, goodwill and peace.

Alison McCormack and her committee, spearheaded by Wallace Wade, under matching grant program of the Rotary International Foundation, arranged for the Club to join with the Monterey (Mexico) Industrial Rotary Club to provide thousands of dollars to educate autistic children at twenty-one schools in Monterey.

The Club has participated in several student and vocational exchanges with Rotary Clubs all over the world. Many have lived in our homes when they come to the United States for a month or more to study.

4. Community Service

As Community Service Director, Michael Haines major focus is through projects that make a difference in raising the quality of life in the Addison community. These projects range from community clean-ups, to operating an Octoberfest basketball booth to buy food, to volunteer help for community agencies such as Metro-Crest Food Bank and Anne Frank School.

The major activity of the Club, coupled with Addison Rotary Foundation is our annual Bryan's House Open Golf Tournament. This year, we raised $160,000. For the care of children and their parents infected with the HIV-AIDS virus. This was 100% of the net proceeds.

Since 1994, this Club, of approximately 60 members, has raised over a million dollars to support Bryan's House. The Library in the new Bryan's House Facility is named in honor of the Addison Rotary.