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The New Look of Lee County
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4-24-12 Rotary Club 90th Birthday 4-24-12 Rotary Club 90th Birthday
One of the oldest Rotary clubs in America, the Lakeland Rotary club wished to expand the “Service Above Self “mission of Rotary to more parts of Florida, particularly Southwest Florida; and Whereas: The Lakeland club itself was chartered only a few years after the first ever Rotary Club in Chicago, Illinois had been founded on February 23, 1905, through the efforts of Paul Harris; and Whereas: Being sponsored by the Lakeland Club, The Rotary Club of Fort Myers was founded on April 1, 1922, as part of the rapidly growing organization of service clubs, with Mr. Ora E. Chapin serving as Charter President; and
Whereas: The Rotary Club of Fort Myers is the Largest Rotary Club and Service Club in Southwest Florida; and Whereas: The Rotary Club of Fort Myers, through sponsorship of new clubs in the area, has become the father and grandfather of 30 additional clubs, thus providing enormous additional service to an even much larger region; and Whereas: Over two thousand men and women from Lee County have been members of the club, and through that membership provided extensive unselfish and unpaid service to the community; and
Whereas: Though formed as an organization for men only, in 1993 Ruth Messmer became the first female member of the club through the sponsorship of then club President Franklin Mann, thus doubling the opportunity for both membership and community service; and Whereas: Following shortly after the induction of its first female member, Gay Rebel Thompson became the first female President of the Club, providing exemplary leadership; and Whereas: Over 2 million dollars have been raised and spent on worthwhile projects by the Rotary Club of Fort Myers, for the entire community, and uncountable thousands of hours of volunteer labor has been expended by club members for the betterment of the community; and Whereas: Numerous public officials, including Legislators, Mayors, Judges and County Commissioners, have been proud to be known as members of the Rotary Club of Fort Myers; and Whereas: It is altogether fitting and appropriate to note the 90th birthday of this splendid service organization. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County, Florida does proudly take observance of this landmark occasion, and does officially say thank you for your many achievements for the betterment of mankind and our local community, and offers a very happy Club birthday to all members, past and present, and further, does hereby wish the Rotary Club of Fort Myers continued success in the years ahead.
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