Rock Island Rotary, the first Rotary club in the Illinois Quad Cities, was chartered May 1, 1914, under the leadership of the first president Bernard D. Connelly. Since that time, the club has been dedicated to making a difference locally and globally through impactful projects and partnerships. From supporting education and literacy initiatives to championing healthcare and clean water efforts, Rock Island Rotary continues to live by the motto “Service Above Self.”
As 2024 was brought to a close, the club kicked off 2025 by celebrating 110 years of existence and dedicated service to our community and the world. Best of all, the club is not done, not by a longshot! With over 100 current members believing in Service Above Self, inducting 21 Paul Harris Fellows halfway through the fiscal year, coming off of the largest budget for community grants ($20,000), and the Club's own separate Foundation providing tens of thousands of dollars in additional grants, Rock Island Rotary's ability to have a positive impact has never been greater. Here’s to a successful completion of the 2024- 2025 Rotary year and to 110 more!