Local Rotary Club Celebrates 20th Anniversary on November 1
The 20th anniversary of a Rotary Club founded because of a Thomas Kinkade painting was celebrated on Friday, November 1 at the Grove Country Club in Long Grove.
In 1994, three local men got the idea for the establishment of a new local Rotary Club when they discussed the painting by Kinkade then on display at the former Studio of Long Grove. By the following November, 31 men and women had been recruited. The originating meeting on November 1, 1994 was held at Twin Orchards Country Club with the then international president of Rotary International attending. Rotary International now has over 1.2 million members in over 200 countries. The new Club met for many years at the Seasons Restaurant in Long Grove in a building resembling that in the iconic painting.
The Rotary Club of Long Grove has since changed its name to the Rotary Club of Long Grove, Kildeer, and Hawthorn Woods, and they now meet at the Grove Country Club in Long Grove.
Attending the celebration on Friday were seven of the original members of the Club. One, John Hunt III, now of Lake Forest, was the first president and was one of the three founding members. He also served as the master of ceremonies for the event. Four of the original members are still active in the Club. In all, there have been 96 members inducted over the 20 year life of the Club.
Awards to the Club and to individuals were presented during the ensuing ceremonies. The Club received recognition from the current District Governor of Rotary, Ellen Young, Lake Forest, as the leading club in per capita contributions to the Rotary Foundation. This is the seventh consecutive year that this club has been so recognized. There are 72 clubs in the local district. This year the club earned and donated over $470 per member toward the charitable efforts undertaken by the Rotary Foundation worldwide.
Angie Underwood, Village President of Long Grove read a proclamation detailing contributions to local communities and which expressed appreciation on behalf of the village to this organization.
Two of the original members, James Runnfeldt and William Ferreira, were recognized for perfect attendance throughout the twenty year life of the Club, which meets weekly. It was recalled that Ferreira had recently served as the District Governor. Members were lauded for their many charitable activities in locally, nationally, and internationally. Locally, the Club has sponsored Scouting activities, done road cleanups, distributed meals to veterans, and given warm coats to the needy. The first major project was a contribution of $25,000 to the then new YMCA in Lake Zurich. International projects have included potable water projects in India, support of education in rural Kenya and Benin, and the provision of shelter box kits to flood and earthquake victims. The chief annual fund raising activity is the September Heritage Race/Run/Breakfast in Long Grove, which benefits up to ten participating local charities.
The immediate past president, Lyle Staab, Hawthorn Woods, presented an overview of twenty years of civic service, charitable work, and social activities. He noted that the Club has contributed over $270,000 to Rotary Foundation projects and, through the joint fund raising Heritage Event, has probably helped earn over $1,000,000 for charities in twenty years.
Karl Riehn, Long Grove, current President of the Club, reflected on the friendships and activities which have been pivotal in the lives of members and for many individuals locally and abroad. He thanked the members for their commitment to the Rotary mantra, "Service Above Self" and expressed the hope that the organization will similarly prosper into the future.
The Rotary Club of Long Grove, Kildeer, and Hawthorn Woods meets at 7:15 AM for breakfast on Tuesdays at the Grove Country Club on Old 53 in Long Grove. Those interested in the activities of the Club are directed to the website RCLG.org, and those interested in joining or otherwise supporting the Club are welcome at one of the weekly meetings.