A BRIEF HISTORY

The Neenah Rotary Club was chartered by Rotary International on April 29, 1925.  There were 23 Charter Members.  Dr. T. D. Smith was the first President.

In 1931, together with the Menasha Club, Neenah Rotary hosted a District Conference when Neenah Rotarian Bill Bellack was District Governor.

In 1952, after the untimely death of a Neenah Rotarian in an auto accident, the Club produced a movie entitled Safety Is No Accident.  This Club project won awards and state acclaim.

In the Spring of 1994, the Club hosted the District Assembly, bringing 600 Rotarians to Neenah.

From the very beginning, Neenah Rotary was alert to community needs and supported many worthwhile programs.  One of the Clubís early projects was providing transportation for handicapped children. 

Other projects which have benefited young and old throughout our area over the years include:

…   Spearheading and the ultimate formation of the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum.

…    Providing for the display of the Olen Indian Relics Collection in our City Hall.

…   An extensive tree planting project in Downtown Neenah.

…   Support for the Playing In The Rain sculpture in Riverside Park.

…   Instrumental in senior programs care and Alzheimerís programs through VNA.

…   Funding youth scholarship programs: vocational, college, music and art camps, leadership training camps, Wisconsin Business World, World Affairs Seminar, etc.

…   Badger Boys & Girls State support.

…   Child immunization program.

…   Christmas giving.

…   Drug education and crime reduction programs.

…   Regional domestic abuse, and sexual abuse prevention programs.

…   YMCA Day Care Shelter Fund.

As a result of fund raisers and Club events going back to the 1950ís, the Neenah Rotary Foundation has continued to grow and remain strong.  Since 1960, the Club has loaned 590 students in excess of $630,000 to further their education.  In addition, more than $38,000 has been given to deserving students as outright grants.

Fund raisers include Octoberfest, the Spring Roundup, and Seafood Fest.  Participation by all Rotarians is important because dues alone would never allow us to sponsor so many community projects.

Rotary is made up of a cross-section of business and professional people who are not only good friends, but are united in a common commitment to serve others for the benefit of the community.

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