Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.
Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. For 116 years we have addressed the challenges in our community and around the world.
"Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves."
Paul Harris
Rotary Founder