At our Friday morning breakfast meeting, we take the time to introduce and recognize Rotary Clubs from around the world.
This week we recognize Duarte Rotary Club. On September 30th they celebrated the 30th anniversary of women in Rotary and the first woman in Rotary, Doctor Sylvia Whitlock. When Dr. Whitlock joined the club Rotary International revoked its charter in 1978. However, they continued on with a black X through the Rotary logo and used the tagline, "The Ex-Rotary Club of Duarte". Their charter was reinstated in 1986. It was noticed that before women joined Rotary there was relatively high turnover in Rotary clubs, but since women were allowed to join, turnover decreased, a fact Duarte Rotary Club made clear to RI.
For a small club, they have a huge presence in El Salvador and Guatemala. Over the last five years, they have raised over three million dollars for medical supplies and educational materials. They host a Rotary New Year's Eve party on June 30 and raise thousands. Throughout the year they take part in a Hunger Strike in support of Harvest Against Hunger in their community, Bowling for Dollars over a week period, and they build 30 tiny houses a year.
This year their club president is again Dr. Sylvia Whitlock, the first woman in Rotary and first woman Rotary Club President.
Please join us in toasting the Rotary Club of Duarte! Thank you Valerie for this toast.