About Us
Our Club was founded September 17, 1917. It was the 331st club to be founded, with over 46,000 clubs to follow! In its long history of service, the RCOB has included many of this area’s most notable people. There were 31 members when the club was chartered and we have had as many as 220 members as membership ebbed and flowed depending upon the number of other clubs in the county and economic and business conditions in our nation. We have also nurtured new clubs in our County by sponsoring them (Whatcom North and the Bellingham Bay clubs) plus sponsoring a new club in our sister city of Nakhodka, Russia.
When you join our Club, you are joining an organization who has given millions back to the local community and has been instrumental in developing many parks and attractions that are utilized in Whatcom County as well as helping those in need. The long list includes playgrounds, soccer fields, parks (including Boulevard Park), YMCAs and YWCAs, Scouts, the city pool, environmental projects, and more.
How much money have we given? Well, one study shows over $4,000,000 donated in recent years since the Club starting keeping careful, annual track. That money went to over 250 separate charities!
However, our Club’s impact doesn’t just stop at the county borders. We are also part of the International Project Alliance which is a collaborative group of local Rotary clubs who made a commitment to helping the people of the Copán Ruinas region of western Honduras with most areas of international aid, including education, health, food and agriculture. We also participate in the Rotary Youth Exchange program which sends local students to other Clubs around the world while we host those students from afar!
What an amazing tradition!
In terms of our members, we are a dynamic group that includes new members, seasoned members (some who have been members for over 50 years!), local business, nonprofit, professional and civic leaders and those driven to serve. We form lasting friendships through our shared Rotary experiences including weekly meetings with interesting speakers, committee meetings and projects, social events and group service projects within our community and internationally.
CLUB VISION, MISSION AND STATEGIES
Vision Statement
Rotary Club of Bellingham is a diverse group of community leaders who, through bold vision and high aspirations, are committed to making our local and global community a better place and more peaceful place to live. Through fellowship, discovery and partnerships, we are dedicated to engaging and enriching the community and individual members by making a positive impact on the lives we encounter and serve, having fun along the way.
Rotary Club of Bellingham is a diverse group of community leaders who, through bold vision and high aspirations, are committed to making our local and global community a better place and more peaceful place to live. Through fellowship, discovery and partnerships, we are dedicated to engaging and enriching the community and individual members by making a positive impact on the lives we encounter and serve, having fun along the way.
Mission Statement
To provide business, professional and community leaders with a stimulating and all-inclusive dynamic organization which engages in enjoyable, ethical and efficient opportunities to support our local community and the world.
Strategies
Our members serve the community and gain from their involvement in Rotary in various ways, Including:
• Making new friends and enjoying fellowship
• Participating in service projects for the community and beyond
• Taking opportunities to travel on club projects
• Participating in Rotary events outside our club
• Attending meetings at other Rotary clubs around the world
• Recommending new members who share in our shared values and commitment to service.
• Eagerly volunteering to raise funds as needed for large and small projects
Our Club’s principal Avenues of Service, which are consistent with the Rotary International framework include
Club Service
Our club is notable for the high level of member participation in club events and activities. We very much enjoy the fascinating and informative programs presented at meetings.
Our club is notable for the high level of member participation in club events and activities. We very much enjoy the fascinating and informative programs presented at meetings.
Vocational Service
Our club supports our community’s youth in developing their understanding of business, ethics, and the financial aspects of life. To better achieve this purpose, we sometimes partner with specialized organizations in this field. Our club supports projects and organizations in the community that create new jobs.
Our club supports our community’s youth in developing their understanding of business, ethics, and the financial aspects of life. To better achieve this purpose, we sometimes partner with specialized organizations in this field. Our club supports projects and organizations in the community that create new jobs.
Community Service and Fund Raising
Each year, our club raises funds for a major impact project and/or for the RCOB Foundation. All members participate through personal donations and by acquiring donations from across our community.
Each year, our club raises funds for a major impact project and/or for the RCOB Foundation. All members participate through personal donations and by acquiring donations from across our community.
International Service
We consistently engage in a significant multi-year international project, often partnering with other Rotary clubs.
We consistently engage in a significant multi-year international project, often partnering with other Rotary clubs.
Rotary Foundation
Our club supports the world-wide Rotary Foundation in many ways:
Our club supports the world-wide Rotary Foundation in many ways:
- We contribute funding
- We award Paul Harris Fellowships to deserving club members and outstanding citizens
- We educate our members about the Foundation’s purpose and impact to create an understanding of how we can cooperate with the Foundation for our mutual benefit.
Created 1/7/2019
We are honored to have 5 members who have been with the Club for over 50 years:
- Brian Griffin – member since 1960
- Herb Ershig – member since 1962
- Sandee Lindhout – member since 1966
- Bob Morse – member since 1970
- Jack Westford – member since 1970