How we got to where we are
"The idea of a second Rotary Club in Davis was discussed as early as 1988. It took six years, however, for the idea to gain full acceptance by members of the Davis Rotary Club. At the Rotary Barbecue in May, 1994, John Youmans, Barry Rathfon and Jay Gerber decided "now is the time." Within months this group contacted PDG Peter Faye as well as other District 5160 officials with the idea of forming a "conditional" second club in Davis to be known as the Rotary Club of Davis Sunrise.
The three began contacting business and professional leaders in Davis who might, because of their work schedules, be interested in a weekly breakfast meeting. By July the group was getting together on Friday mornings at Denny's Restaurant in south Davis. After several weeks, it was determined that Sudwerk would offer a better "home" for the conditional club and meetings were moved there. Once membership reached 25, the members applied for a charter from Rotary International. The charter was granted on November 10, 1994, and a Charter Night banquet was held shortly thereafter at the Davis Senior Center. It was a black tie event which was attended by many neighboring Rotarians. Among those in attendance was Cliff Dochterman, Past President of Rotary International and the principal Charter Night speaker. At the time of charter, the Davis Sunrise Rotary Club recognized 30 charter members. Many of those thirty are still active in the club today."