About the Addison Rotary Club

"Getting to Know Us"

Chartered on August 29, 1984, the Addison Rotary Club, like all Rotary Clubs worldwide, was created to be of service to the Addison community and throughout Rotary internationally. Unlike many Rotary clubs that have existed for generations, a youthful profile of its roughly 50 members adds a level of enthusiasm and spirit to its many service and social activities. As Rotarians, Addison members build goodwill and peace, provide humanitarian service and encourage high ethical standards while enjoying each other. While many of its projects go on independently, the men and women of the Club come together every Friday morning at 7:30 AM at Lawry's for a breakfast hour. The Club, is non-political, non-religious, and welcomes members of all cultures, races and creeds.

Operating through various committees, Addison Rotary members plan and carry out service projects that address critical issues such as helping families in need when children undergo extensive medical treatment, helping the Salvation Army's annual Angel Tree efforts, working overseas with impoverished communities in India, Mexico, and Africa, and serving homeless in our own community. However, not all volunteering is targeted at helping those in need. Emphasizing youth and working with tomorrow's leaders in our local high schools also has a high priority for the Club.

Many of the Club's activities are funded through the Addison Rotary Foundation, a 501c3 organization. Its funding comes from the activities and efforts of the members of the Club and their businesses. The Rotary motto is "Service above self." This club sets a standard that many clubs have followed.

1. Club Service

Rotary's 'Four Avenues of Service' start with Club Service. The Club Service Director focus on strengthening the social aspect of Rotary membership. While volunteerism is important, the Addison Rotary Club also fosters relationships between members and other nearby clubs. This is evidenced at its high-energy weekly breakfast meetings with top speakers, a fall chili/football party, a year-end holiday party, meetings at member's businesses and occasional outings to sporting events.

An atmosphere of fun and fellowship, while giving back to the community assures that the Club stays important to our members. It also helps us attract new Rotarians.

2. Vocational Service

Vocational Service is that part of Rotary which is designed to give members an opportunity to represent their business or profession while serving Rotary. The Vocational Service committee arranges regular talks and panel discussions about the members businesses. They also encourage members to set an example for their employees or participate in ethical discussions in their workplace about Rotary's 'Four Way Test.'

Beyond vocations, the Addison Rotary Club was one of the first clubs to embrace the RYLA program (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards). It provides scholarships for top high school juniors to attend a one-week leadership camp each spring. Addison Rotarians volunteer at the camp and share their expertise with the youth. This that gives them a better understanding of teamwork and what awaits them in various career paths.

In addition, a student and his or her parents are honored at the Club each month. They are given "The Addison Rotary Student of the Month" award and addresses the Club on their plans. The student is selected from one of the three high schools in the area.

The Club produces a career day for the sixth grade students at the Anne Frank Elementary School to allow the students to have one on one conversations with leaders from many walks of life. The Career Day is designed to encourage the student to be aware of many career paths and to encourage them to examine the many career choices available to them.

3. International Service

Making our world a better place in which to live is one goal of International Service. The Addison Rotary Club is deeply committed to advance international understanding, goodwill and peace.

The International Service committee has managed several matching grant programs in conjunction with the Rotary International Foundation to provide clean water facilities for orphanages, assist medical clinics, and more, in rural and urban Mexico, India, and Africa.

The Club has participated in several student and vocational exchanges with Rotary Clubs all over the world. Many foreign students have lived in our homes when they come to the United States for a month or more to study.

In addition, each year a group of 5 young professionals led by one Rotarian spends a month in the United States. The club hosts this team for a weekend, introducing them to members' businesses and enjoying good times in Addison and the DFW Metroplex. Recently, teams have come from Peru, England, and South Africa.

4. Community Service

Our Community Service Director keeps a major focus on projects that make a difference in raising the quality of life in the Addison community. These projects range from community clean-ups, to serving the homeless, to helping community agencies such as Metro-Crest Food Bank and Anne Frank School.

The major activity of the Club, coupled with Addison Rotary Foundation, is our annual Addison Rotary Open Golf Tournament benefitting Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. We consistently award over $160,000 to this worthy charity each year, which helps families in need find a home away from home while their children undergo traumatic medical care.