Burnsville Rotary -- Our History
The first recorded meeting of the Burnsville Rotary Club was March 26, 1976, at Franco's Restaurant in Burnsville. From there, the club quickly grew - in size and scope.
We got to work right away. In November 1976, we initiated our first food collection with District 191 and partnered with the Community Action Council to distribute food to needy families in time for Thanksgiving. In May 1977, we purchased the first "Resusi Annie" CPR training dummy for Dakota County resident training. In the years since, we have helped with myriad service projects, ranging from Fire Muster fundraising to helping with the CAC's Arfmul of Love program to constructing Habitat for Humanity homes.
We've also had a strong international presence. In 1991, members Dan Buettner, Dave Porter and Don Kuplic spearheaded the district-wide Bikes for Africa project, which collected more than 1,000 bikes in America and shipped them to families in Africa; the project received help and donations from more than 50 Rotary clubs in two districts. For about a decade starting in the mid-1990s, Burnsville Rotary members coordinated the shipment of building materials, supplies and books (collectively valued at over $100,000) to the Massai Girls' School in Tanzania.
We also have a history of financial generosity. April 1977, our club became a 100%-contributing club to the Rotary International Foundation, by committing to a contribution of $100 per year per member. In 1981, we became a 400% Club. More than 35 Burnsville Rotary members have become Paul Harris Fellows, meaning they have contributed $1,000 or more to the International Foundation.
Along the way, we've sponsored several other local clubs, such as the Prior Lake (1978), Apple Valley (1985), Eagan (1987) and Burnsville Breakfast (1994) clubs.