02/25/2026
Today was the 39th anniversary of Rotary Sunrise’s first club meeting. Club President Mario Perrino and 30 people met at the Green Turtle Room at the Capitol Plaza Hotel and formed Springfield’s third Rotary Club, meeting on Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. Springfield’s clubs were quick to admit women into Rotary before the practice of men-only Rotary clubs was banned by Rotary International worldwide later that year.
Today, Mario is the sole charter member still in our club, a total of 31 people, almost equally men and women, continue to create many opportunities for lifelong friendships and have helped countless people locally and across the globe. Many members have come and gone along the journey, but friendships remained.
Today, we celebrated another milestone: for each of ten consecutive years, 100 percent of Sunrise Rotarians have contributed at least $100 to the Annual Fund of the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International and have been among the top three clubs in our District in per capita giving, funding for grants to fund projects of clubs in our District and across the globe. We are also a major contributing club to End Polio Now, which is helping eradicate polio from the Earth, again in the previous Rotary year. We are the only club in our District to do that, yet, and we’re on pace to do it again in 2026. It’s that important.
We received our latest banners to add to our inventory of decorations that show Rotary’s appreciation for individuals who give not only their time but also a little bit of money to help humanity. A little pocket change from Every Rotarian, Every Year, can create positive change across the globe and in our community. Being a Rotarian creates positive change in ourselves too.
Thank you to the crazy people who got up early to start a Rotary Club back in 1987! For all who came and left, and those who stayed, you continue to make a positive impact. May Peace prevail on Earth.
