Saratoga Springs Rotary Club

Saratoga Springs Rotary Club is a local chapter of Rotary International, a global network of community leaders dedicated to Service Above Self, a motto inspired by Herbert J. Taylor. The club's history dates back to the early 20th century, with roots in the Rotary Club of New York, founded by Paul P. Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Hiram E. Shorey, and Silvester Schiele. As a member of District 7190, the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club is part of a larger community of Rotary Clubs in New York, including the Rotary Club of Albany and the Rotary Club of Schenectady. The club's activities are guided by the principles of The Four-Way Test, developed by Herbert J. Taylor.

● History

The Saratoga Springs Rotary Club was chartered in 1920, with the support of the Rotary Club of Troy and the Rotary Club of Albany. The club's early years were marked by a strong focus on community service, with members participating in projects such as the Saratoga Springs Hospital and the Saratoga County Fair. During World War II, the club supported the American Red Cross and the United Service Organizations (USO), and later contributed to the PolioPlus campaign, a global initiative led by Rotary International to eradicate polio. The club has also been involved in international projects, including partnerships with Rotary Clubs in Canada, Mexico, and Japan.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The Saratoga Springs Rotary Club's mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, friendship, and peace, as outlined in the Rotary International constitution. The club's objectives are to support local and international projects, develop leadership skills, and foster fellowship among members, in line with the principles of The Object of Rotary, developed by Paul P. Harris. The club is committed to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as promoted by Rotary International and the United Nations. Members are encouraged to participate in Rotary Youth Exchange programs, Rotary Foundation grants, and Disaster Response initiatives, such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

● Community_Service

The Saratoga Springs Rotary Club is involved in a range of community service projects, including the Saratoga Springs Food Bank, the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, and the Saratoga Springs Youth Center. Members also participate in Rotary International's ShelterBox program, which provides emergency shelter and supplies to families affected by disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina and the 2010 Haiti earthquake. The club has partnered with local organizations, including the Saratoga Springs City School District, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, to support initiatives such as literacy programs, job training, and arts education, inspired by the work of Malala Yousafzai and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

● Membership_and_Leadership

The Saratoga Springs Rotary Club has a diverse membership of community leaders, including business owners, professionals, and retirees, such as Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Jimmy Carter. Members are encouraged to take on leadership roles, participate in Rotary International's Leadership Development programs, and attend Rotary Conventions, such as the Rotary International Convention in Toronto and the Rotary International Convention in Hamburg. The club is led by a board of directors, which includes a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer, and is supported by Rotary District 7190 and Rotary International.

● Fundraising_and_Projects

The Saratoga Springs Rotary Club raises funds for its community service projects through a range of activities, including charity golf tournaments, silent auctions, and fundraising dinners, such as the Rotary International Foundation's Annual Fund and the PolioPlus campaign. The club has also partnered with local businesses, including the Saratoga Springs City Center and the Saratoga Casino Hotel, to support initiatives such as scholarship programs and community development projects, inspired by the work of The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the World Bank. Members are encouraged to participate in Rotary International's Global Grants program, which supports large-scale projects in areas such as water and sanitation, education, and economic development, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

● Awards_and_Recognition

The Saratoga Springs Rotary Club has received numerous awards and recognition for its community service projects, including the Rotary International's Presidential Citation and the Rotary Foundation's District Service Award. Members have also been recognized for their individual contributions, including the Rotary International's Service Above Self Award and the Paul Harris Fellow award, named after Paul P. Harris. The club has been featured in local media outlets, including the Saratoga Springs Post-Star and the Albany Times Union, and has partnered with other organizations, such as the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and the Saratoga Springs City School District, to promote its community service initiatives, in line with the principles of The Four-Way Test and the Rotary International constitution.

Category:Rotary Clubs