April, 2006 My Fellow Rotarians - Rotary's Global History Fellowship

District 6440 Histories 2005
Walk, the District Bowling Tournament, the District Golf Outing, Polio Plus projects, Bicycles For
Togo, and the Oklahoma Disaster fundraiser. Every year, many of the members attend the District
Conference.
The Rotary Club of Gurnee has also been active in the foreign exchange program. The club has
sponsored numerous inbound and outbound exchange students from such countries as Brazil, Germany,
South Africa, and Sweden. The club also provides numerous vocational scholarships to local high
school students on a yearly basis.
In recent years, the club has enjoyed rapid membership growth, receiving recognition from Rotary
International. The club boasts an active membership of over 50 members. All new members are
encouraged to participate in a “Fireside Chat,” an opportunity to learn more about the clubs and ways to
get more involved. Every year, one member receives The Rotarian Of The Year award for his/her
achievements during that Rotary year. The club works hard to find interesting speakers for each weekly
meeting. Highlights of every meeting include “Braggin Bucks,” an opportunity to share personal news
with the rest of the club and the singing of the club song. The Rotary Club of Gurnee is a friendly
organization that welcomes visitors and fellow Rotarians.
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Rotary Club of Highland Park Chartered Dec. 28, 1927
Organized three other Rotary Clubs: Deerfield, Lake Forest, and Libertyville. Founded Family Services
of Highland Park, now known as Family Services of South Lake County with branches in Mundelein,
Barrington, and Lake Zurich. Founded the Senior Center of Highland Park
At the end of World War II, sent hundreds of parcels to persons in devastated areas of Europe. Members
actually constructed an iron lung during the war and donated it to a hospital. Placed siren at the
Lakefront to summon first aid in case of waterfront incidents. Sponsored hobby shows and student
activities of all kinds from high school dances to Boy Scout camps. In the Bicentennial year, in
conjunction with the Deerfield Rotary Club, purchased the film “The Patriot” for loan to countless
schools and organizations. Established a Student Loan Fund to assist college educations. Celebrated its
Golden Anniversary in 1977.
Continues to contribute both money and manpower to the Volunteer Pool; Lambs Farm; Highland Park
Senior Center; North Shore Senior Center (in Winnetka); Rotary’s “3-H,” the Grove School for brain
damaged children; Highland Park Police Safety Program; and Highland Park Historical Society.
Donated a laboratory microscope to Hebrew University in Israel. During R.I. Convention, hosted foreign
guests in 1980. Sponsored a “Walk-a-thon” to conserve gasoline; gave money to Youth Exchange
Students. Donated to Sr. Center photo lab and lapidary equipment. Sponsored Field Service activity at
Highland Park High School. Housed foreign students. Major fund drive for several years, and in 1984 is
the Villa St. Cyril Home (for the elderly) in Highland Park. Other 1983-84 programs are the Drug Abuse
and annual Highland Park Hospital Phonathon to raise funds for equipment and other needs. Sponsored
teacher from Dist. 107, in Rotary Teacher Exchange Program. Raised funds to assist earthquake victims
in Mexico. Also raised funds for Villa St. Cyril, Family Network Inc., Family Service of Lake County,
and Highland Park Citizens for Drug Awareness.
1987-88 - Participated in the “Free Tuition Family Planning” project in Lucban, Philippines. Ranked 6th
in terms of funds gathered for PolioPlus on a per member basis. Launched a fund drive for the United
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