May 16, 2022, marks 25 years since the Rotary Club of Eagle-Garden City was chartered.In that time, we have sponsored many youth projects and activities to support our community. Among those projects are awards to honor teens who have shown persistence in finishing their education, library books for young readers at Whittier School, bike safety clinics at the Boys & Girls Club, tree plantings, highway cleanups, food drives for food banks, financial grants to local charities, and birthday kits for disadvantaged children.
All this "service above self" began with the commitment from 24 community members who realized they could do more together than as individuals.
As we prepare to celebrate this landmark anniversary ourselves, it's fun to take a moment and envision the first such celebration.
Charter night was held May 30, 1997, at the former Plantation Golf Club, which has now become the River Club. Founder and charter member Gen. Darrell Manning welcomed the 24 charter members and their guests, and Bill Johnson served as the master of ceremonies. Joe Prin led the Pledge of Allegiance and gave an invocation. Everyone sang “America, the Beautiful” and R-O-T-A-R-Y. After dinner was served, Phil Sansotta introduced honored guests and visiting Rotarians, and then-mayor of Garden City, Ted Ellis, gave the keynote address.
The charter was presented by District Governor-Elect Neil Miller, which was accepted by Darrell. He also gave a response speech and introduced the charter members. Bill oversaw presentations from area Rotary Clubs to the new club, and Gary EauClaire of the sponsoring Southwest Boise Rotary Club made closing remarks. Darrell adjourned the meeting and so began the Rotary Club of Eagle-Garden City.
Those members created a force for good. We remember this moment in history as we look forward to the next 25 years.