Rotary Club of Palatine Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Rotary Plaza in downtown Palatine is one of the scores of projects the Rotary Club has been responsible for over the organization's 50-year existence in Palatine. 

On Tuesday, a dedication ceremony was held at the plaza, located at the northeast corner of Palatine and Plum Grove roads, which included a ribbon cutting attended by Mayor Jim Schwantz, village and business leaders, area boy scouts and dozens of Rotarians. 

Afterward, a reception was held at Cotillion Banquets, and the many accomplishments the organization has made over the last half-century were highlighted through pictures and first-hand accounts from long-standing members.

In addition to funding Rotary Plaza, the organization also supported a variety of projects in town that are recognizable today. They include the playground at Twin Lakes Recreational Center, the gazebo in Towne Square and the Fireman's Memorial on Brockway Street at the railroad tracks - to name just a few. 

Rotary International is known for its relentless efforts to end polio. Rotary Club of Palatine President Chuck Young explained at the reception there are just three countries left in the world who are still endemic with the infectious disease. He added that the fight will continue until it is completely eradicated. 

The organization also is responsible for bringing the community together. Over the last few years, the Oktoberfest celebration has been one of the Palatine Rotary's main fundraising efforts. As a result, more than $30,000 was donated this year to assist area non-profits.

The Rotary Club of Palatine is part of a larger organization (Rotary International) which is made up of 1.2 million other Rotarians who live by the motto, "Service above self."

Learn more about Rotary International, or visit the Rotary Club of Palatine website.