The Rotary Club of Tucson was honored with one of the 5 major awards at the 2017 National Philanthropy Day luncheon, sponsored by So. AZ Association of Fundraising Professionals. There was a 2 minute video, a presentation of a lovely heart sculpture made of glass on stage, and photos taken. We should all be so proud of our Tucson Rotary Club for being named the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year! Below was what the MC read about our club from the podium. The Rotary Club of Tucson is a vibrant group of over 230 professional men and women who share their knowledge, skills and talents in service to others. We are friends, neighbors and community leaders who are creating positive, lasting changes in our communities and around the world. We share our passion for helping others and solving problems while forming friendships and making professional connections. Members enjoy fun social events and networking at different locations around town. And, we always look forward to getting together weekly to enjoy programs that are educational, entertaining, and engaging.
Rotary International had its beginning in Chicago in 1905. Rotary Club of Tucson, chartered in 1921, is the largest Rotary Club in Arizona. We continue serving the Southern Arizona community as the oldest service organization in Tucson. Nearly every social issue in Tucson has been supported by the Club, including literacy, homelessness, youth development, substance abuse, poverty, food insecurity and education. Our Club has also been a leader on the international stage, encouraging Rotarians, through its parent organization, Rotary International, to participate in the Ride To End Polio event through El Tour de Tucson that takes place in November. Community service is one of the key tenets of Rotary membership, and as both volunteers and volunteer fundraisers, RCOT members lead by example. Over the past 10 years, $1,085,518 has been awarded from the proceeds of our Rotary Club’s annual Tucson Classics Car Show to local charities, improving the lives of children and families. Our Tucson Rotary Club granted a record $209,308 to Tucson charities from the 2016 Tucson Classics Car Show. In addition, our Club awards smaller grants to various charities throughout the year. Tucson Rotary never stops doing and never stops giving. And that’s how we want our Club to be. The commitment of the Rotary Club to making the world a better place is second to none, as they strive every day to live the Rotary motto, Service Above Self.
