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Message from the President
Rotary International defines Rotary as “an organization of business and professional persons united worldwide in service who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.” Since 1936 when the Union City Rotary Club was chartered, this club has consistently advanced these high ideals.
From the earliest years of supporting the Crippled Adults Hospital in Memphis, Polio Plus International Program, and the International Rotary Exchange Program, the Union City Rotary Club continues to promote humanitarian and goodwill programs. Our most recent project includes sponsoring Rotary High School Student Travel. Selected rising seniors from Union City High School, Obion County Central High School, and South Fulton High School are afforded an all expense paid tour of several European countries. Another continued worthy project is the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This local Imagination Library affiliate, the Obion County Reading Railroad, ensures that each child in Obion County, from birth to age five, receives an age-appropriate book each month. Additionally, the Promethean Foundation, established by Robert and Jenny Kirkland, allows Union City Rotary to administer scholarships for pre-school education for more than 300 eligible children of this county. Union City Rotary also supports the Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Tennessee, which assists young people in acquiring the skills and qualities needed to become responsible citizens and leaders. Finally, the Gus White Memorial Scholarship, a $1000 scholarship first awarded in 1982 by the Union City Rotary Club, has matured into a scholarship program that perhaps might be the largest of its kind in the nation. This past year approximately $300,000 was awarded to local high school seniors and college students.
With the advancement of the ideals set forth by the 1936 Chartered Club, it is, therefore, an honor and privilege to serve as the 75th President of the Union City Rotary Club.
May we as Rotarians continue to promote and support projects that truly give meaning to Service Above Self.
Sincerely,
Gary Houston
2010-2011 President
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