The Rotary Club of El Centro, California was established in May of 1921 by Rotary Club 33 of San Diego, California. El Centro was the first club sponsored by San Diego Rotary, some 10 years after they were established. These two clubs are the first and oldest clubs in Rotary International's District 5340. Both clubs have gone on to establish and sponsor many more clubs in their own distinct regions.
El Centro Rotary is among the oldest, largest and most successful service clubs in the Imperial Valley. Its membership represents the most connected business leaders and decision makers in the region. Each with an individual desire to give back to their community through service.
The El Centro Club's rich history is tied closely to the City's own past, including being known for meeting at the legendary Barbara Worth Hotel in Downtown El Centro before it was lost to fire. Now nearing the century mark of its existence, El Centro Rotary remains on the leading edge of serving the community and the world. In both volunteer service and through extensive philanthropy.
The El Centro Rotary Club Foundation was created to foster education and support charitable purposes by making a difference in the local community. The Mission of this Foundation is to focus its funding primarily for the following:
EDUCATION:
Enhance, by offering financial and volunteer assistance, student educational development through and beyond high school whether it is college, technical training, apprentice training or other professional training.
CHARITABLE:
Provide assistance through groups and organizations to sustain health, dignity, protection, and to furnish generosity toward the needy. Our mission also includes selected local projects that lessen the financial burdens of government.
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:
FIRST. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service.
SECOND. High ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society.
THIRD. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business, and community life.
FOURTH. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.