Rotary celebrates 30 years with wine tasting and silver party

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

The Rotary Club of Flagler County, one of three area Rotary clubs, celebrated its 30th anniversary with a wine tasting and silver party at the Hilton Garden Inn last Thursday. There were both live and silent auctions, too.

Silver was provided by Nancy Olson, of Presque Isle, Wis. A portion of the proceeds from sales were contributed to Rotary. Music was provided by the String Quartet of the Flagler Youth Orchestra.

The Rotary Club of Flagler County was founded in November 1981 by Jim Gardner, Robert Schroeder, Mike Chiumento and Chuck Warren and has 61 current members.

Since then, it has provided thousands of dollars toward Polio Plus, the international organization's drive to eradicate polio worldwide. The club also supports local charities, scholarships and school programs. Last year, $27,950 was given back to the community. This year's budget proposes another $34,358 in local giving.

During the club's 30-year history, 121 members have contributed more than $1,000 each to the Rotary Foundation, earning the designation of Paul Harris Fellow. The club was honored as the 2009-2010 Best Club of 60 in Northeast Florida District 6970. It received the Best Fund Raising Project award during 2010-2011 for its Fantasy Lights Holiday Light Show in Town Center's Central Park.