The Dayton Rotary Club is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and preparations for the event are underway. Our small but dedicated club was founded in the spring of 1926 with 20 Charter Members. Over the past century, membership has varied between 15 and 32 members. The theme for the 100th celebration will be ‘Country Chic,’ paying tribute to the majority of our Charter Members who were ranchers, farmers, and country businesspeople
The event will feature a catered BBQ brisket and sausage plate with all the traditional accompaniments, provided by a former Rotarian. Beverages including tea, beer, wine, and a signature cocktail called the ‘Rota-Rita’ will be served. Long-time County Judge along with his band will be performing that evening. The celebration will take place at the Dayton Community Center on April 10th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Many former Rotarians and relatives of Charter Members are expected to attend. We kindly ask attendees to RSVP due to limited seating. The event will feature tables displaying Rotary memorabilia such as articles, photographs, awards, banners, and more for everyone to enjoy. The club will honor all Paul Harris award recipients, the 100 presidents who have served, international projects, youth activities, and local service initiatives carried out over the years. Artifacts and memorabilia will highlight the tenure of notable Past Presidents, including the first President, Robert Sullivan; the 25th President, Joe D. Harris III; the 50th President, Gene Shields; and the 75th President, Richard ‘Ricky’ Brown. This year’s 100th President, Dr. Luke Chachere, will facilitate the program. A continuous PowerPoint presentation will run throughout the evening, showcasing the impact of the Dayton Rotary Club over the past century. Bios of the 20 Charter Members will also be featured.
As part of the centennial celebration, the Rotary Club partnered with Precision Lawns (owned by Clayton Bracey) to donate and plant a live oak tree, complemented by a bench and commemorative plaques at the Dayton Community Center.
The 100th Celebration Committee is being lead by third generation Dayton Rotarian, Dr. Jessica Johnson. Her grandfather, Milo W. Ford, Sr. was a charter member. Her father, M. W. Ford, Jr. was a longtime Rotarian and served as one of the 100 Presidents. Other committee members were Rachel Ansley, Stephanie Montgomery, Jennifer Perkins, Brooks Hiller, and Tami Pierce.
Many former Rotarians and relatives of Charter Members are expected to attend. We kindly ask attendees to RSVP due to limited seating. The event will feature tables displaying Rotary memorabilia such as articles, photographs, awards, banners, and more for everyone to enjoy. The club will honor all Paul Harris award recipients, the 100 presidents who have served, international projects, youth activities, and local service initiatives carried out over the years. Artifacts and memorabilia will highlight the tenure of notable Past Presidents, including the first President, Robert Sullivan; the 25th President, Joe D. Harris III; the 50th President, Gene Shields; and the 75th President, Richard ‘Ricky’ Brown. This year’s 100th President, Dr. Luke Chachere, will facilitate the program. A continuous PowerPoint presentation will run throughout the evening, showcasing the impact of the Dayton Rotary Club over the past century. Bios of the 20 Charter Members will also be featured.
As part of the centennial celebration, the Rotary Club partnered with Precision Lawns (owned by Clayton Bracey) to donate and plant a live oak tree, complemented by a bench and commemorative plaques at the Dayton Community Center.
The 100th Celebration Committee is being lead by third generation Dayton Rotarian, Dr. Jessica Johnson. Her grandfather, Milo W. Ford, Sr. was a charter member. Her father, M. W. Ford, Jr. was a longtime Rotarian and served as one of the 100 Presidents. Other committee members were Rachel Ansley, Stephanie Montgomery, Jennifer Perkins, Brooks Hiller, and Tami Pierce.
The Dayton Rotary Club is looking forward to the centennial celebration. We can not wait to see what the next 100 years will bring.