In celebration of 50 years of service to the Cary community, the five Rotary Clubs of Cary will host two upcoming events, and you’re invited to attend.
First, the clubs will unveil and dedicate a new sculpture to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Rotary in Cary on Friday, Aug. 1 at 9 a.m., on the grounds of the Cary Chamber of Commerce.
The artwork, a five-sided granite sculpture featuring the names and charter dates of each club, along with the Rotary International seal and motto of Service Above Self, was designed by artist Jerry Miller.
It recognizes Rotarians past, present and future, says Ralph Ashworth, one of Cary’s first Rotarians.
The dedication is free and open to the public.
The Cary Rotary Club, chartered in 1964 with 29 members, was the first Rotary Club in Cary; G. Richard “Dick” Ladd was its first president.
Today, service-minded Rotarians number about 300 in Cary, with one club meeting each weekday.
The Cary Central Rotary Club was chartered in 1981, followed by Cary-Kildaire in 1984, Cary-Page in 1989, and Cary-MacGregor in 1991.
Cary Rotarians are counted among the 1.2 million members of Rotary International hailing from 200 countries. Founded in 1905 by Chicagoan Paul P. Harris, Rotary is one of the world’s first service organizations.
Rotarians’ work can be seen in local projects across Cary, and around the world via humanitarian efforts including the almost-accomplished eradication of polio.
A Celebration Event
Also, the clubs will host the 50th Anniversary of Rotary in Cary Celebration at the Cary Arts Center on Friday, Aug. 15 beginning at 6:45 p.m.
The evening’s program will feature light hors d’oeuvres, music by the Cary School of Music and by Touch of Brass, recognition of area dignitaries, a mayoral proclamation and a documentary commemorating 50 years of Rotary service in Cary.
Held that night will be the Rotary Clubs of Cary Roll Call, and the announcement of the Rotary Clubs of Cary 50th Anniversary Project.
Tickets for the celebration are $25 per person.
“Rotary is special and distinct, and an important part of our lives,” Ashworth said. “We have fun and accomplish things at the same time; it’s a great combination.”
For tickets or more information, contact Mary DePuew Kamm at mary@kammconsultinginc.com or (919) 387-2063.
