Learn more about the Mad River Valley Rotary

The Mad River Valley Rotary is a service club dedicated to supporting the mission of Rotary International by creating a fellowship of local business and professional people who are committed to improving the communities of the Mad River Valley (Fayston, Waitsfield and Warren), the State of Vermont and the world in which we live.

Rotarians believe that worldwide fellowship and international peace can be achieved when business and professional people unite under the banner of service, which will help make our community, our country and the world a better place.

History

The Mad River Valley Rotary Club was chartered in May 1976, with 26 members. Instrumental in the forming of the Club was life-long Valley resident, Ed Eurich, who was assisted in Rotary International’s organizational processes by Rotarians from the Barre Club. At the time of the start-up, Rotary International was an organization for men only (spouses were known as Rotary Annes).

At that time, those invited to become a member were all actively employed in a profession representative of the community at large such as agriculture, education, insurance, legal/law, banking, politics, hospitality, accounting, building, metal manufacturing, mechanic, grocer, specialty food, public relations, recreation, plumbing, and real estate.

The club’s first home was the Valley Inn (now Evergreen Place) where members met for dinner. Over the years the Club has met in several Valley restaurants — for breakfast or dinner, but never as a luncheon club.

The Club has adapted and grown over the years to be more representative of Valley residents. For example, today the Club boasts 65 members, 18 of who are women. Although many members are retired and new to full time residency in the area, they continue to desire to be productive members of the community.  More importantly, many new members are joining who are younger, local business professionals. They bring with them a vital energy and as such the Club is becoming an energized conglomeration of both younger professionals and active retired community members. 

What has not changed is that MRV Rotary is still a service club — Service Above Self. Our members develop programs and projects to raise funds that benefit the local community and larger, even global programs that Rotary International underwrites. From its beginning the Valley Rotary Club has had a great track record with these activities. Earlier ones included helping with traffic control for activities on school grounds following the 4th of July parade or an evening street dance in the Village Square, or an annual auction of donated items. Today the annual Restaurant Raffle, the Duck Race and local business sponsorships provide most of the funds available for redistribution to local nonprofits. In addition, Rotarians contribute their time in service in other ways such as delivering food for the Community Pantry and a variety of smaller construction and building projects. 

Additionally, members are encouraged to contribute personal funds to various categories of projects Rotary International supports through all local clubs.

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