[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 48 (Monday, March 23, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S1707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 KENNEBUNK ROTARY CLUB 90TH ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. KING. Mr. President, I wish to honor the many years of 
service provided by the Kennebunk Rotary Club, which is now entering 
its 90th year as an integral part of the Kennebunk community. The 
Kennebunk Rotary Club is an organization founded on a steadfast 
dedication to ``Service Above Self'', a motto that I believe we should 
all strive to fulfill.
  I have had the privilege of speaking with rotary members on multiple 
occasions and I value their insight as important members of their local 
communities. I have also attended a number of rotary club meetings in 
Maine and as the son of a rotarian I have seen firsthand the positive 
impact that Rotary International has on communities in Maine and across 
the country.
  For generations, local students, families, seniors, and people around 
the world have benefited from the Kennebunk Rotary Club and the many 
charitable events that it hosts annually. Indeed, some of these events 
have been a source of Kennebunk pride for years. These include cyber-
crime awareness trainings for seniors, a 5K every summer, and a 
Christmas party to provide gifts for children who otherwise wouldn't 
have any under the tree.
  In addition to these community events, the Kennebunk Rotary Club 
sponsors philanthropic programs such as the club's annual scholarship 
fund, which provides several local high school seniors with up to a 
$1,500 to cover some college expenses. Scholarship programs such as the 
Kennebunk Rotary Club's open the door to success for Kennebunk 
graduates. The first recipient of this scholarship, Thomas Putnam, 
demonstrates the success of the program. Several years after he 
received his scholarship funds, he joined the Kennebunk Rotary Club and 
is today the director of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in 
Massachusetts.
  Finally, the Kennebunk Rotary Club has been able to extend their love 
of community beyond the bounds of their scenic hometown, crossing 
international borders to help those in need. After a train carrying 
crude oil exploded in the small town of Lac-Meegantic, Quebec, the 
Kennebunk Rotary Club and the rest of Rotary International District 
7780 sprang into action. They helped raise over $25,000 in donations, 
which was used to provide 400 children with Christmas presents. It was 
my pleasure to work with Rotary International and U.S. Customs to 
ensure that those gifts arrived safely in Lac-Meegantic. Through 
collaboration and a little hard work, the Kennebunk Rotary Club was 
able to make a huge impact on the lives of many.
  I would like to again thank the Kennebunk Rotary Club, and 
congratulate them on their 90 years of dedication to ``Service Above 
Self.'' Their investment in Kennebunk, the great State of Maine, and 
communities across the globe has had a great effect on students, 
families, and seniors and will continue to open the doors of 
opportunity for years to come.

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