[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 180 (Tuesday, December 13, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1716]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING ROTARY INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 5240

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIA BROWNLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 13, 2016

  Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate 
Rotary International District 5240, which has dutifully carried out the 
mission of Rotary International to ``Serve Above Self.'' By providing 
services to countless others and advancing world understanding, 
goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, 
and community leaders, Rotary International District 5240 strives to 
improve lives both locally and internationally.
  First established in 1918 with the founding club in Santa Barbara, 
District 5240 has grown along California's central coast, throughout 
the counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. District 
5240 also bears the distinction as one of the oldest Rotary clubs 
nationally, founded only thirteen years after the original club, the 
Rotary Club of Chicago, was established. With a membership of 3,500 
members, from 74 clubs in four different counties, Rotary International 
District 5240 meets regularly to not only develop its own communities 
but communities around the world.
  As a member of one of the world's largest service organization, 
Rotary International District 5240 has established itself with 
remarkable charitable work ranging from leading polio eradication 
efforts since 1985 to a focus on promoting global peace, fighting 
disease, providing international aid for access to clean water and 
life-saving care to mothers and children, as well as supporting 
educational programs, and growing local economies. Most recently, 
Rotary International District 5240 has led relief efforts for Hurricane 
Matthew victims on behalf of our community.
  Locally, the organization has been a critical partner in economic and 
community development, and has donated over $250,000 to fund 
microfinance loans that have helped start or grow local businesses over 
the past four years.
  For these reasons, it is with great enthusiasm that I recognize 
Rotary International District 5240, which is celebrating the centennial 
anniversary of the Rotary Foundation, for the immeasurable ways the 
organization has contributed to our community as a whole.

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