[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 5, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S1577]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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          RECOGNIZING 100 YEARS OF THE BENTONVILLE ROTARY CLUB

  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the 
Bentonville Rotary Club in celebration of its 100th anniversary. This 
organization of volunteers and community leaders has made a tremendous 
impact on northwest Arkansas throughout its history, and I am grateful 
for the many ways its members live the Rotary mission to promote peace, 
education, and goodwill through service.
  The Bentonville Rotary Club's work has been a key part of the 
community's extraordinary growth over the last century. When it was 
first founded, the city's population was 2,300 people. Since then, it 
has become the focal point of one of the fastest growing regions in the 
Nation and a hub for global business and entrepreneurship.
  This growth has also been seen in the club's leadership and 
expansion. In 1924, its founding was sponsored by the Rogers' Rotary 
Club. The first president was Dave Peel, and his successors have often 
been leaders in other capacities, including Walmart founder Sam Walton, 
while the club has expanded its impact through sponsoring additional 
clubs in Bentonville/Bella Vista Daybreak, Holiday Island and Bella 
Vista Sunrise, in addition to the Bentonville Satellite club.
  I am grateful for the many contributions the Bentonville Rotary Club 
has made and continues to make in the community. These include 
fundraisers like the New Kids on the Block and Snack Packs for Kids. 
Rotarians also help beautify the city by planting redbud trees along 
West Central Avenue, as well as provide opportunities for local 
residents by sponsoring a library meeting room and an exhibit at the 
Scott Family Amazeum, donating over $15,000 in scholarships to students 
at Bentonville High School and supporting local food banks.
  After more than 100 years, the Bentonville Rotary continues to be 
truly dedicated to ``service above self'' through leadership and 
action. Its impact provides inspiration throughout the State, and I am 
grateful for the many ways its members continue working hard to make 
northwest Arkansas a special place to live.

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