[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3269]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF FRESNO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 15, 2016

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th 
anniversary of the historic Rotary Club of Fresno, California--an 
institution that has brought families and communities together since 
its establishment.
  The Rotary Club of Fresno was first organized as provisional Rotary 
Club on December 13, 1915, and three months later, a group of 23 Fresno 
business leaders chartered the organization on March 1, 1916. At the 
time, the Fresno Rotary Club was the first rotary club in Central 
California, the ninth in the State of California and the 203rd club in 
the world. The Fresno club held its first meeting in Downtown Fresno in 
the Hotel Fresno Ballroom, and held its first District Conference in 
Rotary by 1916. In 1919, the club implemented their first community 
project, firmly establishing their organization in Fresno by the act of 
planting 1,000 olive trees along Golden State Highway, otherwise known 
as State Highway 99.
  Since its establishment, the Fresno Rotary Club has supported 
hundreds of community projects and organizations in the local 
community, including: the water tower in downtown Fresno, building the 
3,500 seat Rotary Amphitheater at Woodward Park, contributing to the 
construction of Playland at Roeding Park, providing mentorship programs 
through the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, donating to the Salvation 
Army, Schools, and our local hospitals.
  The Rotary Club of Fresno has been dedicated to numerous causes that 
have contributed over $3.7 million throughout its existence to many 
local and international projects which support local issues and 
international humanitarian efforts. The club's Wheelchair project has 
delivered over 4,200 wheelchairs to Central American and African 
nations since 2003. Project Nino has provided medical services and 
treatment to children over the last 30 years in the small village of 
Santiago de Tautla, Mexico, and has treated over 100,000 patients since 
1985. The ``WAPI'' Water Purification project has delivered countless 
solar cookers and water treatment devices throughout the world. The 
Rotary Club of Fresno has also contributed over $1.2 million to the 
Rotary International Foundation in support of its worldwide 
humanitarian efforts to eradicate polio, and improve people's lives.
  Members of the Fresno Rotary continue to dedicate themselves to 
community development and involvement. Whether it's organizing a city 
wide Boy Scout Council, or holding an annual Christmas party at the 
senior citizens home, or providing scholarships for students to pay for 
college. The Fresno Rotary has made a strong impact in our community, 
and has enriched the quality of life for many residents throughout the 
Central Valley.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the 
House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the Rotary Club of 
Fresno as they celebrate its 100th anniversary and prepare to continue 
to provide outstanding leadership through the Central Valley, the State 
of California, and our Nation.

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