PROCLAMATION
COMMEMORATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF FORT BRAGG
WHEREAS, the Rotary Club of Fort Bragg was chartered on December 9, 1950, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Willits, with Ray Shannon serving as its first president, and twenty-one charter members dedicated to the ideal of "Service Above Self"; and
WHEREAS, the Rotary Club of Fort Bragg was founded on the principles established by Paul Harris, who started the first Rotary Club in Chicago in 1905, with the motto "Service Above Self - He Profits Most Who Serves Best" WHEREAS, the Rotary Club of Fort Bragg, and its members, strive to follow the Four-Way Test that determines the things Rotarians think, do, and say: Is it the Truth? Is it Fair to all concerned? Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships? Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?; and
WHEREAS, the Rotary Club of Fort Bragg has upheld the Object of Rotary to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise, particularly through the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service; high ethical standards in business and professions; the application of the ideal of service in personal, business, and community life; and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace; and
WHEREAS, throughout its 75-year history, the Rotary Club of Fort Bragg has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to youth services, establishing scholarship programs as early as 1953 and continuing this tradition by establishing the Rotary Club of Fort Bragg Scholarship Fund, Inc. in 1977-78 under the leadership of President Allan Carlson which has awarded $250,000 in scholarships since 2006 alone; and
WHEREAS, the Rotary Club of Fort Bragg has consistently supported youth through sponsorship of youth activities including Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, Little League teams, baseball tournaments, wrestling tournaments, student exchange programs, and the Rotary Youth Leadership Assembly (RYLA), demonstrating the club's enduring dedication to developing future leaders; and
WHEREAS, the Rotary Club of Fort Bragg has made significant contributions to community development, including spearheading the formation of the Mendocino Coast District Hospital in 1964-65 under the leadership of President Alvern C. Sawin, whose hospital committee took the initial steps in assessing the community's needs for modern and improved hospital facilities, leading to voter approval and construction of the district hospital; and WHEREAS, the Rotary Club of Fort Bragg has partnered with the Mendocino Sports Foundation in raising funds to build the Timberwolf Stadium, a facility which benefits the entire community via sporting events, graduation ceremonies and community gatherings;
WHEREAS, the Rotary Club of Fort Bragg has consistently supported community service projects including the annual Trunk or Treat at Halloween, Salmon Barbeque Corn Shcuking, Paul Bunyan Days parade organization, Senior Center improvements, construction of school bus shelters, installation of smoke alarms for senior citizens, tree planting along Main Street, and numerous other initiatives that have enhanced the quality of life for Fort Bragg residents; and
WHEREAS, the Rotary Club of Fort Bragg has demonstrated international service through participation in Rotary International's Polio Plus campaign, hosting foreign exchange students and Group Study Exchange teams from countries around the world, supporting international humanitarian projects, and contributing to the Rotary Foundation, becoming a 100% contributor to the Foundation as early as 1953-54 under President Carl Sauer; and
WHEREAS, the Rotary Club of Fort Bragg has fostered fellowship and professional development among its members through weekly meetings, social events, vocational service initiatives, and the recognition of outstanding service through the Paul Harris Fellow designation and the Rotarian of the Year Award; and
WHEREAS, over its 75-year history, the Rotary Club of Fort Bragg has been led by 72 dedicated presidents and countless board members and committee chairs who have worked diligently to initiate projects, continue those that were started previously, investigate new possibilities, and strive generally to build a better organization and community; and
WHEREAS, the Rotary Club of Fort Bragg has grown from its original 21 charter members to become a vibrant organization that continues to attract business and professional leaders dedicated to the ideal of service, with numerous members achieving the distinction of Paul Harris Fellow status through their generous contributions to the Rotary Foundation;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jason Godeke, Mayor of the City of Fort Bragg, on behalf of the entire City Council, do hereby proclaim that the City Council of the City of Fort Bragg hereby recognizes and commends the Rotary Club of Fort Bragg on the occasion of its 75th Anniversary for its outstanding contributions to the Fort Bragg community, its dedication to the ideal of "Service Above Self," and its positive impact on the lives of countless citizens through its service projects, youth programs, and international initiatives.
BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that the City of Fort Bragg extends its sincere appreciation to all past and present members of the Rotary Club of Fort Bragg for their selfless service, leadership, and commitment to improving our community and the world.
ATTEST: SIGNED this 27th day of October, 2025
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JASON GODEKE, Mayor
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Diana Paoli, City Clerk
No. 27-2025