History of the Rotary Club of East Moline/Silvis

The Rotary Club of East Moline-Silvis was founded October 1, 1919, guided by the Rock Island Rotary Club. East Moline became the 7th club to join District 6420. Over the Years The strength of the Club varied with the condition of the country. It reached a low of about 20 members in the depths of the depression, coming back strong later. The war, taking many prospects into service, restrained Club membership. In later years, with East Moline and Silvis both thriving, membership continually grew to an average of 130 members. In 2005, the Club's name was changed to Rotary Club of East Moline-Silvis to better reflect membership.

Service to the Community

The East Moline Rotary Club and its members have always concerned themselves with charitable efforts of all kinds. Dr. Harold Perlmutter of our Club was instrumental in establishing what is now known as the Academic Achievement Awards. The East Moline Rotary Club began this high school scholarship program which was later taken over by the Illinois Quad City Chamber of Commerce. Over the years we have sponsored many youth programs such as East Moline Youth Baseball, Jr. Panther Football and Jr. Panther Basketball. We have been strong supporters of United Township High School. We have sponsored the shuttle bus between South Campus and Soule Bowl and the Thanksgiving basketball tournaments. In 1984 Club member Willard Smith met with a fatal accident. A memorial fund was established in his name with proceeds contributed to the UTHS Hall of Fame Project. In 1998, the Club began a scholarship program, STRIVE, to motivate students in the lower third of the UTHS senior class. Two students received one-year scholarships to Black Hawk College, one paid for by the Club, one by the Black Hawk College Foundation. The STRIVE program was a huge success, due in large part to chairman Larry Johnson. In 1999, the Club received a $20,000 Children's Opportunities Grant from the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International to help the children of Gilda's Club, a cancer support community. Over the years our members have worked festivals, and held flea markets, we have entered floats in the 4th of July parade and Moonlight parade. One of the greatest compliments our Club was given was at one of these events. It was said that whenever there was a need or a worthwhile project, you will find Rotarians doing their part.

Service to Rotary

The objective of the Rotary Foundation is 'world understanding and peace through international charitable and educational programs'. East Moline Rotary has done their part in financing the Rotary Foundation. Each member who contributes $1,000 is designated a Paul Harris Fellow in. honor of our founder. There have been over a100 Paul Harris Fellows in the East Moline Rotary Club. A major goal of Rotarians is to eradicate polio. Work began on this effort in 1985. Today, polio is 99% eradicated from most of the world, but work still remains in a few areas.