The Paul Harris Society is named after Paul P. Harris, founder of Rotary International. Paul Harris formed the world's first service club, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on 23 February 1905.  His intention was to recapture in a professional club the same friendly spirit he had felt in the small towns of his youth.  Today, Paul Harris Society contributions to The Rotary Foundation support a wide range of humanitarian grants and educational programs that enable Rotarians to bring hope and promote international understanding throughout the world.

The Paul Harris Society is a special district recognition program designed for Rotarians who wish to support The Rotary Foundation in a more substantial way each year.  The Paul Harris Society recognizes Rotarians and friends of The Rotary Foundation who annually contribute US$1,000 or more to the annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus, and PolioPlus Partners, or the Humanitarian Grants Program.  Congratulations to Barry Connor, Bluffton Rotary's newest Paul Harris Society member.