The Rotary Club of La Quinta received its charter in 1987. It came about as a result of eight local business and professional La Quinta citizens wanting their own club. In early 1987, the Governor's Special Representative, Ronald L. Kiedrowski and the following other individuals, Larry Allen, Bill Hoyle, Jim Montgomery, Howard Nelson, Fred Rice (who designed our logo), Arthur Schiff and Bud Ward, (all members of the Indian Wells/La Quinta Rotary Club), met in City Hall to begin the planning of the La Quinta Rotary Club.
Original planning called for the formation of the new club within the next eight to ten months, but when it became known that District Governor E.M. (Ed) Cleve was just one club away from setting an international record for most new clubs formed in one year, the provisional group decided to step things up. On June 26, 1987, the La Quinta Rotary Club was chartered.
The Club was formed with 36 members, partly from the Indian Wells/La Quinta Club. Since that time, La Quinta Rotary has averaged between 45 and 60 members. The club is a friendly group where everyone knows everyone personally.
The La Quinta Rotary Club immediately decided to be a local supporter, and over the years, has donated thousands of dollars to the Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA, sports teams, the Senior Center, self-help groups, and the City. College scholarships have been a big part of the Club. Community service projects have included work for The Main Street Marketplace, The La Quinta Arts Festival, and Oktoberfest, and assist various other Desert charities.
Attendance at meetings is very important. Membership in this, as in all Rotary Clubs, is dependent on a consistent record of meeting attendance at the home club, in a neighboring club, or an on-line club. 60% of meetings must be attended at the home club.
If you would like to learn more about our Club and its service to our community and the world, come visit us at noon on Friday for lunch at the Cliffhouse Restaurant on Highway 111 in La Quinta.