What is Rotary?
We meet regularly to hear inspiring stories from engaging speakers, and to build lasting friendships among our members. We make it fun!
Founded in 1975, our club began with a simple yet powerful mission: to serve our community and make a lasting difference. What started as a small group of dedicated individuals has flourished into a dynamic organization that has touched thousands of lives across Summit County and beyond. Over the past five decades, we have partnered with and supported more than 100 local nonprofits, schools, and service programs, raising over $5 million to uplift those in need, empower youth, champion education, support health and wellness, and protect our environment.
From community dinners that feed local families to literacy programs, youth mentorships, scholarships, and international outreach, we have stood by our community every step of the way. This 50th Anniversary is more than just a celebration—it's a tribute to the power of community, compassion, and commitment. It's a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who has shared in our journey, from founding members to current volunteers, community partners to grant recipients. Most importantly, it's a launchpad for the next 50 years of doing good in the world, as we continue to live by our motto: Service Above Self.
About Colorado Rotary District 5450
Summit Rotary is proud to be part of Colorado Rotary District 5450, which spans from the eastern plains of Colorado to our majestic peaks here in Summit County. Our district includes more than 55 clubs throughout Colorado, each with its own distinct culture while sharing the common goal of bringing communities together and improving them.
As Rotarians, we've found our place among people who share our passion for helping others. Rotary offers more than just financial support - it provides opportunities to take direct action and amplify your community impact. Through our motto "Service Above Self," we work together to strengthen our local community while connecting to a global network of 1.2 million members worldwide.
Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, being a Rotarian means you're welcomed at clubs from Paris to Cape Town, Singapore to New York City. It's a volunteer organization that brings together people who want to serve others and make a difference.
Many people are natural Rotarians without knowing it. If you have a heart for helping others and want to multiply your community impact, we'd love to have you join us.
Rotary International
Rotary members have been addressing challenges around the world for over 110 years.
Rotary links 1.2 million members to form an organization of international scope. It started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas, form meaningful, lifelong friendships, and give back to their communities.
Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of its members.
"Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves."
Paul Harris
Rotary founder
Our ongoing commitment
Rotary members have not only been present for major events in history — we’ve also been a part of them. Three key traits have remained strong throughout our history:
We’re truly international. Only 16 years after being founded, Rotary had clubs on six continents. Today, members in nearly every country work to solve some of our world’s most challenging problems.
We persevere in tough times. During World War II, Rotary clubs in Austria, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain were forced to disband. Despite the risks, many continued to meet informally, and after the war, Rotary members came together to rebuild their clubs and their countries.
We’re committed to service, and we’re not afraid to dream big and set bold goals. We began our fight against polio in 1979 with a project to immunize 6 million children in the Philippines. Today, polio remains endemic in only three countries — down from 125 in 1988.