Celebrating 100 Years of Service:
The Rotary Club of Apopka 1927-2027

As the Rotary Club of Apopka approaches its 100th anniversary, the community pauses to honor a century of leadership, fellowship, and unwavering commitment to the motto “Service Above Self.” Since its founding on May 24, 1927, the club has been a driving force for ethical leadership, community improvement, youth development, and humanitarian outreach—locally, nationally, and around the world.

A Legacy Rooted in Community Leadership
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Orlando just 22 years after Rotary International began in Chicago, the Apopka club launched with 18 charter members including Carl J. Jackson, Elwood Kolbach, and Dr. Tommy McBride. Early meetings at the William Edwards Hotel set the tone for a club built on fellowship, integrity, and civic responsibility.
Over the decades, Apopka’s business, civic, and community leaders have shaped the club’s identity—volunteering their time, strengthening community partnerships, and modeling ethical leadership. As Apopka grew from a small agricultural town into a thriving city, the Rotary Club grew with it, becoming a recognized leader within Rotary District 6980.

Historic Impact at Home and Abroad
Throughout its history, the Rotary Club of Apopka has championed projects that enrich lives and strengthen communities. Early initiatives included sponsoring Little League, building youth centers, awarding scholarships, and participating in international goodwill trips—such as the club’s 1935 journey to Mexico City, where members earned a mileage trophy at the Rotary International Convention.
Globally, the club has supported Rotary’s signature humanitarian causes: literacy, clean water, disease prevention, and the worldwide effort to eradicate polio.

A Century of Community Partnership
Today, the Rotary Club of Apopka continues to invest deeply in the community. In partnership with the City of Apopka, the club proudly hosts two major family friendly events each year:
• The Apopka Fair – now celebrating 25 years
• The Fall Family Festival – more than a decade of community celebration
The club also sponsored and hosted the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, providing thousands of residents and students an opportunity to honor veterans and learn from history.
In addition, the club manages and maintains the electronic reader board at Park Avenue and Main Street—an ongoing service project that promotes civic events, nonprofit initiatives, and community messages viewed millions of times annually.

Leadership in Youth, Ethics, and Service
The Rotary Club of Apopka remains committed to developing future leaders. The club provides guidance and support for multiple Interact Clubs at local high schools and an EarlyAct Club at the elementary level, instilling Rotary values in the next generation.
The club also actively promotes the Four Way Test, encouraging ethical decision making in business, education, and community life.

Economic & Philanthropic Impact: 2025–2026 Rotary Year
During the most recent Rotary year, the club’s contributions reflect both the breadth and depth of its service:
• Over 47 local and national groups, organizations, and causes supported
• $56,000+ in direct charitable contributions (not including donations to the Rotary International Foundation)
• 10 RYLA Youth Leadership Scholarships awarded to area students
• 7 high school senior scholarships supporting college bound graduates
• Support for numerous elementary, middle, and high schools
• Contributions to organizations including:
o John Land Apopka Community Trust
o Gina McReynolds Foundation
o Warrior in Me
o Central Florida Scouting
o Local hunger relief initiatives
• $5,000 donated to Rotary District 5840 (Texas) to assist families impacted by catastrophic flash flooding during the July 4th weekend, where more than 27 lives were lost in Kerrville
These efforts represent only a portion of the club’s total impact, as members also volunteer countless hours in service projects, district support, event leadership, and community engagement.

Looking Toward the Next Century
As the Rotary Club of Apopka celebrates its 100th anniversary, it stands proudly on a foundation built by generations of dedicated Rotarians. The club remains committed to strengthening Apopka through volunteerism, philanthropy, youth leadership, and ethical service—and is energized by the possibilities of the next century.
The Centennial year is not only a celebration of the past, but a bold invitation to the future: to continue serving, continue leading, and continue making Apopka a stronger, more connected, and more compassionate community.