By Christine Price
Columnist
Amidst all the stress, anxiety, craziness and bad news, my goal is to spotlight and share the good news in our community.
Some organizations come and go, but a few stand the test of time.
On April 25, the Rotary Club of Painesville will celebrate an extraordinary milestone: 100 years of service. “A Century of Service,” a formal fundraiser, will be held at the Banquet Center at St. Noel, 35200 Chardon Road in Willoughby Hills.
When the doors open at 6 p.m., guests dressed in formal attire will walk a red carpet to begin an evening honoring a century of community impact.
For 100 years, the Rotary Club of Painesville has quietly and consistently lived up to Rotary’s motto, “service above self.”
Fun at the fundraiser
According to event chairs Sue and Bob Fratino, guests can look forward to plenty of opportunities for fun throughout the evening while raising funds for the community.
The popular basket raffle will feature items such as a bourbon basket, golf passes, a martini-themed basket and gift cards to many local restaurants.
And just one lucky ticket can win a unique experience – either tea at the historic home of the president of Lake Erie College or an exciting airplane ride.
Attendees can also take part in a 50/50 raffle and the always-entertaining Heads or Tails game.
Back by popular demand is the Dessert Run, where guests will have the chance to dash for their favorite sweet treat before someone else claims it.
Capturing the highlights of the evening will be local photographer and podcaster Tom Szabo, who will be on hand documenting the celebration.
“For 100 years, the Rotary Club of Painesville has been dedicated to living out Rotary’s motto of ‘service above self,’” said Rotary President Dan Garry. “This celebration is not just about our past, but about continuing to serve our community for the next 100 years.”
History of the Rotary Club of Painesville
The club, the oldest Rotary club in Lake County, was officially chartered on June 11, 1926, as Club #2390. With guidance from the Rotary Club of Cleveland, 20 local business and professional leaders came together to form the organization, creating a group dedicated to improving their community through service and fellowship. Gordon Meek served as the club’s first president.
Service has always been at the heart of the organization. In the early years, the club supported organizations such as American Field Service, Junior Achievement, the YMCA, the Northeast Ohio Heart Society, the Lake County Society for Crippled Children and the World Affairs Institute.
One of the club’s most visible and long-running traditions celebrates the arts. More than 50 years ago, Rotarian Robert Tischer created the annual Rotary Drama Awards program to recognize high school theater students. Judged by members of the Painesville and Mentor Rotary Clubs, the awards continue today, celebrating student talent in music and drama programs throughout the area.
The Rotary Club of Painesville has also helped expand Rotary’s presence locally. In 1967, the club sponsored the formation of the Rotary Club of Mentor, which was chartered on May 22 of that year.
Hands-on service
Beyond fundraising, Rotary members are hands-on in their service. On the third Tuesday of each month, in partnership with St. James Episcopal Church, club members prepare and serve hot meals to individuals experiencing homelessness. The effort provides not only nourishment but also meaningful human connection for both volunteers and guests.
The club also partners with the Salvation Army of Painesville during the annual Back-to-School Bash, helping distribute backpacks and school supplies to Lake County students. During the holiday season, members adopt local families, providing food, clothing and gifts. They also volunteer as bell ringers for the Salvation Army.
The effect of these efforts continues to grow. In 2024 alone, the Rotary Club of Painesville donated more than $24,000 to charitable organizations. In 2025, members also dedicated a commemorative bench honoring Dr. Don Lucker, a U.S. Air Force veteran and Rotarian for more than 50 years.
While much has changed since 1926, the club’s purpose remains the same: neighbors helping neighbors and strengthening the community they call home.
The Rotary Club of Painesville meets every Tuesday at noon at the Lake County Historical Society, 415 Riverside Drive in Painesville.
For tickets to the event, contact Dan Garry at 440-223-7755. For more information, visit painesvillerotary.org or the Rotary Club of Painesville Facebook page.
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