WHY I AM A ROTARIAN:
DR. EDGAR D. (TED)
GIFFORD
OCTOBER 28, 2007
WWW.WHYIAM.ORG
 I
am a Rotarian because on August 8, 1958 I telephoned the Rotary
International Secretariat in Evanston, Illinois and spoke with
Beth Maveety of the Extension Department about the possibility
of organizing a Rotary club in La Grange, Illinois U.S.A.
Miss Maveety told me she would inform District 644 Governor
Mitchel P. Davis of my interest. I was inspired to make that
call because my uncle a Perth Amboy, New Jersey Rotarian who had
taken me to a meeting of his club in 1949, and my wife
Caroline's father and grandfather had been president of the
Manistee, Michigan, and charter member of the Red Creek, New
York Rotary clubs respectively.
On September 3rd, 1958 District 644 Extension Chairman Thor
Holter, and a former Rotarian and La Grange minister Russell
Kerr, met in my dental office. Four weeks later 27 La Grange
area business and professional men applied for a Rotary charter.
After Past Rotary President Herbert J. Taylor spoke about
"ROTARY PROGRESS WORLDWIDE" at our charter banquet on November
19, 1958 Chesley Perry (Rotary General Secretary 1910-42)
addressed our club about Rotary Global History, and Australian
Ambassadorial Scholar Brian Wiseman told us about his country
and impressions of the U.S.A. during early weeks of our club's
existence which made me realize what enriching and rewarding
opportunities Rotary membership provides.
For me it marked the onset of opportunities to assist others in
our community, and opened a doorway for worldwide involvement
and friendships with service-minded people.
Why am I still a Rotarian after 47 years? Why do I continue to
attend meetings and participate in other Rotary events?
Because I enjoy the fellowship and good feeling that exists at
meetings and other Rotary activities, but beyond that because I
consider myself fortunate to be involved in a progressive
organization that provides humanitarian services, encourages
ethical vocational standards, and promotes goodwill and
peace.
Dr. Edgar D. (Ted) Gifford
Charter President Rotary Club of La Grange 1958-"59
District 644 Governor 1964-'65
Director Rotary International l981-'83
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