ABOUT US

OUR HISTORY

The Rotary Club of Naples Bay is a member of Rotary International, a global service organization founded in 1905 in Chicago, Illinois by Paul Harris and three fellow businessmen. Our club was established on March 10, 1973 as the Rotary Club of Naples East, with sponsorship from the Rotary Clubs of Naples and North Naples. Charter Night was held on April 17, 1973 at the Golden Gate Inn, where District Governor Joe Seldon, Jr. formally presented the charter. Fred Gartz served as the club’s Charter President, leading a group of approximately twenty two local professionals and businessmen who laid the foundation for a lasting service organization.

Over the years, the club has met at several notable locations throughout Naples and has maintained a strong commitment to community and international service. Early charitable efforts included support for the United Way, Youth Haven, scholarships for Lely High School seniors, restoration of the Bayfront Park playground, international dental hygiene projects in South America, and disaster relief for victims in India. The club’s primary fundraisers have included golf tournaments, Christmas auctions, and celebrity roasts, with most proceeds benefiting student scholarships.

On January 1, 1998, the club was renamed the Rotary Club of Naples Bay, a change later ratified by Rotary International. The club continues to uphold Rotary’s Four Avenues of Service through elected leadership and an active Board of Directors. A formal mission statement adopted on July 1, 2004 reaffirmed these values and set a clear course for continued service, fellowship, and community impact.

OUR MISSION

The Rotary Club of Naples Bay is an organization of business and professional persons, part of a worldwide network of Rotary Clubs, defined by the ideal of humanitarian service.

The Rotarians of Naples Bay are committed to the universal application of tolerance, friendliness, and humanitarian service in all aspects of their lives, both as club members and on an individual basis. The club provides direct services to various organizations in the Greater Naples community and raises funds for philanthropic purposes, supporting both local and worldwide projects.

BECOME A MEMBER

Around the world and around the corner, the 1.2 million men and women of Rotary:

Get involved in their communities
Connect with other professionals
Share their time and experience with young people
Support global causes, such as eradicating polio
Use their skills to help others

Whether you’re a veteran volunteer or new to community service, we’re looking for people like you. Maybe you’ve seen a need in your own community and wondered how you could help. Maybe you want to use your professional skills to help others — or even learn new skills. Maybe you’re seeking connections with other service-minded professionals in your community or abroad. Whatever your reason, joining Rotary can help you achieve these goals, and so much more.

Besides the great Fellowship, you can enjoy lunch, help your community, and enjoy speakers on a variety of topics and get the know the Rotary Way.