Celebrating 50 years of service above self
As most pivotal moments in history have their roots, this one began with a ‘what if?’ What if a group of business and civic leaders formed an organization that would work as a team to serve their community?
The notion that these men could work together to give back to the community that had served them so well individually sparked the founding of Pell City Rotary Club, a story of service that has unfolded over the past 50 years.
Just take a look around, and Rotary’s good works are easy to spot. The new park benches throughout historic downtown are courtesy of Rotary. So is the cutting-edge recording studio for Museum of Pell City’s Living History program.
Dozens of students have furthered their education with college scholarship awarded by the club, and the Sheriffs Boys Ranch has a new home and more because of Rotary’s efforts. The Love Pantry’s shelves are stocked for feeding those in need, and the Children’s Place Child Advocacy Center comforts children at their most vulnerable moments in life.
Those in need of health care but unable to afford it, find it at St. Clair Community Clinic, yet another entity supported by Rotary.
The list is seemingly endless. Good causes – large and small – have Rotary’s helping hand behind them. Echoing through the heart of it all is the club’s motto, “Service Above Self.”
“That’s why we do what we do,” said President Kelly Furgerson, who represents a continuation of a part of the club’s history herself. Rotary was once a ‘men only’ club. June Brascho broke the gender barrier as the first woman member and later president in the 1990s, and Furgerson follows in her footsteps as the sixth.
“It is an honor to serve in the community in which we live,” said Furgerson. “Each day, we have an opportunity to do good individually and together as a club. The Pell City Rotary Club is made up of people of action who want to make our amazing community better one project at a time.”
How do they do what they do?
Rotary works beyond its own boundaries, bringing the community together to further its good causes. The money raised through these events provides the foundation for so many worthwhile projects throughout the community.
The Father-Daughter Dance is one of the most anticipated events of the year with daddies and daughters making lifetime memories on their special ‘date night.’ Led by Rotarians Blair Goodgame and Meg Clements, the dance venue is magically transformed into its colorful, imaginative theme, whether it be Candyland, fairy tales or lighting up the festivities with Glow Crazy.
The club’s tennis tournament in October each year could be called ‘spooktacular.’ Just in time for Halloween volunteers and competitors dress up for the occasion, making it a fun time for all. Meg Clements leads the effort.
Rotary’s Ray Cox Memorial Golf Tournament brings golfers, sponsors and volunteers together in a fun, sporting event at Pell City Country Club that continues a longstanding tradition of 42 years of service. Joe Paul Abbott heads this major fundraiser that has made so many charitable projects possible.
New to Rotary is the Jingle Bell 5K Run and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk. Led by Rotarian Bill Ellison, this event raised $65,000 in 2023 to help build a new home at St. Clair Sheriffs Boys Ranch. Set for Dec. 14, the run is through Pell City Lakeside Park and this year, it will set its sights on raising funds for Boys Ranch and a number of other charities throughout the community.
Why join?
Rotary continues to grow its membership roll, seeking business, government and civic representatives to join their movement to make their community a better place.
It’s all about community service – seeing a need, rolling up your sleeves and working to fill it. That’s Pell City Rotary Club, Where Leaders Meet. l
Editor’s Note: If you’re interested in learning more about Rotary or applying for membership, go to: pellcityrotary.org.
