The Allentown Rotary Club has been inspiring change and giving back to the Lehigh Valley community and internationally for over 100 years.

According to Rosaria Stoops, president of the Allentown Rotary Club, the first meeting of the club was held April 10, 1914, in the former Hotel Allen located at 1 N. Seventh St., Allentown.

“Richard W. Iobst, the first president, presided over a meeting of eight men (seven members and one clergyman),” Stoops said. “Iobst was an attorney and (later) a Lehigh County judge. He believed in service to his community and gathered together like-minded men interested in becoming part of the new service club.”

Reading and Harrisburg had already formed Rotary Clubs, Stoops said.

“The very first Rotary Club was started because of the vision of Paul Harris,” Stoops said. “He was a Chicago attorney who formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on Feb. 23, 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.”

The Allentown Rotary Club is a member of Rotary International, a worldwide network of 1.4 million members in 45,000 clubs, she said.

“We are part of Rotary District 7430, that encompasses 45 clubs and boasts a membership of over 1,700 Rotary members across five counties: Bucks, Montgomery, Berks, Lehigh and Northampton,” Stoops added.

“When Rotary first started, it was originally formed for fellowship,” she explained. “Its core purpose was to provide a space for professionals to exchange ideas, form friendships and give back to their communities.”

She said these first clubs quickly evolved to use the talents and resources of its members to serve the community and those core values are still paramount today.

Rotary members adhere to the guiding principle of “Service Above Self,” Stoops said.

“Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges,” she said. “Rotary connects 1.2 million members from more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Our work impacts lives at both the local and international levels.

“The Allentown Rotary Club is comprised of community-minded individuals who engage in impactful projects to make our community stronger.”

The club provides members and guests the opportunity to hear interesting and thought-provoking speakers and it offers various events so members and their families can enjoy friendships and good times together,” Stoops said.

She said some of the things the club is involved with include volunteer activities and scholarships.

“We consider many organizations, schools and government entities as partners and participate in a variety of meaningful and impactful activities with them,” Stoops said.

“Some of the work we have undertaken in the community involves delivering meals for Meals on Wheels, distributing backpacks with school supplies at the Salvation Army, running the Good Shepherd Home’s Monte Carlo night, distributing refreshments at the Allentown School District’s Romper Day, staffing tents at Mayfair Festival of the Arts, planting trees in Allentown parks and for the Wildlands Conservancy, building a fountain for the City of Allentown and housing for Habitat for Humanity, … to name just a few.”

Stoops said since 1991, the Allentown Rotary Club has provided almost $400,000 in Roger and Louise Mullin scholarships to outstanding high school students in Allentown attending a 4-year not-for-profit accredited college or university.

“These scholarships are renewable for four years and awarded based on an applicant’s community service, leadership skills, financial need, academic achievement and interview skills,” she explained. “Scholarships are awarded annually.”

Stoops added a large component of the club’s history involves advancing education and leadership skills.

“In addition to the Roger and Louise Mullin Scholarships and grants for educational endeavors, we have provided items such as dictionaries, educational rockets and computers to students in the Allentown School District,” she said. “Our club also invests in Camp Neidig, a summer leadership camp for high school students and STEM YEA, a science camp for middle school students.”

Many local government and nonprofit organizations have been the recipient of grants from the Allentown Rotary Club, she said.

“Grants are typically awarded annually. From funding for basic needs such as clothing and food, to the purchase of dental supplies for needy families, our club has touched the lives of many thousands of families through our community grants program,” Stoops said.

She said some organizations who recently received grants are the Da Vinci Science Center, the Boys and Girls Club of Allentown, Lehigh Carbon Community College Foundation, Lehigh Conference of Churches, Community Bike Works, Perfect Fit for Women, Salvation Army, Allentown School District Foundation, and the City of Allentown Canine Unit.

Stoops said as part of a global organization, the Allentown Rotary Club continually supports one of the Rotary International signature projects – Polio Plus – as well as an Rotary International partner, ShelterBox.

“Recent ShelterBox projects include providing supplies for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and the distribution of medical and essential needs to Haiti hurricane victims,” she said.

“Projects where we have partnered with other Rotary Clubs include the building of infrastructure and schools in Cambodia and Africa and eye and vision care in South Africa.

Allentown Rotary Club executives and directors include Stoops, Karen ElCharr, president elect, Donald Wieand, treasurer and community service, Julie Ambrose, secretary, Carl Henzelman, club foundation chair, Pete Smith, programs and Tyler Stalletti, public image, Stoops said.

In this current membership year, the Allentown Rotary Club has 43 members and meets noon Fridays in the Tompkins Center at Cedar Crest College, 100 College Drive, Allentown.

“The Allentown Rotary Cub welcomes individuals who are interested in becoming a new member,” Stoops said. “We welcome enthusiastic, service-driven individuals who want to make a difference.”

She said individuals interested in joining can attend a lunch meeting, a community service project or fellowship event.

“If interested, please email us at info@allentownrotary.org or talk to any club member to express interest,” Stoops said. “Prospective members should consult the ARC website at allentownrotary.org.”