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In September 1925, C.W. Seiberling, of the Barberton Club and and District Governor Leonard Skeggs undertook the effort to charter a Rotary Club in Wadsworth. On October 5, 1925 the Rotary Club of Wadsworth organized its first meeting with 19 charter members from local businesses. At one time the club grew to 75 members and today we have a mighty group of 19 wonderful members who are remarkably active.
Several of our members represent the 3rd and even 4th generation of Rotarians in their families, underscoring the deep roots of service in Wadsworth. Among our most distinguished members was Dwight Patterson, who served with Rotary International from 1947 until his retirement in 1974.
A $100,000 FUNDRAISING GOAL!
In honor of 100 years of service, instead of just celebrating internally, the club launched a $100,000 fundraising to give back to the community over a four-year period to support:
- a new Safety Town Village ($40,000)
- a new Salvation Army building ($40,000)
- adding park benches to local parks ($20,000)
Half of the goal has been met, and the club is actively working to raise the remaining $50,000 through the Parade of Flags program, donations, and events. We expect to reach our goal a year early and present the remaining $50,000 at our 100th anniversary event.
A SPECIAL CELEBRATION
We are holding our 100th anniversary event and fundraiser on Tuesday, October 14th at the Birdseye Barn Western Star located on Greenwich Road from 6:00 p.m. To 9:00 p.m. We will have a dinner and auction along with Jim Tressel as our keynote speaker. The cost of a ticket is $100 (tickets are limited). Join us to celebrate our 100th Anniversary! Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased through our website www.wadsworthrotary.org or through a Wadsworth Rotarian.Tickets to the event are $100 per person.
We are holding our 100th anniversary event and fundraiser on Tuesday, October 14th at the Birdseye Barn Western Star located on Greenwich Road from 6:00 p.m. To 9:00 p.m. We will have a dinner and auction along with Jim Tressel as our keynote speaker. The cost of a ticket is $100 (tickets are limited). Join us to celebrate our 100th Anniversary! Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased through our website www.wadsworthrotary.org or through a Wadsworth Rotarian.Tickets to the event are $100 per person.
OUR SIGNATURE PROJECTS
The Parade of Flags program provides community-wide recognition, and we make an environmental impact through our annual shredding event we have been hosting since 2020 partnering with the city and local shredding company. The city helps us promote the event by including information on their website and utility bill inserts. Subscribers can also purchase Veteran Honor Plaques, adding a personal tribute to the display. This project is both a visible symbol of service and a steady fundraiser.
The Parade of Flags program provides community-wide recognition, and we make an environmental impact through our annual shredding event we have been hosting since 2020 partnering with the city and local shredding company. The city helps us promote the event by including information on their website and utility bill inserts. Subscribers can also purchase Veteran Honor Plaques, adding a personal tribute to the display. This project is both a visible symbol of service and a steady fundraiser.
In addition, the Club is visible in the community with a prominent role in Wadsworth Blue Tip Festival Parade, a community signature event.
Members are committed to youth and education through high school scholarships, the 4-Way Test Speech Contest.
We are exploring initiatives to grow membership and improve retention – we want to continue our club's legacy of service.
HOW TO REACH US
The club can be reached through the 2025-2026 President of the club Terri Whitlam at 330-807-3369 or Past President Tim Manion at 330-730-8279. Also, reach us through our website www.wadsworthrotary.org, and through Facebook - Wadsworth Rotary Club.