ROTARY IS BUILT UPON A RICH
HISTORY
AND A SOLID FOUNDATION OF SERVICE
FOUDNED IN 1905, BY ATTORNEY PAUL HARRIS
“If Rotary is to realize its proper destiny, it must be evolutionary at all times and revolutionary on occasions”
– Paul Harris, Rotary Founder
OUR BRIEF HISTORY
MEMPHIS CENTRAL
It was on June 19, 1975, that a new club with 25 new members was organized as the second Rotary
Club in Memphis/Shelby County to be named the Rotary Club of Whitehaven (in District 6800). In 1990,
the Club petitioned and received approval from Rotary International to change the name to the Rotary
Club of Memphis South. Then, in spring of 2001, the Club again petitioned and received approval from
Rotary International to change its name to the Rotary Club of Memphis Central. This request, which
more accurately reflects the geographic location of the Club, was granted.
Memphis Central has always been a very active Club and has frequently been recognized by District 6800 for outstanding performance. For many years, Memphis Central maintained the highest number of Rotarians with “perfect attendance”. In 2002 Memphis Central had 15 members with “100% perfect attendance”. As a result, Memphis Central was known as one of the most active and generous clubs in
District 6800. In the first 25 years (1975-2000), Memphis Central had awarded more than 85 Paul Harris Medals to members. That means that at least $1,000 was donated to the Rotary International Foundation in the name of each member. In addition, Memphis Central has three D6800 District Governors amongst our members.
Activity and creativity were the goals of Memphis Central. In 1976, after just one year of existence, Memphis Central gave its first Scholarship Award to a high school senior going off to college. In 1980, one of our members, Brick Brickell, organized our first Leadership and Free Enterprise Event (which evolved into the D6800 Rotary Youth Leadership Award Event by 1982). In 1985, Lee Whipple and Leroy Dahler came up with the idea of presenting Character Achievement Awards to recognize and encourage students who have demonstrated achievement and leadership while having to overcome significant life obstacles. Since 2012 Memphis Central has shared in leadership role on the Gift of Life Board. Several local and international projects have also been sponsored by Memphis Central over the last 47 years.
WHY
ROTARY?
Local clubs, like the Rotary Club of Memphis Central, are the heart of Rotary. At weekly meetings, members catch up with friends, hear what’s happening in our communities, and share plans, and exchange ideas for creating lasting change.
A connection with the Rotary Club of Memphis Central gives you the chance to develop skills like public speaking, project management, and event planning. You’ll meet interesting people from the Mid-South community and around the world. And you’ll tackle local and international issues that are important to you and your fellow club members.
LEADERSHIP + BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Shera Cantrell
President
Brian Callies
Vice President
Crystal Riddle
Secretary
Patricia Milan-Shores
Treasurer
Robert D. Harris
Sergeant At Arms
Antonio Hinton
Board of Directors
Johnican Coleman
Board of Directors
Lanell Smith
Board of Directors
Sandra Walls
Board Of Directors
