The Las Vegas Rotary Club Celebrates 100 Years

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The Las Vegas Rotary Club celebrated its 100th anniversary with a special event held at the historic Fifth Street School in downtown Las Vegas on April 1st. The event was attended by members of the club, distinguished guests including Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony, and members of the community. Founded in 1923, the club is dedicated to civic and community service, supporting thousands of organizations  and donating millions to Las Vegas-based service efforts.

Throughout the evening, guests had the opportunity to learn more about the club's achievements over the past 100 years, as well as its current initiatives and goals for the future. Through its annual Santa Clothes program, the club has donated over $1.6 million in goods and services to more than 6,300 local children in need during the holiday season, providing at risk children with new clothes.

When the program launched 27 years ago, it provided clothes for 35 children with a budget of $5,000. Last year, the organization shopped for 348 children on a $114,000 budget. The 2022 event was in partnership with its sponsors Engelstad Foundation, Speedway Children’s Charities and all of the Southern Nevada RotaryClubs.

“The program has become a tradition for our Club, as it has grown into our most significant and successful annual charitable giving program,” said Caty Crockett, president of the Las Vegas RotaryClub. “Helping spread joy to children in need during the holidays is a gift to each of us. Giving back to our community and local children is at the core foundation of our values, which is why our goal is to always lend a helping hand wherever we can.”

Nevada Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony spoke passionately about the impact that the Las Vegas Rotary Club has had on the community and thanked the members for their dedication and commitment to service over the years. Keynote speaker Jack Sheehan conducted a presentation about the history of Las Vegas and his book "Quiet Kingmaker of Las Vegas: E. Parry Thomas".

The event also featured a silent auction, with proceeds going towards the club's ongoing charitable projects. One of the many service organizations the club has supported is the Salvation Army. Last year, over $20,000 was donated to their food pantry, which equates to 200,000 cans of food benefiting those in need.

In honor of its centennial anniversary, the club has donated $104,000 to The Smith Center, extending its educational efforts in support of local youth across five programs for the next two years. The evening concluded with live music and entertainment.