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About Pekin Rotary

Service Above Self Since 1920

For more than 100 years, Pekin Rotary has brought people together to serve our community, build relationships and create lasting change.

Black and white photo postcard showing the front of the Tazewell Hotel in Pekin, Illinois

OUR STORY

A Century of Service to Pekin

The Pekin Rotary Club was founded in 1920 by a group of local business and professional leaders who believed in the power of community and the importance of service.

Since that day, our club has remained committed to the Rotary motto “Service Above Self.” Through every decade, we’ve worked to meet the needs of Pekin and beyond – today and for generations to come.

What is Rotary?

Rotary is where neighbors, friends and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders, and take action to create lasting change by providing service to others, promoting integrity, and advancing world understanding, goodwill and peace.

Solving real problems takes real effort, commitment, and vision. Rotarians work to protect communities from preventable diseases, keep women and children healthy, improve education and economic outcomes, create safe water and sanitation infrastructure, and make our community and the world a more peaceful place.

The heart of Rotary is our members, dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship.

OUR MISSION

What Drives Us

We are people of action who create lasting change – across Pekin and around the world – by providing service to others, promoting integrity, and advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

Fellowship

Building meaningful relationships and network of leaders.

Integrity

Upholding high ethical standards in all we say and do.

Diversity

Welcoming people from all backgrounds and professions.

Service

Using our talents and resources to improve our community.

THE FOUR-WAY TEST

Of the things we think, say or do:

Is it the TRUTH?

Is it FAIR to all concerned?

Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

2026-2027 LEADERSHIP

Our Club Leadership

Our club is led by dedicated Rotarians who volunteer their time and talents to guide our mission and serve our community.

Anna Green

President

Gary Gillis

Interim Secretary

Paul Scherer

Treasurer

Dean Cooper

Past President