The Rotary Club of Toms River
    Rotary is an international organization of more than one million two hundred thousand service minded business and professional leaders throughout the world.  There are over 28 thousand Rotary Clubs in 173 nations, including recently formed clubs in the former Soviet Union, all of which comprise Rotary International, with headquarters in Evanston, Illinois.  Rotary was founded in 1905 by Paul Harris, a Chicago attorney, who wanted to encourage among his business acquaintances the fellowship he had known in his boyhood days in a small town in Vermont.  Today, Rotary Clubs throughout the world host numerous programs designed to serve the community, promote youth activities and build international good will.
    Rotary International, in addition to numerous programs, sponsors a group study exchange for business people throughout the world, and is active in Preserve Planet Earth Program, sponsors youth exchange programs and, through the Rotary International Foundation, provides scholarships and educational awards totaling over $50 million annually.
    Among the most notable undertakings by Rotary International is the campaign "Polio Plus".  Through the efforts of Rotary, over $250 million in pledges and contributions have been raised to purchase vaccines to eradicate polio and other crippling diseases for more than 490 million children.  Presently, more than 150 countries have been declared polio free.
      The Rotary Club of Toms River has a rich and proud history in the Toms River area, spanning 60 years.  Since its Charter Night, April 23, 1951, the Rotary Club of Toms River has raised over $1,000,000 which has been dedicated to numerous charities and community projects in the Toms River area.  Our annual Scholarship program has provided assistance to needy and deserving young men and women from the four area high schools.
    Perhaps one of the most significant programs which the Rotary Club of Toms River has undertaken is a project world-wide in scope, establishing an Internet hook up between schools in Russia and the United States.  Although initially intended to hook up with the Toms River Schools, school systems as far away as California have requested to be included in this project which is bound to have a significant impact on the relations between the two countries.
    The Rotary Club of Toms River is proud to announce the establishment in 1998 of an Interact Club consisting of young men and women at Monsignor Donovan High School.  Participation in Interact provides and opportunity for these students to experience leadership, become acquainted with businesses and professions in the Toms River area, and become involved with the Rotary Club of Toms River by helping those in need in the community.
    Sailfest, a charity sailboat regatta, together with our growing Street Fair and Shore Party, attracts participants from throughout the tri-state area and beyond.