Nearly 100 community members gathered at the Davis Veterans Memorial Center on Oct. 4 to celebrate the Rotary Club of Davis’ 100th anniversary with an evening of history, fellowship and recognition of its service to the community.
Live guitar music by Ashwut Rodriguez welcomed guests, while nearly 600 Rotary exchange banners displayed connections between the Davis club and Rotary clubs around the world. Historical displays traced a century of local projects and the people who helped carry them out.
Master of ceremonies Dave Scheiber welcomed guests and introduced speakers, including U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, state Sen. Chris Cabaldon and Davis Mayor Donna Neville. Each congratulated the club and recognized Rotary’s contributions to Davis. Club President Donna Prebys received proclamations from the U.S. Congress and California Senate honoring its century of service.
After dinner catered by Simply Satisfied Catering, Michael Peterson presented a look back at the club’s first 100 years.
Its accomplishments include construction of the Boy Scout Cabin in 1927; landscaping at Davis High School, Central Park and the UC Davis Arboretum; delivery of Meals on Wheels; and replacement of smoke detector batteries for seniors. The club also sponsored the formation of the Rotary Club of Davis-Sunrise and the Davis Rotary Sunset Club.
A 20-question trivia challenge tested guests’ knowledge of club history. Teams compared answers, consulted the historical timeline and drew on clues from the evening’s speeches, prompting both friendly competition and shared memories.
Blue-and-gold cupcakes reflected Rotary’s signature colors. In her closing remarks, Prebys outlined her vision for the club’s second century, emphasizing the importance of building on its legacy while finding new ways to serve Davis.
Members gathered for photographs, and guests took home sunflower centerpieces donated by Strelitzia Flower Company. The evening celebrated a century of friendships and community contributions, with Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” guiding the club into its next 100 years. For more information about the club and membership, go to www.rotaryclubof davis.com
Rotary Club of Davis Celebrates 100 Years of Service
