Service above self, Rotary Club of Elko

The Rotary Club of Elko, established in 1928, is a dedicated service organization committed to community enhancement and global goodwill. Members gather weekly to network, hear programs from various community groups, plan upcoming events, and work on upcoming service projects.

Service Projects and Community Involvement

The club actively participates in initiatives that align with Rotary’s areas of focus.  Locally, the Rotary Club of Elko engages in the annual "Green Up Clean Up Day" in collaboration with the City of Elko, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship. The club also emphasizes youth engagement by supporting student projects and sponsoring local students in Rotary Youth programs.

Major Service Project: Johnny Appleseed Park

Johnny Appleseed Park, located in Elko, Nevada, was inaugurated in May 1993. The park's creation was a community-driven effort, initiated by local attorney Orville Wilson, who was inspired by a similar park in Oregon. Local businesses and community members funded the construction, while volunteers contributed to building the park. The City of Elko and the local Rotary Club have since partnered to maintain the park, ensuring it remains a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike.

Spanning 4.9 acres across from the main City Park, Johnny Appleseed Park features a large barbecue area, two covered picnic spaces, and expansive horseshoe pits. A highlight is "Big Orv's Playground," a substantial wooden play structure that offers children a variety of activities, including swings, slides, climbing towers, and a climbing wall.

The park's name honors John Chapman, known as Johnny Appleseed, a historical figure celebrated for planting apple trees across the American Midwest. This tribute reflects the community's dedication to preserving history, promoting outdoor spaces, and fostering togetherness. Johnny Appleseed Park stands as a testament to Elko's commitment to providing recreational areas that celebrate both local heritage and communal collaboration.

2024 Bench Project

In 2024, the Rotary Club of Elko partnered with the Rotary Club of Elko Desert Sunrise for a bench installation project in Spring Creek, Nevada. This initiative involved collaboration with multiple local organizations to enhance community spaces. The project was featured in local media, highlighting the club's ongoing commitment to service above self.

Events Hosted

A signature event organized by the club is the annual Robin Hood Renaissance Faire, held in September. This event serves as both a community gathering and a fundraising opportunity to support the club's various service projects. The upcoming faire is scheduled for September 13 & 14, 2025, at the Lions Club Camp Lamoille.  Learn more about upcoming Festivals here https://nvrenfaire.com/

About Rotary International

Rotary International is a global humanitarian organization founded on February 23, 1905, by attorney Paul P. Harris in Chicago, Illinois. The initial meeting included Harris and three business acquaintances: Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram E. Shorey. They formed the Rotary Club of Chicago to foster fellowship among business professionals. The name "Rotary" was derived from the practice of rotating meetings among members' offices.

Over time, Rotary's mission expanded to include humanitarian service, and it has grown into an international organization with over 1.4 million members in more than 46,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary International focuses on promoting integrity, advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. One of Rotary’s most significant global initiatives has been its fight against polio. Since launching PolioPlus in 1985, Rotary has helped reduce polio cases worldwide by 99.9% through vaccination efforts.

Rotary International's six areas of focus:

• Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution

• Disease Prevention and Treatment

• Water and Sanitation

• Maternal and Child Health

• Basic Education and Literacy

• Economic and Community Development

Through its dedication to local service projects, youth initiatives, and community engagement, the Rotary Club of Elko truly embodies Rotary’s motto of "Service Above Self." From environmental stewardship to supporting education and enhancing public spaces, the club remains committed to making a lasting impact both locally and globally.

If you’d like to learn more about Rotary, our projects, or upcoming events, we invite you to join us for lunch on Wednesdays. Meetings are open to visitors and the public every Wednesday, except for the second Wednesday of the month. Typically, the third Wednesday is dedicated to planning upcoming events.

We welcome new faces and fresh ideas — come see how you can get involved and make a difference in our community!