Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
In the heart of McAllen, Texas, an organization has been quietly yet profoundly impacting the community and beyond for over a century. The McAllen Rotary Club, affectionately known as the “Mother Club” of McAllen, recently celebrated a remarkable milestone: its 104th anniversary. This significant occasion was marked with honor by the City of McAllen on February 26, 2024, as President Monica Rodriguez shared the news, underscoring the enduring legacy and the pivotal role the club has played in the fabric of the local community and the broader scope of Rotary International’s global network.
Founded in 1920, the McAllen Rotary Club shows the power of community service and the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.” This guiding principle has inspired generations of professionals and business leaders in McAllen to dedicate themselves to humanitarian service, ethical leadership, and promoting peace and goodwill. With a history of over a century, the club has witnessed and contributed to significant societal transformations locally and internationally.
Rotary International, established in 1905, has grown into a global powerhouse for positive change, boasting 1.4 million members across 46,000 clubs worldwide. The McAllen Rotary Club, placed within this vast network, has distinguished itself through its commitment to addressing local and global challenges. Its efforts in providing scholarships, supporting organizations like the Salvation Army and Make-A-Wish, and fostering peace in communities exemplify the Rotary vision of uniting people to create lasting change.
The recent proclamation by City Commissioner Antonio “Tony” Aguirre, Jr., on behalf of the Mayor and City Commission, officially recognizing February 23, 2024, as “Rotary International 119th Anniversary,” highlights the profound appreciation and respect the city holds for the McAllen Rotary Club. This gesture celebrates the club’s historical contributions and reaffirms its vital role in the community’s ongoing journey towards improvement and harmony.
The significance of the McAllen Rotary Club extends far beyond its longevity. In the face of challenges, including the recent pandemic that tested the resilience of organizations worldwide, the McAllen Rotary Club has remained committed to an example of hope and solidarity. While McAllen once boasted three Rotary Clubs, the trials of recent years have left the “Mother Club” as the solitary standard-bearer in the area, a role it has embraced with renewed vigor and dedication.
The club’s firm commitment to service reflects the bigger mission of Rotary International: to foster peace, fight disease, provide clean water, support education, and promote economic development. By focusing on these critical areas, the McAllen Rotary Club enhances the lives of those within its immediate community and contributes to the global effort to improve human conditions everywhere.
As the McAllen Rotary Club looks forward to its next century of service, its leadership, compassion, and action legacy inspires current and future members. The McAllen Rotary Club demonstrates that positive and lasting change is possible through unity and commitment in a world tense with challenges.
In celebrating 104 years of service, the McAllen Rotary Club honors its past achievements. It sets the stage for a future filled with opportunity, growth, and continued contributions to the community and the world. The “Mother Club” of McAllen, with its rich history and forward-looking vision, remains an essential force for good, representing the true spirit of Rotary: “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and ourselves.”
