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Founded on June 9, 1926, the Rotary Club of Vero Beach is the community's original Rotary club and has been a cornerstone of service, leadership, and philanthropy for 100 years. Chartered with 19 members during the early development of Vero Beach, the Club has endured the Great Depression, World War II, COVID, economic changes, and tremendous community growth while remaining dedicated to Rotary's motto, "Service Above Self."

From its earliest days, the Club distinguished itself through exceptional member commitment, earning international recognition for outstanding attendance and active community involvement. Throughout its history, the Club has met at numerous locations across Vero Beach but has called the Vero Beach Yacht Club home since 2013.

Over the decades, the Rotary Club of Vero Beach has initiated and supported hundreds of projects that have strengthened the community. Early efforts included disaster relief, Boy Scout sponsorship, student loan and scholarship programs, vocational education, vision care for children, youth centers, and wartime blood and bond drives. The Club also helped establish organizations that continue to benefit Indian River County today, including the Scholarship Foundation of Indian River County and additional Rotary clubs in the county.

The Club has consistently invested in youth development through health and fitness events, scholarships, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), student mentoring, vocational programs, international youth exchanges, and educational partnerships with Indian River State College. Internationally, members have supported humanitarian projects ranging from disaster relief and medical assistance to clean water initiatives and Rotary's global effort to eradicate polio.

Community improvement has remained a hallmark of the Club's service. Rotarians have funded public facilities, sponsored Habitat for Humanity homes, supported Special Olympics, promoted literacy through Little Free Libraries, partnered with environmental organizations for plastic recycling programs and IRC water quality improvements, and participated in projects benefiting veterans, seniors, children, and families in need. More recent initiatives include:

(i)    Rotary Kids Triathlon,

(ii)  Wreaths Across America,

(iii) Donating food to the elderly and indigent during holidays, and

(iv)  Shoreline restoration projects and continued environmental stewardship through the Clean Water Coalition (water clarity initiatives) and Coastal Connections (plastic wrap recycling)

Fundraising has played an essential role in sustaining these efforts. Signature events over the years—including the Rotary Home Show, golf tournaments, Ribfest, Reverse Raffles, and the Rotary Kids Triathlon—have generated significant resources for local charitable organizations and community programs.

Established in 1992, the Vero Beach Rotary Charities Foundation is also an important source of community support. Beginning with $12,500 in assets, the Foundation has grown to more than $350,000 and has awarded over $375,000 in grants to more than 50 local nonprofit organizations.

Today, the Rotary Club of Vero Beach continues to honor its rich history while embracing new opportunities to serve. Through leadership development, educational scholarships, environmental conservation, international partnerships, charitable giving, and hands-on volunteerism, the Club remains an integral part of Indian River County and is preparing for its second century of making a lasting difference in the lives of others.

We welcome you to join us for lunch to learn more about what we do and how you can help us continue to improve our local community!