Rotary History
Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago on 23 February 1905, so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.
Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.
Our ongoing commitment
That commitment endures today through an organization that remains truly international. Only 16 years after being founded, Rotary had clubs on six continents. Our members now span the globe, working to solve some of our world’s most challenging problems.
We’re not afraid to dream big and set bold goals. We began our fight against polio in 1979 with a project to immunize 6 million children in the Philippines. Today, polio remains endemic in only two countries — down from 125 in 1988.
The Story of How Rotary Saipan Got Started
During the 1967-68 Rotary year, under the leadership of Rotary Club of Guam President Jim Alger, Past President Robert J. Barry was appointed by Rotary International as Special Representative to chair the Club Extension Committee, tasked with exploring the feasibility of establishing a Rotary Club in Saipan. A survey conducted by Barry and Rotarian Bill Gibson on June 17, 1966, revealed that three former Rotarians—David M. Sablan, John Trace, and Jim Hawkins—were residing in Saipan. This led to an organizational meeting on January 27, 1968, at the Royal Taga Hotel, attended by 32 charter members and 25 visiting Rotarians from Guam. The formal application to Rotary International was submitted on February 1, 1968, and the Rotary Club of Saipan was chartered on February 16, 1968, with David M. Sablan as its first president.
The club’s early meetings were held at Hamilton’s Bar and Restaurant in Gualo Rai, before moving to the Royal Taga Hotel. Following Typhoon Jean’s devastating impact on Saipan in April 1968, the club mobilized efforts to assist the community. Under President Sablan’s leadership, the club launched Project Asisti to aid recovery, raising $12,000 in cash and goods from Rotary clubs worldwide. The project helped approximately 50 families with rebuilding efforts.
Throughout the years, the Rotary Club of Saipan has been involved in numerous community service projects. In 1969, the club donated $5,028.97 to the Summer Day Camp for children, and in 1970, it contributed to various community services, such as the construction of public restrooms and funding police officer training. The club also played a key role in organizing the 1975 Liberation Day celebrations and bringing the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra to perform in Saipan.
In 1995, the club helped establish the Rotary Club of Palau and continues to support a variety of local and international initiatives, including humanitarian projects, educational support, and disaster relief. Fundraising activities, such as Las Vegas Nights, generate funds for these ongoing projects. Notable contributions include providing medical assistance for children, supporting local schools with donations of band instruments, and organizing sports leagues and youth programs.
The club has also engaged in several international initiatives, such as supporting the Rotary International Polio Eradication Program, providing aid after natural disasters, and partnering with Rotary clubs in Japan, the Philippines, and other regions. It continues to make a significant impact both locally and globally, living up to the Rotary motto of Service Above Self.
Some of the club's notable projects include:
- Building restroom facilities at Oleai Beach
- Funding advanced police training
- Organizing Saipan’s Liberation Day festivities in 1975
- Bringing the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra to Saipan
- Supporting local schools with donations of books and band instruments
- Sponsoring youth programs such as a basketball league and a student exchange program
- Establishing the NMI Crimestoppers Program in 1989
- Funding scholarships for students in automotive mechanics and law
The club remains a vital force in Saipan’s community, continuously working to improve the lives of its residents while also participating in international Rotary events and relief efforts.
The Rotary Club of Saipan has consistently been an active participant in local and international initiatives, with its members dedicating time, resources, and energy to a wide range of community service projects. Over the years, the club has significantly contributed to the improvement of Saipan’s infrastructure, education, and social services, as well as to international humanitarian efforts.
Key ongoing initiatives include:
- Annual Community Projects: The club sponsors Christmas parties for disabled children, donates to local schools, and provides funding for various community events and facilities. For example, the club financed the construction of drinking fountains for Garapan Elementary and Mt. Carmel schools and has regularly donated funds to support the Northern Marianas College and the local Marianas High School’s Auto Mechanics Program.
- Health and Welfare: The Rotary Club of Saipan has been instrumental in assisting with health-related initiatives. One of the club’s most notable efforts involved helping cover the cost of transporting young Magdalena Santos, a 16-month-old, to California for life-saving heart surgery. Thanks to the collaboration of Rotarians across the U.S., the surgery, which would have cost over $7,000, was performed for free, and $1,200 was raised to assist with her travel expenses.
- Environmental and Beautification Projects: The club has organized tree planting initiatives along Beach Road, enhancing the island’s natural beauty. It has also contributed to Saipan’s environmental conservation by sponsoring community beautification projects such as the creation of village signs in partnership with the Saipan Chamber of Commerce.
- Support for the Elderly and Vulnerable: Through regular donations to local institutions like the Manamko Center (a home for the elderly), the club has supported the elderly residents with gifts, fan installations, and even financial support for health checkups.
- Youth and Educational Programs: The club has continually supported youth through initiatives like the Big Brother Program, student exchanges, and contributions to the local swim club and basketball leagues. Additionally, the club’s involvement in literacy programs, such as the Parade of Books, encourages reading and educational development in Saipan’s schools.
- International Partnerships and Relief Efforts: The Rotary Club of Saipan has maintained strong international connections through its sister-club relationships with the Rotary Club of Tokyo South, a club in the Philippines, and the Wakayamanaka Rotary Club in Japan. It has also been involved in disaster relief efforts, contributing to the Rotary International Polio Eradication Program and providing aid after natural catastrophes such as typhoons, earthquakes, and epidemics.
- Fundraising and Local Sponsorship: The club regularly holds fundraising events such as Las Vegas Nights, which have raised tens of thousands of dollars annually to support its charitable activities. These funds go toward supporting local projects and assisting those in need within the community.
The Rotary Club of Saipan’s membership has grown and evolved over the years, reflecting the island’s expanding economy and changing demographics. Initially composed primarily of government employees, the club’s membership now includes more professionals and business leaders. This diverse membership enables the club to tackle a broad range of projects, from infrastructure development to educational support, while fostering a spirit of fellowship and service.
Looking ahead, the Rotary Club of Saipan continues to be committed to its mission of service, with a focus on improving lives locally and globally. Through ongoing community outreach and international collaboration, the club will maintain its role as a cornerstone of civic engagement in Saipan, living up to the ideals of Service Above Self.
In conclusion, the Rotary Club of Saipan’s 50-plus years of service have had a lasting and transformative impact on both the local community and the global Rotary family. Through its efforts, the club has helped improve the quality of life for countless individuals, contributing to Saipan’s growth, development, and resilience.
Rotary International Timeline
Our 1.4 million members join community leaders, friends, and partners in a global network that is addressing challenges around the world. It started with the vision of one man—Paul Harris. The Chicago attorney formed the Rotary Club of Chicago in 1905 to exchange ideas and form meaningful friendships. He saw Rotary as a force for ethical leadership, civic service, and peace—ideals he would promote throughout his life.