A few weeks ago, the Times-Standard ran an article from their archives dated July 26, 1923 titled “Men Who are Building Eureka.” The subject of the article was a young Glyndon “Sign” Smith whose business as a sign maker was “to advertise the business of others.” Sign was praised for his efforts to “advertise the city and its resources,” it was noted that he had “a seat in the front row of Eureka live wires”.
The very same year that “Sign” Smith was recognized by T-S as a community builder, the Rotary Club of Eureka came into being. On Oct. 10, 1923, 21 local business leaders came together for the first time with the intention of giving back to and building up the community that had produced their successes.
Throughout its history, Rotary Club of Eureka members have been “builders” of the Greater Eureka area through business ventures as well as philanthropy, much of which was facilitated by Rotary. The collaborations with one another strengthened their businesses as well as our community; an organization of people that value Service Above Self.
Being a small part of these efforts makes me incredibly proud to be a Rotarian. I want to be in the business of building Eureka and my greater community. As a real estate broker, I get to “advertise the city and its resources” every day. When one of my clients chooses to invest in a home in Humboldt County, they’re investing in our community. I am responsible for safekeeping that investment. Rotary gives me the opportunity to do that.
Since its conception, several Rotarians have established ongoing scholarship and grant programs: Wendell Adams, Scott Guild, Harvey Harper, Bill Hegy, Joseph Woolford and, of course, Glyndon “Sign” Smith.
The Sign & Ruth Smith Endowment has generated over $700,000 in grants given over the past 25 years. Funding projects like a new Bloodmobile for the blood bank, restorations at the Morris Graves Museum, and most recently a flail mower for the Humboldt Trails Council.
This year Rotary Club of Eureka celebrates its centennial year!
This year, our 100th year, thanks to the generosity of Sign and Ruth Smith, as well as that of past and present members, Rotary Club of Eureka is offering a $100,000 grant to one substantial project to benefit the Greater Eureka area. Applications are available through the Humboldt Area Foundation and will be accepted through Sept. 4.
Rotary Club of Eureka hopes to announce the recipient at the Centennial Gala later this year.
If you are a business owner, manager or representative in Eureka, if you want to collaborate with others Who are Building Eureka, Rotary Club of Eureka is a good place to start. We meet on Mondays at noon at the Inn at Second and C streets.
Annalise von Borstel’s mission is to partner with her clients to understand and achieve their real estate and financial goals while strengthening and generating economic growth for the community of Humboldt County. She is a Board Member of Compass Community Credit Union, an active member of the Humboldt Association of Realtors, and currently serves as president of Rotary Club of Eureka.
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