Byron’s Rotary Club dissolves after 15 years of accomplishments

    The Rotary Club of Byron voted to dissolve, effective as of July 1, following 15 years of service to Byron and to the wider regional, national and international communities.

    “I could not be prouder of the impressive work of this small but effective club,” President Dr. Amanda Jennings said when announcing the decision. “When I look at the entire history of this club, I see an impressive record of supporting efforts that have made a meaningful difference in people’s lives. And I’m grateful for the lifelong friendship we have formed while serving together.”

    Since its founding, Byron Rotary has raised tens of thousands of dollars via unique fundraising efforts. Those funds have been used locally and regionally as seed money to help volunteers launch the Byron High School Pantry, build the Sled Shed at the Byron Forest Preserve sledding hill, help fund Ronald McDonald House in Madison, support the Byron City Mural Project, and support programming at Serenity Hospice in Oregon.

    The club’s funds have been used internationally to provide desks for school children in developing countries, to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine via donations to Rotary International, and to help fund clean water initiatives worldwide.

    Club members have volunteered for roadside cleanup, served meals at Rock House Kids, and sponsored foreign exchange students, among many other service projects.

    Jennings cited the club’s proximity to vital, long-standing clubs in Rockford and Oregon as one factor in the club’s decision to dissolve.

    “We have so many active service clubs in Byron and surrounding communities that recruiting new members can be a challenge,” Jennings said. “As we conclude our efforts, we wish those clubs nothing but continued success.

    “Additionally, we want to extend our sincerest thanks to all of our volunteers and specifically to our local business community, who always found a way to say ‘yes’ to our ideas and initiatives.

    “It has been our honor to serve Byron as Rotarians and, as we move on, each of us will carry into our next volunteer positions the Rotary motto of ‘Service Above Self.’”

    The club’s signature fundraiser, Pot of Gold, has been adopted by the Byron Boosters Association. Funds remaining in the Byron Rotary Club coffers will be donated to Shelter Box, Byron High School Food Pantry, Village of Progress, Serenity Hospice, Byron Museum and CASA.