Rotary International Celebrates 68 Years Of Calling Evanston Home

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston residents may be noticing some extra signage around the city this week commemorating the anniversary of the community being the home to Rotary International for the past 68 years.

The 10 signs have been posted in locations around Evanston to commemorate the anniversary of Rotary’s presence here. According to a news release, more than 700 Rotary International employees work in Evanston to support the work of more than 46,000 Rotary clubs around the world.

“Rotary has been an economic anchor for decades, not only as one of our largest employers but surprising to some, one of the largest property taxpayers in our city,” Paul Zalmezak, Evanston’s economic development manager said in a news release. “Rotary’s reach goes beyond corporate staff shopping and dining at local businesses. With its global membership, Rotary contributes over $1 million to our local economy with more than 2,000 international visits annually.

“We are proud to house an organization that is transforming communities and positively impacting lives around the world.”

The commemorative signs are located on the east side of the Sheridan Road curve and the intersections at Dempster and McCormick, Sheridan and Lake, Sheridan and Ridge, Howard and Ridge, Howard and Chicago, Golf and McCormick, Golf and Crawford; and near the Metra and CTA hubs at Davis and Church, officials said.

“We are honored to have our world headquarters recognized by the City of Evanston,” John Hewko, Rotary International CEO said in the release. “We hope these signs will make it easier for people to find us and engage those who may be curious about our organization. Evanston has been a great place to call home and our visitors are always impressed with its stunning lake views and small-town atmosphere.”

Exhibits located inside the Rotary International headquarters at 1560 Sherman Ave. are open to the public between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

The exhibits showcase Rotary’s causes, including promoting peace, fighting disease, providing safe water and sanitation, supporting education, saving mothers and children, growing local economies, and protecting the environment. Rotary’s top priority is the global eradication of polio. Rotary launched its polio immunization program, PolioPlus, in 1985 and in 1988 became a leading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.