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Congrats - Renton Rotary  

Since 1991, Renton River Days has honored an individual, committee team, or organization with the Outstanding Service Award.  This award is in recognition of dedication and commitment to help ensure the quality and lasting success of Renton's community family festival, Renton River Days.

In celebration of twenty-five years of "Magic in the Park!" and a milestone for Renton's festival, the Board of Directors would like to honor Rotary Club of Renton, together with Kiwanis Club of Renton, and Renton, Kennydale and Fairwood Lions Clubs for their longstanding service and involvement with Renton River Days.

Rotary has supported Renton River Days in numerous ways over the twenty-five year history.  A generous supporter in contributions and sponsorship, countless Rotarians have also volunteered their time as individuals.  Perhaps one of the most identifiable and treasured traditions of Renton River Days, is the Rubber Ducky Derby.  Organized 100% by Rotary, this signature event is a lasting trademark representing festival fun, quality, and an iconic symbol of giving back to Renton as the tens of thousands of dollars of net proceeds from the Derby benefit the greater Renton community.

Renton River Days congratulates Rotary Club of Renton, and thanks all of you for contributing time, talent, and resources each year to the success of Renton's community celebration.

Past recipients include: Doug Kyes, Char Baker, Don Persson, Toni Nelson, Sylva Coppock, Pat Newberry, Joyce Williams, Sam Chastain, City of Renton Park Maintenance & Recreation Divisions, Sandy Chastain, Tim Searing, Jeff Lukins, Chuck Tiernan, Jerry Rerecich, Pat O'Dell, Mark Kotlan, Suzanne Thompson, First Savings Bank NW Parade Volunteer Team, and Helenanne Botham.

Since that first meeting in 1943 when 26 business people formed the Rotary Club of Renton, until today with over 120 active members, we have enjoyed a rich tradition of caring for our neighbors as close to home as Renton and as far away as Zimbabwe, Africa.  From the IKEA Renton River Days Rubber Ducky Race, raising over $15,000 to the Rotary CAPER Auction where we solicit items and cash valued at over $135,000, Renton Rotarians are proud of the significant impact we've had on our community.

 
The money raised at annual CAPER auctions help  to continue our ongoing commitment to support local programs, which benefit residents and students throughout the Renton community.  Some of these projects include student scholarships, Communities In Schools of Renton, providing food and clothes to those in need, victim assistance programs, free RotaCare clinic, housing needs, teacher recognition and youth programs.  Renton Rotary also supports local arts and educational opportunities such as the IKEA Performing Arts Center and the new technology resource center at Renton Technical College, two tremendous resources that the entire community will benefit from for years to come. 

Herbert J. Taylor, president, Rotary Club of Chicago, 1939-40 and Rotary International 1954-55. He lived from 1893 to 1978. During a business crisis in 1932, he wrote the "Four Way Test,". It was adopted as part of Rotary International in January of 1943.

THE FOUR WAY TEST
  Of the things Rotarians think, say or do
  1)  Is it the TRUTH?
  2) Is it FAIR to all concerned?
  3) Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
  4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?