Rotary Club of Northeast Sunrisers

Philadelphia, PA

 

History Page

The Rotary Club of Northeast Sunrisers, Philadelphia Pa was founded by Bob Lankin, an Assistant Governor in Rotary District 7450 who felt that a new Rotary Club was needed to serve the local community, especially business people who live or work on the West side of Roosevelt Boulevard in the Northeast Philadelphia area.

In the fall of 1999 two meetings were held at the Country Club Restaurant which were attended by Sandra Costanzo, District Governor, Arnold Graff PDG, and representatives of other local Rotary Clubs. It was decided to establish the club and to start meeting.

A meeting was held with Bob Lankin, Tim Hinchcliff and Dave Tecosky at the Burholme Ambulance Headquarters. At that meeting, the three agreed to establish the club with the first meeting to be held on January 6, 2000 at the Country Club Restaurant.

At the opening meeting, Jeffrey Cadorette, PDG gave a spirited talk entitled "Why Rotary." This meeting was well attended by a number of prospective members and members of other local Rotary Clubs. A Bell and Gavel was given to the Club by the Rotary Club of Jenkintown which became one of the Sponsoring Clubs along with the Rotary Club of Frankford.

In February of 2001, District Governor Dan Bronson met with representatives of the Rotary Club of Northeast Philadelphia. As a result of that meeting official Rotary Club boundaries were adjusted permitting the Rotary Club of Northeast Sunrisers Philadelphia Pa to apply for an official charter.

In May of 2001, the Rotary Club having recruited 26 members received a Charter from Rotary International. A celebration was held at the Knowlton Mansion on May 23, 2001. At that time, awards were given to Sandra Costanzo, past District Governor and Dan Bronson, the sitting District Governor for their support and assistance in starting our club. Our first vocational service award was presented to Noel Perloff, owner of the Country Club Restaurarnt where we meet, for the wonderful support that he gave us in our formative period.

The Masters of Ceremony at the event were Beverly Black and David Tecosky. Ed Rendell, then a former mayor and candidate for Governor presented an address to the over 180 people present. The club raised that evening over $3000.00 through a silent auction. This money was given a way to numerous local community organizations. Additionally, a number of local clubs gave us gifts to help us purchase important equipment.

At the Charter, the club officers were as follows:

President: Bob Lankin

President Elect: Jim O'Brien

Vice-President: Beverly Black

Secretary: Dave Tecosky

Treasurer: Tim Hinchcliff

Sergeant-at-Arms: Jane Scott

Board Members: Marge Fox, Noel Perloff, Kelly Barton, Holly Lankin, Susan Croushore