On June 6, 1876, a boy named Arch C. Klumph was born in Conneautville, Pennsylvania. He would grow into a man whose vision would shape one of the most enduring legacies in the world of service — The Rotary Foundation.
Today, we celebrate what would have been Klumph’s 149th birthday. It’s an opportunity not just to remember the man, but to reflect on the ripple effects of his idea: that through a well-managed foundation, Rotarians could do good in the world on a scale never before imagined.
In 1917, Klumph proposed the creation of an endowment “for the purpose of doing good in the world.” That endowment, seeded with just $26.50, has since grown into a foundation that has supported billions of dollars in projects to eradicate disease, provide clean water, support education, and promote peace.
Arch Klumph’s life is a reminder of Rotary’s potential when vision meets perseverance. He saw beyond the moment — to a world where service could be sustained, scaled, and stewarded for future generations. His belief in the power of thoughtful giving continues to fuel global change over a century later.
Rotarians today are the inheritors of that vision. Every contribution to The Rotary Foundation is a nod to Arch’s enduring dream — and a promise to continue that legacy with integrity, compassion, and action.
As we mark this milestone, let’s be inspired by his clarity of purpose and let our own actions reflect the enduring power of one visionary idea.
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