History of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis

Rotary Club of Indianapolis was founded on February 17, 1913, as the 58th club chartered by Rotary International. It has grown into one of the largest and most influential chapters, historically drawing its membership from prominent local businesses, nonprofit, and political leaders. 

Founding and Early Milestones (1913 – 1940s)

  • Chartering (1913): The club was established only eight years after the first Rotary club in Chicago. The first meetings were held at the Claypool Hotel.
  • Wartime Transition (1914 – 1918): With the onset of WWI, the club shifted its focus from professional networking to community service, adopting the motto “Service Above Self”.
  • Riley Hospital for Children (1920s): Early members, including famed poet James Whitcomb Riley, helped found the hospital. The club raised funds to build the Riley Convalescent Home for Children in his memory, which was completed in the 1930s.
  • Great Depression Support: During the 1930s, the club provided food and clothing to needy families affected by the economic crisis. 

Foundation and Strategic Growth (1947 – 1990s) 

  • Indianapolis Rotary Foundation (1947): The development of the Foundation was started by the widow of Isaac R. Holycross, a Rotarian, who offered to donate $25,000 to the Club to “promote charitable purposes under the direction of Rotary.” The Foundation was incorporated on April 15, 1947.
  • Youth & Veteran Initiatives: In the 1940s, the club launched youth career counseling and operated career centers to assist returning WWII soldiers.
  • Major Capital Projects: Throughout the mid-to-late 20th century, the club supported the Southwest Social Service Centre, Junior Achievement headquarters, and the Ruth Lilly Health Education Center.
  • Women in Membership: Following a 1987 Supreme Court ruling, the club officially began admitting women into its membership. Elizabeth (Betty) Stillwell as the first female President 1997-1998.

Centennial and Modern Era (2000 – 2025)

  • Centennial Campaign (2011 – 2013): To mark its 100th anniversary, the club raised $1.5 million for Gleaners Food Bank. The facility was renamed the Rotary Club of Indianapolis Food Distribution Center in 2012.
  • Riley Family Lounge (2011): The club raised funds for this project in 2009, and the construction was completed in 2011, $1 million pledge to build a family lounge in the Simon Family Tower at Riley Hospital.
  • Recent Signature Projects:
    • Indy Do Day: In 2019, this initiative inspired nearly 13,000 residents to participate in community service, becoming a signature club project.
    • Lugar Statue: The Indianapolis Rotary Foundation was a primary contributor to the creation of the Lugar Statue now displayed in Lugar Plaza
    • Global Health: The club’s World Community Service Committee partnered with international clubs to work toward eliminating malaria in Zambia.
  • Indianapolis Rotary Foundation: The Foundation’s endowment now stands at $10 million, making it one of the largest Rotary Foundations in the United States. The Foundation provides over $265,000 in community support and grants each year.
  • Current Standing (2025): The club remains active with approximately 150 members, meeting weekly on the first three Tuesdays of each month at The Rathskeller Restaurant.

Notable Members

  • James Whitcomb Riley: Legendary poet and namesake of the children’s hospital.
  • Richard Lugar: Former U.S. Senator (1977-2013), two-term mayor of Indianapolis (1968-1975), and Honorary Chair of the Centennial Campaign.
  • Danny Danielson: Longtime Rotarian and co-chair of major fundraising efforts.
  • Lucien King: Founding member and the club’s first president in 1913. 
  • Jim McClelland: a prominent Indiana leader serving as President/CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana for 41 years and as Indiana’s first Executive Director for Drug Prevention, Treatment, and Enforcement
  • Elaine Bedel, Founder & CEO of Bedel Financial, Appointed by Governor Holcomb as the first Secretary and CEO of the Indiana Destinations Development Corporation and previously served as the President of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation
  • Gregg Keesling, Founder of RecycleForce, Key2Work
  • Judge Tom Fisher, Retired, Indiana Tax Court
  • David Leonards, Founder of International Entertainment Bureau