Burbank Rotary Club celebrated their 90th Anniversary this past weekend with a bash fit for kings and queens at Lakeside Country Club.
Looking at the list of past presidents, all the way back to the club’s leaders in 1923, prominent Burbank business owners and leaders’ names pop up, from the first President, J.C. Crawford, to their current President, Barbara Howell.
With over 150 guests in attendance, the night started off with a silent auction and cocktail hour with plenty of goodies donated by many Burbank businesses. The evening was called to order by Master of Ceremonies and past President (1988-89) Gary Olson. Honorable Congressman Adam Schiff honored the group for its longtime commitment to the City of Burbank, in which he also resides. A Proclamation presented by Burbank Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy, was followed by the Invocation by past President (2010-11) by Keith Sanneman.
Then came the flag salute by Katherine Richards (past President 2003-04) and a patriotic song lead by Jonathan Taylor (past President 2011-12.) Following a fine, three-course meal, President Howell gave a background on her walk into Rotary which started during her high school years.
The evening would not be a Rotary Anniversary without kind words by District Governor Elect Elsa Gillham. Brought into the Rotary by Burbank Police Commissioner and business leader Nat Rubinfeld, Yuda Auchman was introduced and sworn in.
The night came to a close with the Rotary Club’s 4-Way Test lead by past President (2000-01) Kermit Floyd, who also served as District Governor 2004-05.
Burbank’s Sunrise Rotary was also in attendance and presented a Proclamation from Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy for their service to the City.
The fantastic evening could not have been completed without the hard work of the 90th Anniversary Committee of: Chairperson Barbara Howell, Garet Chipman, Ricardo Eichwald, Jessa Freemeyer, Renee Johnson, Allan Kessler, Peter McGrath, Nat Rubinfeld, Keith Sanneman, Jonathan Taylor, Mike Thomas, Jim Wodburn and Shanna Warren
The Rotary motto is “Service Above Self,” and they look forward to their 100th Anniversary.
