MS SC539

Recognizes Rotary International as Mississippi's largest service club and designates February 23, 2017, as "Rotary Day in Mississippi"

Acknowledges Rotary International's founding on February 23, 1905, in Chicago and its motto of "Service Above Self" guiding over 1.2 million members in 34,000 clubs across 200 countries

Highlights Rotary's major humanitarian achievements including nearly $850 million contributed to polio eradication efforts protecting over two billion children in 122 countries and a $355 million commitment toward global health initiatives

Notes Rotary's role as the world's largest privately funded source of international scholarships, with approximately 40,000 students and 67,000 young professionals having participated in exchange programs since 1947

Identifies over 100 Rotary Clubs operating throughout Mississippi that sponsor local and international service projects addressing poverty, health, hunger, illiteracy, and environmental concerns