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What is the Franklin Noon Rotary?

History of the Franklin Noon Rotary Club

The Franklin Noon Rotary Club was chartered on January 13, 1948, by Judge Jim Warren, with founding members including Dr. Harry Guffee, Rev. Henry Moberly, and Bill Miller. Shortly after its establishment, in the winter of 1948, the Club sought a meaningful fundraising project, and the idea of the Franklin Rodeo was born. Following months of dedicated work and prayer, the first Franklin Rodeo debuted in May 1949 and was a resounding success.

Since then, every member of the Franklin Noon Rotary Club has played a vital role in the planning and production of this cherished community event. Now, over seven decades later, the Franklin Noon Rotary Club continues to make a significant impact. The Club has proudly distributed millions to local charities and programs, fulfilling Rotary’s mission of “Service Above Self.”

To learn more about the Franklin Noon Rotary Club and its initiatives, visit our website at www.FranklinNoonRotary.com.

Message From the President - Christine Wilson

Welcome to the Franklin Noon Rotary Club and thank you for visiting the Franklin Rodeo website.

For 77 years, the Franklin Noon Rotary Club has been committed to living Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self. We are a diverse group of business and community leaders united by a common purpose: to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Whether we’re partnering with nonprofit organizations, supporting local students through scholarships, investing in youth leadership, or participating in humanitarian projects around the world, our mission is to Create Lasting Impact.

The Franklin Rodeo is one of the most visible ways we fulfill that mission. What began as a fundraiser for high school band uniforms, has grown into one of the premier rodeos in the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association and thanks to the dedication of hundreds of volunteers, sponsors, and supporters, it continues to serve as the Franklin Noon Rotary Club’s signature fundraiser. Every ticket purchased and every sponsorship helps provide resources that allow our club to strengthen our community and support Rotary’s work both locally and internationally.

Our club believes that the strongest communities are built by people who are willing to serve. Each Rotarian brings unique talents, experiences, and perspectives, but we are united by a shared commitment to integrity, fellowship, and service. Together, we are building relationships, meeting needs, and creating opportunities that extend far beyond what any one person could accomplish alone.

Whether you’re here because you love rodeo, want to learn more about Rotary, or are looking for ways to make an impact in our community, we’re glad you’re here. Our Club meets every Thursday at noon, at the Williamson County Enrichment Center. I personally invite you to come join us and learn more about the Franklin Noon Rotary Club, our members, and the work we do throughout the year. Thank you for your interest, your support, and for being part of our mission to serve others.

Christine Wilson
President 2026-2027
Franklin Noon Rotary Club

About Rotary International

"Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves."

– Paul P. Harris

Rotary International, a global organization of over 1.2 million members, began with the vision of Paul P. Harris. On February 23, 1905, Harris, a Chicago attorney, founded one of the world’s first service organizations—the Rotary Club of Chicago. The club served as a space where professionals from diverse backgrounds could come together to exchange ideas, form lifelong friendships, and give back to their communities. The name “Rotary” reflects the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among members’ offices.

A Legacy of Service and Commitment

Rotary has not only witnessed some of the most significant events in modern history but has actively participated in shaping them. Three enduring principles define Rotary's legacy:

  1. Global Presence: Just 16 years after its founding, Rotary had expanded to six continents. Today, Rotary operates as a truly international organization, collaborating both in-person and digitally to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
  2. Resilience Through Adversity: During World War II, Rotary clubs in countries such as Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, and Japan were forced to disband. Despite the risks, many members continued to meet informally. After the war, these Rotarians played a vital role in rebuilding their clubs and their nations.
  3. Ongoing Commitment to Service: Rotary's fight against polio began in 1979 with a project to immunize six million children in the Philippines. Thanks to ongoing efforts, the number of polio-endemic countries dropped from 125 in 1988 to just three by 2012.

Rotary remains steadfast in its mission to promote “Service Above Self,” uniting people worldwide to create lasting change in their communities and beyond.

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