The Rotary Club of Fountain Hills is a group to be reckoned with.

A small but involved group, Rotary Club of Fountain Hills has had its hand in numerous projects throughout the years, raising money not only for community causes, but also for national and international projects that help others.

The organization, chartered June 18, 1979, has been an important part of the community ever since.

Ken Ulrikson, a charter member of the organization, said club members live the mission of the international club: “We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional and community leaders.”

The Rotary Club of Fountain Hills started with 28 members, including the officers and board. There now are 38 members in addition to the board and officers. Membership has moved up and down through the years, but the members have always been active in the community and around the world.

“Our proudest accomplishment is the Splash Park,” said Ulrikson. “It has been a great asset to the community.”

In addition to the Splash Park, the club, along with Four Peaks Rotary, built the Harmony Park, another interactive project enjoyed by people of all ages.

Fundraising is a big part of what the Fountain Hills Rotary Club does. Activities have ranged from a cow patty throwing contest to a rubber duck race. Proceeds from all fundraisers benefit a number of charities and organizations.

Extended Hands Food Bank is a beneficiary of the club’s fundraisers, receiving not only money, but food donations at various times of the year.

The Boys and Girls Club – McKee Branch has benefited from the club’s efforts since coming to Fountain Hills as part of the Greater Scottsdale Boys and Girls Club organization.

Students at Fountain Hills High School have received scholarships from the Rotary Club of Fountain Hills. Two $2,000 scholarships are awarded each year to seniors. The club has given in excess of $53,000 in scholarships through the years.

Other student-oriented programs include “Kits for Kids,” backpacks for middle schoolers; dictionaries for third graders; Fountain Hills Youth Theater; donations to the school bands; assistance for Boy and Girl Scouts; and participation in the mentoring council.

These activities have been planned, implemented and funded by the organization.

“We are very involved with the young people of the community,” Ulrikson said. “It is a big part of Rotary International, as well.”

The club’s activities through the past 40 years are too numerous to list. Members have coordinated with the Four Peaks Rotary Club on various projects, and it is the sponsoring organization for the Rotary Club of Chapala, Mexico.

“We donated money to Chapala so they could start their own club there,” Ulrikson said.

Rotary International has 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs around the world.

“Every open country in the world has Rotary,” said Ulrikson. “Anytime a closed society opens up, Rotary is there to start clubs.”

The Rotary Club of Fountain Hills is made up of committed members who believe in the organization locally and throughout the world.

Co-President Michelle Holcomb describes one of smaller things club members do as a “big help to the community.”

Club members who stay in Fountain Hills during the summer pick different restaurants to frequent.

“We know that summer can be difficult for local restaurants,” Holcomb said. “By bringing members in for lunch once in a while is a way to support these people. It’s just a good way for us to support the local business community.”

As a result of the many activities and projects the club does, it is one of the nominees for Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce’s non-profit organization of the year.

“We are really proud of the nomination,” Holcomb said. “It is an honor to be recognized for our work.”