The meeting opened the way it has for two decades — with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance and Rotary's Four-Way Test. But on Friday morning, members of the Summerton Rotary Club paused to celebrate something they rarely do: themselves.
Since its founding in 2006, the club has quietly invested in Clarendon County through scholarships, community projects, local nonprofits and, more recently, a clean water initiative halfway around the world.
The Summerton Rotary Club celebrated its 20th anniversary July 17 with current and former members, community leaders and guests recognizing two decades of service built around Rotary's motto, "Service Above Self." The program included recognition of longtime members, presentations from county and state officials and updates on the club's largest ongoing humanitarian effort.
"It's a great way to have breakfast once a week," founding member and current President Cleve Dowell told those gathered. "I'm excited about what we've got going and can't wait to get going next week."
Clarendon County Council Chairman Jay Johnson presented a proclamation declaring July 17 as Summerton Rotary Day in Clarendon County, recognizing the club's volunteer service, support of education, community improvement projects and humanitarian work over the past two decades. The proclamation noted the club's impact both locally and internationally through health initiatives and global service.
Jose Calvo, representing state Rep. Fawn Pedalino, presented a resolution from the South Carolina House honoring the club's anniversary and highlighting organizations and programs it has supported, including literacy initiatives, Camp Happy Days, the Clarendon Christian Learning Center, Second Chance Animal Shelter, Boys State and Girls State, United Ministries and numerous other community partners.
Looking back, Dowell credited the Manning Rotary Club for helping bring the Summerton club to life.
After he and fellow founding member William Johnson attended a Rotary seminar in Florence in 2006, the idea of forming a club in Summerton took hold. The Manning club provided financial support, equipment and encouragement during that first year, while Johnson handled the charter paperwork and the late Col. George Summers recruited the 20 charter members needed to establish the club.
Dowell also reflected on members who helped shape the club but are no longer living, including Summers and former Superintendent Rose Wilder, whom he described as instrumental in launching the organization.
"We've had countless members come and go for various reasons over the past 20 years," Dowell said, noting plans to compile a complete history of past members during the anniversary year.
That service extends well beyond Clarendon County.
Past President Dr. Lynn Teague reported the club has contributed nearly $130,000 to The Rotary Foundation over its 20-year history, averaging about $6,500 annually. During Friday's event, charter member Dwight Stewart was recognized for achieving Paul Harris Fellow Plus Four status, reflecting more than $5,000 in personal contributions to the foundation.
Teague also updated attendees on the club's clean water project in Akot, South Sudan, saying fundraising goals have largely been met and additional grant opportunities could expand the project's reach.
"We're right close to the top," Teague said. "When we go over, it's going to be exciting."
Looking ahead, Dowell announced the club plans to launch a fundraising campaign supporting the John Landon Black Foundation, which works to help individuals battling addiction. He shared the personal loss of a nephew to drug addiction as one of the motivations behind the initiative, saying he hopes the effort can help save lives.
Johnson left members with a challenge for the years ahead.
"There's no checkered flag here," he said. "This is not a memorial service. There's work to be done."
He challenged members to continue building on the club's legacy, adding that for every need met over the last 20 years, "there are thousands more yearning for our attention."
