Club Celebrates 98 Years of Service, Leadership and Community Impact
For 98 years, the Rotary Club of Eagle River has remained committed to one powerful principle: Service Above Self.
Founded on May 23, 1928, with sponsorship from the Rotary Club of Crandon, the club has spent nearly a century serving Eagle River and the surrounding Northwoods through volunteerism, philanthropy, and community leadership.
Throughout our history, our members have helped shape the community we proudly call home. We helped support the early development of the World Championship Snowmobile Derby, were among the early contributors to what became Eagle River Memorial Hospital, helped restore the Eagle River Railroad Depot and the Silver Lake Beach House, and most recently supported the development of Rotary Square in downtown Eagle River.
Today, that same spirit of service continues through hands-on volunteerism, youth initiatives, charitable giving, and member led projects that directly strengthen the Northwoods community.
One of the club’s signature annual events, its popular Wine & Cheese fundraiser, which began in 1994, continues to generate support for charitable giving throughout our region. Proceeds from the event have helped support organizations and initiatives including:
- Northwoods Children’s Museum
- Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Vilas County
- Wounded Warriors In Action Foundation
- Sno-Eagles Snowmobile Club
- Kalmar Community Center
- Eagle River Recreation Association, home of The Dome
In addition to its fundraising efforts, the Rotary Club of Eagle River proudly coordinates Warm The Children, a long-standing community program that helps local children and families in need receive warm winter clothing during the holiday season. Previously coordinated by the Vilas County News-Review, the program now continues under the leadership of the club and its dedicated volunteers.
In 2025 alone, the program received $88,350.39 in community donations. With the help of 45 volunteer shoppers, 213 families were served, and 545 children received new winter clothing from Glik’s and Northland Clothing Company.
Club members also generously support the annual Berganthal Challenge, a fundraiser held in honor of Bob Berganthal. The effort benefits three area food pantries, helping neighbors in Eagle River, Land O’ Lakes and Three Lakes during a time of significant need.
“As we celebrate 98 years of service, we are incredibly proud of the generations of members who have helped build this club’s legacy,” said Kevin McGuire, president of the Rotary Club of Eagle River. “Rotary has always been about neighbors helping neighbors, and that mission remains as important today as it was in 1928.”
As the club looks ahead to its centennial celebration, members remain committed to serving others, strengthening community partnerships, and creating lasting impact for future generations.
We look forward to celebrating our 100th anniversary in 2028.
To mark this special milestone, the Rotary Club of Eagle River will host a celebratory anniversary luncheon on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at noon at Riverstone Brewing Company (219 North Railroad Street, Eagle River). Community members interested in learning more about the club are warmly invited to join us for a complimentary lunch. To RSVP, please email eagleriverrotaryclub@gmail.com. Guests who RSVP will receive available menu options.
Information about the club is also available on our website at EagleRiverRotary.com.
About the Rotary Club of Eagle River
Founded in 1928, the Rotary Club of Eagle River is part of Rotary International, a worldwide network of service minded leaders dedicated to creating lasting change in communities at home and around the world. Guided by Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self, the club supports local projects, youth initiatives, charitable programs, and community partnerships throughout the Northwoods.