KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – The Keystone Heights Rotary Club is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Local philanthropist Alfred B. Watson and local businesses formed the club in 1948 as a service organization. They are a part of Rotary International and are one of 46,000 Rotary Clubs. Their vision was to unite people to make communities, their selves, and the world a better place through meaningful actions. Their mottoes are “Service above self” and “One profits most who serves best.”

Over the years, the Rotary Club of Keystone Heights has served its community in more ways than one. They have participated in community events, food drives and fundraisers. The club also donates to local organizations, provides scholarships for high school students and supports the local football and soccer school programs.

Rotary has served in other countries, providing necessities and promoting education. They put in a well in Haiti, a sanitization well in the Dominican Republic, and a literacy project in Guatemala.

“We want the community to know that we are here and to be aware that we’re here to serve the community,” President-Elect Heather Davis said.

The club plans to host a 1940s-themed gala and auction for its 75th anniversary. The event will be held at the Keystone Heights RV Resort on Saturday, March 25, from 5:30-8 p.m.

Guests who purchase a ticket will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a vacation voucher. The money raised will be used for future service projects.

“The anniversary celebration is a way to say thank you to the people who put this club together and to say to the community that we’ve been here a long time and we intend to stay a long time,” Rotary President Richard Segall said.

For more information about Rotary, visit www.rotary.org/en. For more details on the 75th-anniversary celebration, visit, tinyurl.com/gala75th.