It would not be an unreasonable statement to introduce The Rotary Club of Tulsa, Sunrise as "The Club that was mentored to be successful." In twenty-five years of Rotary I [Bob Melott] have not heard of a club with such a POWERFUL AND KNOWLEDGEABLE COMMITTEE DIRECTING THE BEGINNING EDUCATION of a new Rotary Club.
Dr. Dean P VanTrease, President of Tulsa Southside Rotary Club appointed a new club investigating and planning committee, in late 1980. This committee expanded to include members of Tusa Southeast Rotary Club (Co-sponsor) and members of other Tulsa area clubs.
A publisher/appliance rental owner (Don Wasson-Chairman), a politician (Roy Gardner), a builder (Travis Freeman), a former R.I. Director and PDG (Mike Pedrick), a businessman (Skip Kreidler), an insurance man (Charlie Wyncoop), a rancher and abstract company owner (Larkin Baily), a computer specialist (Ralph Holmes), and a dentist (Dr. Joel Woodburn) became the committee Dr. Dean VanTrease created.
After several weeks of education and organizational planning the following were elected: Tom Ward, President, Dave Madden, Vice President and President Elect, Jack Ditto, Treasurer, and Bob Melott, Secretary. The membership elected Jerry Bookman, Henry Hagan, Dr. Ross Clark, and Dr. C. Rieger Wood as Directors.
On Jun 23, 1982, the Sunrise South Tulsa Rotary Club was approved for its charter. At the end of the same year this club received the "District Outstanding Club Award" with Charter President leading the way and members doing things (suggested by mentors) that we did not know all Rotary Clubs didn't do every year. The Charter Banquet was held on Wednesday, October 6, 1982 and the Charter was presented by Governor Al Donabauer.
To attempt to write a one page history of Tulsa Sunrise is like standing before a firing squad! The club has had so many great projects, contributed so much to the community and to Rotary International, PDG Travis Freeman is quoted as saying at our fifth anniversary, "Many Tulsans said another Rotary Club is not needed! Listen to the things that would not have happened if we had not given birth to this 'sometimes rowdy' club."
This club has won the District Outstanding Club Award in year one and year five of its short life, and this is the District with the most clubs in it within the USA. It has achieved the most dollars given per member to the Foundation during the last three years. It would be safe to say that we have maintained that position, due to the mentoring of Mike Pedrick and Larkin Bailey, and our Club Members Don Walker, Larry Biron, and Tommy Williams. To tell the truth, Mike Pedrick gave several powerful programs on the 3-H progam of the Foundation, we Sunrisers thought the Foundation consisted of 3-H programs and scholarships.
On Tulsa, Sunrise's 25th anniversary, we became the first club in the district to achieve 100% Paul Harris Fellows of its membership. This is a prestigious award that can only be given to a club once during its existence.
To see pictures over the last few years go to
Sunrise Times
