About our club
Founded in 1921, the Charlottesville Rotary Club is one of central Virginia's oldest civic organizations. We're 20+ neighbors, professionals, and community leaders working together under one simple idea: Service Above Self.
Our mission
We exist to bring together leaders who exchange ideas, build lasting friendships, and take action to create lasting change in Charlottesville and around the world. Through weekly meetings, signature service projects, and partnership with Rotary International, we put hands on the work that matters most.
A century of service
Since charter in 1921, our club has championed literacy, scholarships, public health, and community leadership awards. We've raised millions of dollars and contributed hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours to Charlottesville's most important causes.
Of the things we think, say, or do…
- 1Is it the TRUTH?
- 2Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- 3Will it build GOODWILL and better FRIENDSHIPS?
- 4Will it BE BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Meet our Rotary Club President for 2026–2027, Bonita Patton!
Bonita has been a proud Rotarian for 8 years, drawn to our club by a passion for service and a deep desire to make a meaningful difference in our community. That spirit of giving back lives at the heart of everything she does. By day, Bonita serves as VP of Innovation & Program Excellence at the YMCA, where she leads with vision, creativity, and purpose. Outside of work, she's an active and devoted member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Sister Cities, and the UVA President's Council. When she's not changing the world, you'll find Bonita spending quality time with her beloved fur baby, Rocky, or traveling to new destinations to experience different cultures.
We can't wait to see where Bonita's leadership takes us in 2026–2027!