The Rotary Club of Lynchburg, Virginia, No. 280, was organized on February 3, 1917, and admitted to Rotary International on March 1, 1917. The Club has participated in local and international projects including a bone marrow donor program, a world-wide polio eradication project and a Sister City program.
One unique project was the care, adoption, and education of the seven orphan children of the Henry Family of Bedford County. After moving the family to Lynchburg, the children attended Lynchburg schools and were befriended by "Rotary Dads" and their wives. With the benefits of a trust fund established at a local bank, Rotarians decided after six years it was best to send the children to "schools that best suited their interests and abilities." Rotary paid tuition and room expenses and the students worked to earn their board. During the years when the Henrys were in college, the homes of several Rotarians were always open to them at holiday times. On July 16, 1940, a report stated that all seven of the Henry children had completed their education and that the Club's obligation had been fulfilled. The Henry Family Trust Fund was combined with the regular Student Loan Fund.
From the description of Rotary Club of Lynchburg (Va.), papers 1917-2001 1923-1995. (Lynchburg Public Library). WorldCat record id: 124071277
