WELCOME to the site for Marblehead Rotary's The Great Race, an event to raise funds for various philanthropic projects: local, nationally, and internationally. Watch a silde show of last year's event on YouTube here.. We hope you'll join us this year as a participant, sponsor or just come out to the island for a great time. The original Great Race had its genesis at Maddie’s Sail Loft in the winter of 1967. Read about it in last year's Reporter.....more...

About Rotary

Rotary is an international organization of business and professional men and women united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.The Rotary Club of Marblehead held its first meeting in May of 1923. Raising money for scholarships are a primary focus for our local Club - both academic scholarships as well as camperships that are awarded annually. We also contribute to various other community and world wide projects.

The Great Race will take place on August 1, 2009. Any person with a non-motorized water craft is eligible to participate in the race that goes from Devereux Beach to Children’s Island. Non-race participants are also invited to participate in the island portion of the event, with transportation to the island provided by The Hannah Glover. The day’s activities on the island will include an auction with many great items, a family cookout, games and musical entertainment. Race entry fees and transportation fees are very reasonable for this fun family day. Please check out the links above for more information and entry forms. LATE-BREAKING NEWS: Boston's THE HELP will be perfoming on the island. Don't miss this up and coming contemporary rock band. See more about the band at their website: http://www.thehelphouse.com/

In addition, we are proud to welcome a special guest entertainer, the 12-year-old singer-songwriter phenom, Hayley Reardon. You won't believe your ears. Join us on the island for an unforgettable concert, cookout and great day of fun!