Rotary started in the Unity Building in downtown Chicago in 1905, and the very first project was to build a Toilet Block. Two of the four original founders dropped out in the first weeks and generally, even back then, the member turnover was around 10% each year. Prior to the First World War, other new clubs worked at proposing new roads, working to assist with first emergency aid, and disaster relief. After the war a major milestone was achieved with the establishment of the International Society for Crippled Children in 1922.
Arch Klumph suggested that the 1917 Convention set up an Endowment Fund with a humble donation of $26.50, that in 1928 became known as the Rotary Foundation, and today has grown to a net worth of US $1.27 billion.
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