Great Falls — The Great Falls Rotary Club celebrated reaching its 100th member Thursday, April 12, achieving the milestone in record time. They reached 100 members in 10 months, growth that has attracted the attention of Rotary International.

"They’ve done a great job of getting the word out," said Karey Starnes, assistant governor for District 7610. "They’re the second largest in our district, and they’re one of the fastest growing clubs in Rotary International."

They hit the century mark at their weekly meeting at Riverbend Country Club. The Great Falls Rotary Club recently wrote a grant that provided reading materials to local kindergarten classes.

President Jeff Thinnes said he has been pleased with the diverse group of talents who have come together to uphold the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self."

"This is a result of a lot of forces coming together, including the McLean Rotary Club and tremendous support from the district," said Great Falls Rotary President Jeff Thinnes. "Having this success makes us all the more determined to get involved and stay involved."

Thinnes pointed out that since the 2010 Census showed approximately 15,000 residents in Great Falls, that means one in every 144 residents are members.

Glenn Yarborough, president of the McLean Rotary Club, sponsor organization called the club’s success an "example of the growth Rotary International is attempting." Thinnes said that one of the future goals of the group is to start an Interact Club, Rotary’s youth club, at Langley High School.

More information can be found at www.rotarygreatfalls.com.