The Mathews Rotary Club held its annual Charter Night on Saturday night with a prime rib dinner at the Mathews Yacht Club. Charter Night celebrates the founding of Rotary International on Feb. 23, 1905 by Paul Harris, a Chicago attorney.

The purpose was to gather professionals with diverse backgrounds so that there could be an exchange of ideas and to form meaningful lifelong friendships. The featured guest speaker was Tim Doss, chairman of the Mathews County Board of Supervisors.

Doss discussed the challenges ahead for the county as well as the successes over the past year. In addition, Sheila Brennan, past District Governor, presented Jack White with his fifth Paul Harris Award and Bill Stearns his fourth Paul Harris Award.

White announced that this year’s Party With a Purpose will benefit the new Mathews YMCA preschool program. The preschool will operate in the Westville Baptist Church in the Court House that had previously served as a preschool.

Lynne White and her brother offered to match dollar-for-dollar all donations raised for the preschool during the event. Donations will go toward supplies, books, furniture, playground equipment, and updating the facility.

Party With a Purpose will be held on Sunday, June 1, at Williams Wharf featuring Good Shot Judy and food trucks.