Rotaplast History

Rotaplast International, Inc. was founded in 1992 by Rotary Club President Peter Lagarias and Dr. Angelo Capozzi in collaboration with the Rotary Club of San Francisco to facilitate a surgical program in La Serena, Chile to treat children with the cleft lip and palate anomaly who would otherwise not receive surgical intervention. This initial historic mission took place in January of 1993.

As a project of the Rotary Club of San Francisco, and for the first three years of its existence, Rotaplast completed one surgical mission a year. The following two years, Rotaplast completed two missions a year. In 1996, Rotaplast became a separate non-profit corporation and has since consistently expanded its number of annual missions. In April of 1998, Rotaplast operated on its 1000th child in Cumana, Venezuela. The 2000th child received surgery in August of 1999 during a trip to Maracaibo, Venezuela. In January of 2001 Rotaplast helped its 3000th child and by the end of 2001 almost 4000 children received curative reconstructive surgery. The number of countries hosting Rotaplast teams continuously grows and includes Chile, Argentina, Venezuela, Bolivia, Peru, Guatemala, Ecuador, Vietnam and the Philippines. Hundreds of medical and non-medical volunteers who give their valuable time, and generous organizations such as hospitals and medical equipment companies which give supplies, account for the consistent success and expansion of Rotaplast missions.

The core program has expanded to include genetic research, preventive counseling, a multi-disciplinary approach including orthodontics, speech pathology and dentistry along with an emphasis on education and training of on-site medical professionals. In 2002, Rotaplast International, Inc. entered into a Covenant of Partnership with affiliated entities in Chile and Venezuela. This Covenant instills an interdependent relationship based upon moral obligation between the parties to carry on the mission of Rotaplast in their respective countries. It is anticipated that other Partners will be admitted in the future as other in-country organizations develop.

Of course, Rotaplast would not exist without the essential and vital funding provided by international and domestic Rotary Clubs, philanthropic individuals and companies, and private and corporate foundations. In 1999, The Rotaplast Foundation was formed as a nonprofit charitable trust to raise and manage the funds which support the mission of Rotaplast International, Inc.

Although a San Francisco-based organization, Rotaplast works nationally and internationally by partnering with Rotary Clubs, other organizations, and individuals across the United States and at mission sites. It provides a vehicle for medical professionals and non-medical volunteers to actively engage in projects that build international friendships and promote goodwill and understanding among the peoples of the world.

                     Mission History