Trees to Read Under Celebrates Rotary Milestone
Gilroy Rotary to Plant 100 " Trees to Read Under "
The year was 1925, and the city of Gilroy was a thriving agricultural community with a population of 2,800 people. There was a strong connection with San Jose because of the packing plants, canneries, and the transportation corridor of Monterey Road and the rail system linking the two communities.
So, it was natural that the Rotary Club of San Jose would sponsor a Gilroy Rotary Club, because these were the early movers and shakers of Gilroy with business ties to their neighbor to the north. Members held significant political and economic influence, including bankers, insurance brokers, ranchers, landowners, physicians, and politicians, each participating in efforts to develop the community and the local economy.
But, more importantly, there was a commitment to service with support to the local schools, senior citizens, and service projects. One of those service projects was the Cypress trees planted along Hecker Pass initiated by Gilroy Rotarians and planted by the local Boy Scouts with many of those trees still standing.
Today, the Rotary Club of Gilroy looks different. Membership has grown to 100 +, women have shared in leadership roles, and Gilroy Rotarians reflect the fabric of the community, representing business, education, government, arts and culture, and retirees. But one thing is the same— a commitment to youth and senior citizens. This year, the Rotary Club of Gilroy and the Gilroy Rotary Endowment will have given over $ 1 million in scholarships to graduating seniors and $ 1.2 million in community grants— all benefiting local youth since its inception.
To commemorate the history and success of the Rotary Club of Gilroy for the past hundred years, a legacy project called Trees to Read Under will leave a lasting mark on Gilroy schools.
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20 FALL 2025 Gilroy • Morgan Hill TODAY Magazine: Go. Make history... gmhtoday. com