Celebrating 100 Years
In October 2022, the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz celebrated 100 years of service.
To celebrate, in partnership with the Mountain Parks Foundation, we presented a historical re-enactment of Rotary International Honoring the Ancient Redwoods. A play reenacted the 1938 dedication of The Rotary Tree on the Redwood Loop Trail.
In addition, we invited fellow Rotarians and the community to join us for a Centennial Celebration featuring keynote speaker Nicki Scott, Rotary International Vice President. Additional distinguished guests included Rick King, past President of Rotary International. The evening also included dinner and dancing, as well as reflections on a century of service above self.
Where it all began
To celebrate, in partnership with the Mountain Parks Foundation, we presented a historical re-enactment of Rotary International Honoring the Ancient Redwoods. A play reenacted the 1938 dedication of The Rotary Tree on the Redwood Loop Trail.
In addition, we invited fellow Rotarians and the community to join us for a Centennial Celebration featuring keynote speaker Nicki Scott, Rotary International Vice President. Additional distinguished guests included Rick King, past President of Rotary International. The evening also included dinner and dancing, as well as reflections on a century of service above self.
Where it all began
- The first Rotary Club was established in Chicago in 1905 by attorney Paul Harris. It was intended as a business club, but members later agreed that community service should be its purpose.
- Santa Cruz Rotary was the first small-city club to be accepted into Rotary International. We were chartered in 1922 when the San Francisco Rotary Club (the world's second Rotary Club) came to Santa Cruz to formally admit our club into Rotary International.
- Judge Harry Bias was elected president of the new Santa Cruz Rotary, which met weekly at the St. George Hotel with 25 members, all prominent community leaders. They included Morris Abrams, Ray Judah, Harry Bias, Charles Klein, William Jeter, Barry Bliss, and others.
