About Us


Rotary is a service organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who conduct humanitarian projects, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and work toward world understanding and peace. We are one of two local Rotary clubs that support local youth and community projects.  We meet every Monday, at the scenic Ridgemark Golf and Country Club, Noon.  Join Us!
 
Rotary Club of Hollister was founded on March 31, 1925, with Salinas Rotary as our Sponsor Club.  The first Club President was Dr. J. M. O’Donnell, D. M. Peterson as Secretary/Treasurer, George Wapple as Sergeant -at-Arms, and E. A. Weller was Song Leader.  Directors include: C. N. Hawkins, J. H. Garner, Louis E. Ladd, W. I. Hawkins, and E. E. Holbrook.  Other Charter Members include:  Thomas E. O’Donnell, C. M. McKee, E. S. Stark, Walter Keene, Dan McCloskey, and M. F. Hoyle Sr., before our Club received it’s official Charter, five more citizens join the Club:  Charles Wagner, Paul Brown, William W. Black, William H. Walker, and F. Gile Tiffany.  You may recognize many of these names as they all played a part of Hollister history and many names have become permanent as the names of streets, buildings, business, and historic homes. 

On June 6, 1925, 150 Rotarians from the Central Coast gathered in the ballroom of the old Elk’s Club (Southeast corner of San Benito and Fifth St) for a formal presentation and acceptance of the Hollister club’s Charter.  Rotarians from Salinas made the presentation and Dr. O’Donnell gave the formal acceptance speech. 
 
Some of the major accomplishments Hollister Rotary has helped the community was building the Clubhouse at Bolado Golf Course, Heli-Pad at Hazel Hawkins Hospital, and 156 Hwy Landscape Entrance leading into Hollister (East of San Benito Bridge and located on Southside of the Hwy).
 
Hollister Rotary is part of District 5170, Club #484, with 56 Rotary Clubs, and 3,856 members as of April 2013.  We are situated within Area 6, which consist of following Clubs:  Almaden Valley, Gilroy, Gilroy Sunrise, Hollister, Morgan Hill, and San Juan Bautista.  We have an Assistant Governor who over sees our Area.