KING CITY — King City Rotary Club celebrated a remarkable milestone Saturday, as members, guests and community leaders gathered at Rustic Barrel to mark the club’s 100th anniversary with a special Centennial Luncheon.
The March 7 event honored a century of service, leadership and community impact since the club was founded in March 1926 by a group of 20 forward-thinking local businessmen. King City Rotary was the seventh Rotary Club chartered in Northern California, joining early clubs in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Tulare, Salinas and Monterey.
The club’s first president was Bill Goodspeed, and over the past century, the organization has grown into one of King City’s most active service groups, guided by Rotary International’s motto of “Service Above Self.”
One of the most remarkable legacies celebrated during the luncheon was the Casey family’s connection to the club. Beginning with charter member Fred Vivian, five generations of the same family have been involved in King City Rotary for 100 years. The family lineage continued through Bill Steglich, Harry Casey Jr., Richard Casey, Bill Casey and Ryan Casey.
Several long-time members were recognized during the celebration, including Paul Beckett, who joined the club in 1968 and has maintained perfect attendance for 58 years. Beckett served as club president in 1978-79 and again as co-president in 2014-15.
Other members honored for more than 30 years of service included John Buttgereit (55 years), Byron Lynn (54 years), Chris Davis (46 years), Paul Hernandez (41 years), Roger Borzini (37 years), Paul Layous (36 years), Richard Casey (34 years) and Randy Handley (33 years).
Past presidents attending the luncheon were also recognized, including Suzi Taylor, who made history as the club’s first female president.
Throughout its history, King City Rotary has organized numerous fundraisers and community events that have become local traditions. The annual Rotary Flea Market, first launched in 1969 at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds, continues to draw thousands of visitors each year. Chris Davis was recognized for decades of leadership in organizing the event.
The club’s beloved Crab Feed—now known as the Surf & Turf Dinner—has also been a staple of the community for more than two decades. Anne Olson was honored for her many years leading the event, along with Paulette Bumbalough, MikelAnn Miller and Teri Storelli for their continued work in keeping the tradition strong.
Another newer community favorite is the Rabbit Run, a family-friendly 5K and fun run organized by Rotarians TJ Plew-Hearne and James Ewart.
Beyond fundraising, Rotary members were also recognized for leadership in many other service initiatives, including Chris Graveline for his work with the King City Rotary Foundation, Steve Adams for helping establish the King City High School Interact Club, and Deep Desai for coordinating international service projects. Dalilah Reyes and Teri Storelli were also acknowledged for their efforts in securing grants to preserve and share the club’s history.
The Centennial Committee, which began planning the celebration more than two years ago, initially set out to create a visible project that the entire community could enjoy. While early plans focused on supporting a student learning center at the First Tee facility at the King City Golf Course, winter flooding forced the club to pivot to a new project.
That effort became the Broadway Circle improvement project, a revitalization of the central landscaped area in downtown King City. The redesigned space features a walking path shaped like the Rotary wheel surrounding the fountain, water-saving landscaping and a Rotary Peace Pole bearing the message, “May Peace Prevail on Earth.”
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Broadway Circle project is scheduled for April 8 at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at the King City Grill.
Over the past century, King City Rotary has supported countless programs throughout the community — from scholarships for local students to youth activities, healthcare initiatives, community organizations and international service projects. The club continues to play a vital role in supporting education, civic engagement and community development across South Monterey County.
As the club enters its second century of service, members say their mission remains the same: strengthening the community through service, leadership and partnership.
For more information about the King City Rotary Club, its projects or upcoming events, community members are invited to visit the club’s website kingcityrotary.org.
