SERVICE ABOVE SELF
Established in 1924, the Rotary Club of Forest Grove is one of the oldest and largest Rotary clubs in the Portland metropolitan area. Serving the communities of Forest Grove, Banks, Cornelius and Gaston, the Rotary Club of Forest Grove is a dynamic group of civic-minded business and community leaders, linked by Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.”
The Rotary Club of Forest Grove is dedicated to helping make our local communities a better place to live through the funding of local organizations, especially those focusing on youth, and through service in local projects.
Membership in the Rotary Club of Forest Grove is open to anyone who wishes to make a difference in their community, and the world, through service.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
As vested members of our local community, the Rotary Club of Forest Grove puts its energy and funding back into local people, activities and organizations. Here are a few ways that our club gives back.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: The Rotary Club of Forest Grove annually provides college scholarships to graduating seniors from Forest Grove, Banks & Gaston high schools. In addition, the club also provides scholarships to Pacific University for local students.
COMMUNITY BEAUTIFICATION: The Rotary Club of Forest Grove maintains the McDougall Garden near the “big flag” at the eastern entrance of Forest Grove on Pacific Ave. The club also does regular road pick-ups on designated “Adopt-A-Road” sections of Gales Creek Rd. & Thatcher Rd.
PUBLIC SPACES: The Rotary Club of Forest Grove has provided manpower and funding for such projects as Trombley Square and the Faith Gabelnick Labyrinth at Pacific University, the Lincoln Park Centennial Park Shelter and the barbeque structure at Rogers Park.
YOUTH FUNDING: Among the causes our club has contributed to over the years includes Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Adelante Chicas, I Have A Dream, Forest Grove Little Guy Football, FC West Soccer, Forest Grove Swim Club and many more.
OUR CLUB ACTIVITIES
CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE: A Forest Grove tradition since 1972, the Forest Grove Concours D’Elegance has developed a reputation as one of the best classic car shows on the west coast. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Forest Grove, the Concours takes place annually the third Sunday in July. Funds from this event support our scholarship programs.
STEAK FEED: Our annual Chuck Wagon Steak Feed takes place at Pacific University around Memorial Day, with Rotarians cooking up steaks and serving the fixins. Funds from this event support our involvement in Rotary Youth Exchange.
ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE: The Rotary Club of Forest Grove has taken part in the Rotary Youth Exchange program for over 50 years, sponsoring high school youth to spend a year overseas and hosting other Rotary-sponsored youth from other countries.