It is rare that Rotary Club of Morgan Hill honors someone outside its membership with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship, but that honor has been bestowed upon consummate community volunteer and philanthropist George Chiala, Sr.
"George was selected for this recognition because our club believes his life exemplifies the humanitarian and educational objectives of the Rotary Foundation," said Board Director Laura Lundy.
Paul Harris Fellow recognition was created in memory of Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary. "It was a surprise to me that I received it. It's quite a nice honor
"It's a great honor," Chiala, 66, said about receiving the award. "The people around me are the ones who deserve it. They make things happen. My wife, family and the community."
Chiala, who's lived in Morgan Hill since 1955 and is president of George Chiala Farms, Inc., added, "I live in a really nice community and anything I can do to make it better I'm willing to do."
Lundy said a partial list of his accomplishments and involvement includes serving as chairman of the Foundation for Saint Louise Regional Hospital Foundation, member of the operating board of Saint Louise Regional Hospital, director of the Santa Clara County Farm Bureau, current chair of the Launching Committee for South County Catholic High School, Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year 2005, longtime volunteer for St. Catherine's Catholic Church, past member of the Morgan Hill Unified School District board of Education and Committee for Advance Land Planning for Santa Clara County. George is a graduate of the University of Santa Clara.
The award is named for Rotary International's founder Paul P. Harris, an attorney, who founded the Rotary Club of Chicago in February, 1905. The Fellowship was created by The Rotary Foundation whose mission is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.
Chiala said he's most proud of community service that connects his blessings to the people of Morgan Hill. He said he enjoyed hosting the Leadership Excellence Awards ceremony on the grounds of The Fountain Oaks, his family estate. He also mentioned he feels lucky to provide service to the hospital by bringing the communities in South County together to support common health improvement initiatives and programs.
"Our health services are better now," because of programs Saint Louise Regional Hospital has started, he said.
George and wife Alice have four children and five grandchildren. Their farm, located at 15500 Hill Road in Morgan Hill, has been in the Chiala family for three generations.
In 1942, Vito Chiala, an Italian immigrant and restaurateur, purchased land in the Santa Clara Valley of California and began farming row crops and tending orchards. His son, George, following in his footsteps, began farming in 1972 and later integrated and began processing ingredients in 1984. Today, George Chiala Farms, Inc. processes 60 million pounds of vegetable ingredients each year, which requires approximately 90 million pounds of raw vegetables.
Natalie Everett
Natalie Everett Natalie Everett is the education and city reporter for The Times. Reach her at (408) 779-4106, ext. 201, or neverett@morganhilltimes.com.
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