Hilda Holl was the spouse of Michael Holl, our 2020-2021 club president. Hilda passed away (at age 61) from a rare and aggressive form of cancer on June 3, 2021.
Hilda was the ultimate caregiver. A compassionate, generous, unconditionally loving, and sensitive spirit for her family and many friends. Loving wife for Michael and nurturing mother for her two children, son Luke and daughter Kylie.
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A little bit about Hilda
Hilda Moreno was the daughter of a peach farmer and labor contractor in Stanislaus County, California. Hilda had a tremendous work ethic. From an early age Hilda valued hard work. She helped her family work the orchards throughout the seasons. From irrigating and pruning, to harvesting, picking and grading, Hilda did it all. She even drove the semi-truck loaded with peach bins to be processed. Hilda was never afraid to get her hands dirty.
After attending the California State University Fresno (where Hilda and Michael met), Hilda and her sister Maggie built two successful businesses in Modesto, Turlock and Ceres; a unique gift store named Nature's Gifts, and later a wedding and events venue named Evanshire Gardens. Both of these businesses were locally loved, and thrived for decades.
Hilda and Michael moved to Carmel California in 2015 to provided 24/7 care for Michael’s elderly parents. Hilda stayed with the parents while Michael worked at his new full-time job. Michael’s father passed-away of Alzheimer’s in 2018, and his mother passed-away, after multiple strokes, in 2019.
Hilda never complained about having cancer, or about her dire prognosis. Hilda faced the end of her life as she lived, with love and compassion for others. Always willing to help others succeed, or to lend a hand. Hilda gave of herself to everyone. She was a remarkable person.
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The Rotary Club
Michael joined the Rotary Club of Carmel Valley in 2017. Hilda enjoyed Michael’s participation in the club’s community service projects and activities. So much so that when Hilda was diagnosed with cancer halfway through Michael’s term as president, she convinced him not to resign.
Moved by Hilda’s passing during Michael’s final days as president the Rotary club’s Foundation Board decided to create a new fund dedicated to Hilda’s memory. This idea was presented to Michael who was surprised, pleased and humbled by this remarkable gesture of compassion and kindness.
The Foundation Board and Michael worked together to determine how best to honor Hilda and serve the community.
Because of Hilda’s business background and Hispanic heritage, it was decided that a special scholarship fund focused on Hispanic women business students would be the most appropriate tribute.
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The Scholarships
Each school year a scholarship, currently in the amount of $1,000.00, will be awarded to a student attending the Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) and a student attending California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). The yearly scholarship is focused on, but not limited to, Hispanic women business students.
For Monterey Peninsula Collage the top five applicants (filtered by MPC) are provided for consideration. Hilda’s family (Mike, Luke and Kylie) then choose the recipient while remembering Hilda’s sentiments and views.
The selection process for California State University, Monterey Bay is done by the school administration and faculty.
Scholarship Listings
Monterey Peninsula College: https://www.mpcfoundation.org/donors/where-to-give/named-scholarships
California State University, Monterey Bay: https://csumb.edu/business/scholarships/
Recipients
We are pleased to recognize and celebrate the following Hilda Holl Memorial Scholarship recipients.
2023: Berenice Lemus, California State University, Monterey Bay
2023: Elvira Guerrero, Monterey Peninsula College
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You
Your tax-deductible* donation to our Foundation for the Hilda Holl Memorial Scholarship Fund will help deserving students, as a tribute to Hilda’s remarkable life, for years to come.
Each year from June 3rd to July 26th (Hilda’s day of death to her day of birth) a donation drive will take place to raise funds. During this time period a donation matching opportunity will be presented. Of course, donations are appreciated at any time.
2023 Donation Drive Matching Opportunity: $4,000
Please contact us (see below) if you wish for your donation to be anonymous. Your comments and remembrances of Hilda would also be appreciated.
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The Hummingbird
Hilda’s favorite animal, her animal spirit, was a hummingbird. Ashley Bennett, a Carmel-by-the-Sea artist and studio owner (Artists — Bennett Sculpture Carmel), painted the hummingbird, which was noticed by Mike Holl shortly after Hilda’s passing. A limited number of prints of the original painting (which had already been sold) were made available. Mike purchased one of the prints, and Ashley wholeheartedly embraced Mike’s use of the image for the Hilda Holl Memorial Scholarship.
Subsequently, to Mike’s surprise, Ashley painted an identical original and presented it to Mike as a gift. Thank you, Ashley, for your gift, your artistry, and your generosity.
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Donation checks payable to:
CVR Club Foundation Endowment Fund
13758 Center Street
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
Please add the memo: For the HHMSF account.
*The Carmel Valley Rotary Club Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization.
Our Tax ID number is: 26-4816466.
All contributions are tax-deductible under IRS Code 5.01 C. (3)
The Carmel Valley Rotary Club Foundation does not sell, rent or otherwise share your personal information with other organization or persons.
Thank you for your support.
Contact Information
Michael (Mike) Holl
Chair of the Hilda Holl Memorial Scholarship Program
mike.holl@live.com
