Published in the October 26 – November 8, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life
On a road trip this summer, Kerri Scoffone read out-loud a story in Gilroy Life to her husband, Dave Scoffone, about the Edward Boss Prado Foundation and the good work it is doing helping young people and families in South Valley. That story inspired the Gilroy couple to host a special “Wild Duck Dinner Party” fundraising event Oct. 10 at the historic Milias Restaurant. Guests sampled seven courses of extraordinary dishes chef Adam Sanchez and his staff prepared using ducks hunted by Dave and his friends — and which Kerri jokingly said she was looking for a good excuse to get out of her freezer.
The South Valley community came together for the cause. A fun and friendly auction of six items brought in $17,050 to help support the Prado Foundation. Among those locals who helped put on the event were Larry and Teri Fernandes, Joe and Katie Aiello, Sam and Judy Bozo, Pepper and Sherry Snyder, Frank and Noreen Leal as well as the locally-based Pinnacle Bank.
“Our intentions to make this a fundraiser for a great cause was suggested by Mike Greenwood,” Keri and Dave said. “We had hopes that it would be successful but had no idea that all of the combined generosity would do so much for the needy people in our community.”
The Scoffones are not the only ones helping raise funds to support the foundation. Morgan Hill resident Majhon Phillips last month produced the second annual “Rock For a Reason: Dancing Through the Decades” musical revue to benefit the organization. Her Music As Language instruction business produced the show with help from more than 25 companies and sponsors. Proceeds were matched by Modern Woodmen of America, which brought the donation to $5,000 for the foundation, which plans to use the proceeds to purchase storage facilities for her Cecelia’s Closet expanding inventory, which donates clothes and other items to families in need.
When Cecelia Ponzini unexpectedly lost her son Edward to heart failure in 2003, she was gripped with a burning desire to honor the young Morgan Hill man. She latched onto memories of his kind and giving nature. Those tender recollections led her to start the foundation in his name.
With the help of the community, the Morgan Hill woman built up charitable programs that have had a huge impact on the lives of thousands of people throughout South Valley. In 2011, Ponzini began the Share the Runway program. In 2012, she started the No Child Left Unfed program. And in 2013, she launched the Edward Boss Prado Foundation serving as an umbrella nonprofit dedicated to various charitable programs.
The foundation has grown to provide resources helping children and families in Morgan Hill, San Martin and Gilroy. Its mission “to work with relentless passion to empower people in need with resources that foster dignity and respect” is one that an increasing number are taking to heart. We encourage everyone to support this foundation which supports those in real need in our communities.
