Donations exceed last year’s by $25,000

Morgan Hill Life file photo
An inflatable “Herbie” greets visitors during a past Garlic Festival.

By Staff Report

Consider it an extra bumper harvest of generosity benefiting everyone from 4H clubs to soccer teams, veterans groups to culinary students. The garlic capital served up some serious green for local charities.

The Gilroy Garlic Festival Association presented a total of $65,000 in payouts to South Valley nonprofits this year. The 2023 donations exceed last year’s contributions by $25,000, GFA president Cindy Fellows said.

Thanks to the community rallying around its signature stinking rose, Gilroy continues spreading the wealth and goodwill of its beloved bulb. So breathe deep and toast the tart twang making this South Valley town both flavorful and philanthropic.

Established to provide benefits to local charities and nonprofits while promoting the city of Gilroy and the spice that made it famous, the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association hosted an awards ceremony to hand out the checks Dec. 5.

Connecting the community through smaller events, educational activities, and giving opportunities, the association still places a focus on making Gilroy a more caring, economically sound, and connected place to live, work, and play. The grants were awarded through an application process and evaluated by the association’s Board of Directors.

Here’s the breakdown of 2023 benefactors:

Donations

  • Gilroy Unified School District
  • St. Joseph’s Food Pantry
  • Veterans Memorial Hall

 

Grants

  • Ascencion Solorsano Middle School Parent Club
  • Boy Scouts of America Troop #730
  • Christopher High School Boys Soccer
  • Dream power Horsemanship
  • Gavilan College Men’s Soccer
  • Gilroy Arts Alliance
  • Gilroy High School Future Farmers of America
  • Gilroy Historical Society
  • Gilroy High School Parents Club, Inc.
  • Gilroy Leadership & Education Foundation — Leadership Gilroy
  • Gilroy Prep School Percussion Ensemble
  • Gilroy Sister Cities Association
  • Live Oak Adult Day Care Services
  • PitStop Outreach
  • Rancho Maze Band Boosters Association
  • Rebekah Children’s Services, Kneaded Culinary Academy
  • Unravel

 

Volunteer Hour Payouts

  • All Animals Rescue Foundation
  • Boy Scouts of America Troop #730
  • Christopher High School Baseball
  • Christopher High School Boys Basketball
  • Christopher High School Yearbook
  • Gilroy Exchange Club
  • Gilroy Gators Swim Team
  • Gilroy High School Baseball
  • Gilroy High School Boys Basketball
  • Gilroy Presbyterian Church
  • Knights of Columbus
  • Operation Freedom Paws
  • South Valley Community Church
  • Sportsman Chef
  • Victory Outreach