Around Town . . . with Robert Airoldi: Christopher Foundation donates meals to CHS seniors after rehearsal

Graduating senior enjoy a garlicky lunch to celebrate their accomplishment in academics

By Robert Airoldi

Robert Airoldi

Christopher High School seniors, who spent the past year attending school virtually, got a nice surprise from The Christopher Family Foundation. Following their commencement rehearsal June 3, members of the foundation and community volunteers served them lunch that included garlic-inspired food dishes prepared by the world-famous “pyro chefs” as well as shirts, hats, and photo opportunities.

“We at CHS are grateful for the generosity of the Christopher family,” Principal Jeremy Dirks said. “Our students have missed out on so much their senior year, and this event for them is a special treat.”

The Christopher Family Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Christopher Ranch LLC, the largest private employer in Gilroy. The foundation aims to support local community service and educational organizations among other causes. Education among Gilroy’s youth has long been the primary focus of the Christopher family’s philanthropy, as evidenced by the namesake Christopher High School.

“We’re focused on providing unique support for local youth in any way we can, recognizing the challenges they’ve gone through and the impact the last year has had on them,” foundation board member Harald Vaernes said. “This is an opportunity to recognize the achievements they’ve made and the hurdles they’ve overcome. There’s no better way to celebrate than through our shared love of all things garlic!”

The COVID-19 global pandemic has made life especially difficult for restaurants, but that hasn’t stopped The Milias Restaurant owners Adam Sanchez and Ann Zyburra from serving the community. They have quietly donated a meal a week since mid-January to local veterans. The commanders from the VFW and American Legion select a different veteran and/or their family each week. That’s 22 meals or $1,100, all that during a difficult time.

These meals are valued at $50 and feed 4 to 6 people and include a main dish, two sides and a dessert. It’s been everything from lasagna to apple bourbon BBQ pork tenderloin. This has been a welcome meal to veterans and their families during these very difficult times.

The generosity shown by many during the past year-plus has shown what a compassionate community Gilroy is. Thank you, Adam and Ann.

Photo courtesy AAUW
Seated on the bench are Sabra Dupree and Sandra Makela, Co-Presidents. Standing, from left are Connie Rogers, Suzanne Barrett, Joan Whitlock, Marianne Peoples, Nancy Fohner and Judy Bozzo.

On May 25 members of the Gilroy Branch of the American Association of University Women gathered to celebrate their donation of a bench at Cydney Casper Park dedicated to 100 years of Women’s Suffrage.

Despite COVID-19 limitations this year the organization was able to hold an election forum by Zoom through the Gilroy Library, send six local middle school girls to Tech Trek camp, give high school and Gavilan College scholarships, participate in a lobby day with state legislators, Robert Rivas and John Laird, donate to Community Solutions, the Compassion Center and Gilroy High School Choir and raise $545 for Eliot Elementary School.

The Santa Clara County Library District’s Summer Reading Program “Reading Colors Your World” encourages readers of all ages to expand their world through kindness, growth and community. Join them for an exciting array of online programs for children, teens, and adults. It’s free and fun for all ages.

Look forward to virtual programs for kids, teens, and adults including performers, art clubs, and more. It’s easy to get started. Sign up (or log in) online on Beanstack.  You can also download the Beanstack app for your mobile device.

Come to the Gilroy Library to pick up your sign up prize (Through July 30) while supplies last. Earn badges by reading and completing activities.  Earn a prize (available Aug. 1 to 31 while supplies last) for reading five books and completing one activity this summer. For more information, visit www.sccld.org/summer2021.