Around Town … with Robert Airoldi: Gilroy Library exhibition tells compelling story of Latina activist

The Dolores Huerta exhibition shares the compelling story of the activist and leader

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By Robert Airoldi

The Santa Clara County Library District presents the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service’s new bilingual exhibition, Dolores Huerta: Revolution in the Fields/Revolución en los Campos, on display at the Gilroy Library from Nov. 5 to Jan. 23, 2023.

The exhibition shares the compelling story of the activist and leader, and the farmworker movement of the 1960s and 1970s. It features reproductions of historic and personal photographs with text in English and Spanish. It will detail Huerta’s life from her early influences, through the United Farm Workers’ grape boycotts and landmark agreements with grape-growing conglomerates.

“It is a privilege for the Santa Clara County Library District to host an exhibition from a distinguished organization like the Smithsonian about a remarkable woman such as Dolores Huerta,” said County Librarian Jennifer Weeks. “At a time when women were expected to only play a domestic role, Huerta and her colleagues sacrificed their own well-being to challenge the system and create a better life for farmworkers.”

For information, visit www.sccld.org/dolores.

The Leadership Gilroy class of 2022 really rocks! They raised a total $73,895 to help Gilroy’s Veterans Hall renovate its commercial kitchen to meet county standards. The project will help the vets raise funds by being able to rent out the facility for events requiring in-house catering such as weddings.

The class project had an Oct. 1 open house at the hall inviting the Gilroy community to share in the celebration of the class project, which also included the renovation of the flag pole outside.

“It was an incredible day for our Leadership Gilroy class project, ‘A Salute to Our Veterans,'” said class member Giovanni Albanese Jr. “In the end, we surpassed our $50,000 fundraising goal by leaps and bounds. And while that was a jaw-dropping moment for us, what was more satisfying was to hear the joy and gratitude from numerous Veterans and all those involved with the Veterans Hall about our effort to raise awareness..”

Since 1980, Gilroy Foundation has awarded more than $16.3 million in grants and scholarships that have made a positive difference in every sphere of life in Gilroy: strengthening schools, improving health, appreciating the arts, enhancing technology, and protecting the environment. To date, $439,829 was awarded to local organizations and programs during the annual grant cycle and pass-through grants.

The 2023 Competitive Grant Cycle opened Oct. 1, and closes Dec. 15. All nonprofits with a 501(c)(3) status, GUSD schools, and Gilroy city programs are eligible to apply for a Gilroy Foundation grant that will serve the Gilroy community.

To apply, download a 2023 grant application, available at www.gilroyfoundation.org. Grant application and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Foundation via email at [email protected] by

Grants will be awarded in March. Contact [email protected] with any questions about the grant application process.

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Another philanthropic group — the Gilroy Rotary Club — formally kicked off its 2022-2023 Community Grants Program Oct. 10.

Gilroy Rotary is a volunteer organization comprised of individuals from our community who are dedicated to the concept of “service above self.” Through fundraising and individual contributions, the members of Gilroy Rotary provide critical financial support to a wide range of local community needs, with a special focus on education, youth, seniors, and local impact.

Last year Gilroy Rotary’s Community Grants Program distributed nearly $40,000 to support local agencies and programs. Since Gilroy Rotary began its program in 1991, Gilroy Rotarians have distributed close to $1,000,000 to address community needs.

Program guidelines and applications for funding will be available after Oct. 10on the Gilroy Rotary www.gilroyrotary.org or by contacting the club at: Gilroy Rotary Charitable Giving, P.O. Box 1912, Gilroy, CA 95021. Completed applications must be received by Monday Nov. 14, 2022.

“As an organization, we are proud to help support the needs of community groups through our charitable giving program,” said Laura Brown, Rotary Club of Gilroy’s president.

Love golf? The Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce is holding its inaugural golf tournament Oct. 21 at Coyote Creek Golf Course. The day includes a scramble-type, 18-hole tournament, a car show, cocktail hour, dinner, award banquet, raffle prizes and more. There are spots for players and sponsorship opportunities. To play or sponsor, contact [email protected]. See you there. Fore!

Another fun event is Terry Moriyama’s Halloween Party at Morgan’s Cove. The party raises funds for her Air For Paws nonprofit that provides life-saving breathing apparatus for emergency personnel to use on pets. It takes place Oct. 22 and includes a costume contest. Awalking cocktail party includes wine, beer and food; and music, fun and games. The cost is $125 and tickets are available at [email protected]. No high heels (uneven pavement), no pets and for those 21 and older.