If the holidays are a time to reflect and count one’s blessings,
Hollister can add at least three to its list
– Gavilan College held the annual Community Spirit Awards
function last night, honoring local good Samaritans committed to
the betterment of San Benito County.
Hollister – If the holidays are a time to reflect and count one’s blessings, Hollister can add at least three to its list – Gavilan College held the annual Community Spirit Awards function last night, honoring local good Samaritans committed to the betterment of San Benito County.
“We look for people who have served their community for years and maybe have gone unrecognized,” said Jan Bernstein Chargin, one of the event’s organizers. “Or businesses who can inspire other businesses with their generosity.”
Created in 1999 by the Gavilan College Board of Trustees, the Community Spirit Awards are designed to recognize one individual, one non-profit organization and one business dedicated to serving others. A total of nine awards are given every year – three each for Hollister, Gilroy and Morgan Hill.
Local artist Shannon Grissom received the Individual award, in recognition of her work with the Hollister Downtown Association, Gavilan’s CMAP public access station, and her efforts in support of the Hollister School District’s music program.
“The only thing I can think of that brings more beauty into a room than one of her paintings is her smile,” said Gavilan Trustee Kent Child, one of the evening’s presenters.
Grissom believes her most important work has been getting instruments into Hollister’s music classrooms, where funding cuts have left some future flutists practicing on pencils.
“I was a musician starting out, and when I heard about those kids it broke my heart,” she said. “It would be like being a writer and not having access to a pen and paper.”
In the near future, Grissom hopes to raise further awareness on the importance of music education and work with schools at the county level in addition to Hollister School District.
The Nonprofit award went to the local chapter of the United Way, which has raised approximately $225,000 for local charitable causes over the past two years. According to outgoing United Way President Chuck Obeso-Bradley, who accepted the award, the United Way’s two biggest donees are the Hollister Youth Alliance and the Community Pantry.
“Nutrition and hunger are needs that really need to be addressed in this community,” he said. “I was an educator for many years, and I thought I knew what the needs in this community were. Working with the Community Pantry has really opened my eyes.
The United Way has funded sixteen local agencies in all, with representing causes as varied as suicide prevention, scouting, and senior citizens’ rights, and hopes to raise an additional $125,000 for the community in the coming year.
McKinnnon Lumber was honored with the Business award, for almost 30 years of supporting local non-profits with donations of time, money and materials. Almost 20 local organizations have benefited from the company’s generosity, the majority of them schools and youth programs.
“The community has supported us over the years,” said owner John Barrett. “And helping out is our way of giving back.”
All honorees received a plaque from Gavilan College recognizing their service, as well as a certificate from the State Legislature signed by Rep. Simon Salinas. Gavilan College is already accepting nominations for next year’s awards from their Web site: www.gavilan.edu.
“These people love what they do, they’re not after a pat on the back,” said Chargin. ” But it’s nice to be able to give them a pat on the back, once in a while.”
