Gavilan College recognized San Benito County residents that improved the quality of life in their community during the regularly scheduled Tuesday board of trustees meeting.
The prizes – called the 2014 Community Spirit Awards – go to one individual, one business and one organization in each of the college’s three main service areas: San Benito County, Morgan Hill and Gilroy. The San Benito County winners were:
Individual – Ruth Erickson: A self-proclaimed “community advocate,” Erickson was a founding member of several school and community-related action committees. She has contributed to the San Benito County Grand Jury and the 156 bypass/Measure A Committee. Erickson is also the president of the Hollister Airmen’s Association, though she is neither a pilot nor a plane owner.
Organization – Comstock Community Farm: The organization provides K-12 students with interdisciplinary, hands-on activities that teach children about production of healthy food. The family-farm-based company partnered with Gavilan College’s Computer Graphics and Design department to provide students with an opportunity to learn about sustainable design practices.
Business – San Benito Bene: The business collaborates with area talents and innovative artisans to provide locally made products. In 2013, the company took home the “Retail Business of the Year” award from the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau and the people’s choice for “Best Locally Made Products” award from the Hollister Free Lance.
The Community Spirit Awards will be presented at the Hollister Downtown Association’s breakfast sponsored by Gavilan College at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 22 at the Running Rooster, 800 San Benito St., in Hollister. Tickers are $13 in advance or $15 at the door. Reservations are encouraged. For more information, go to: downtownhollister.org.
There will be a separate breakfast honoring three Morgan Hill winners at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 2 at the Morgan Hill Community Center at 17000 Monterey Road in Morgan Hill. The ceremony honoring Gilroy winners will be held at 6:45 a.m. Oct. 15 at the Hilton Garden Inn at 6070 Monterey Road in Gilroy.
