When you think about it, it’s really a mind-boggling concept:
Every time you open up the newspaper and look at the community
bulletin, there’s someone behind that fundraising event, that
financial gift to a nonprofit group, or that push for affordable
housing. But what’s even more impressive is that there are a
handful of locals who aren’t just involved one or two events –
they’re behind almost all of them.
Hollister – When you think about it, it’s really a mind-boggling concept: Every time you open up the newspaper and look at the community bulletin, there’s someone behind that fundraising event, that financial gift to a nonprofit group, or that push for affordable housing. But what’s even more impressive is that there are a handful of locals who aren’t just involved one or two events – they’re behind almost all of them.
Each year, the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce honors the local residents who throw themselves into one charitable act after another. The awards, which have been going on since 1978, honor one man, one woman, and three local businesses with long histories of supporting the community, according to Chamber Executive Director Theresa Kiernan.
“The purpose of the award is to recognize and honor a resident who has served San Benito County as a role model,” said Mary Damm, a selection committee member. “It’s a great honor to receive the award. It’s always really outstanding people who are nominated, and it’s not an easy choice.”
Each year, anyone in the community can send in a nomination for one of the five spots: Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, Retail Business of the Year, Service/Retail Business of the Year and Food Service Business of the Year. Applications are then sent to every person and business nominated, who then fill out information regarding their community involvement. The chamber reviews the applications and chooses five winners each year, according to Damm.
This year, the winners will be honored at the annual Dinner Dance at San Juan Oaks on Feb. 15.
Man of the Year
Fernando Gonzalez used to go out to lunch every week with three friends – all of whom happened to be former Chamber Men of the Year.
“I used to wonder what I was doing with them; they used to give me a hard time about being the only one who hadn’t been Man of the Year,” Gonzalez said with a laugh.
Now Gonzalez will be able to eat in peace. The owner of Hollister’s True Value hardware store is this year’s Man of the Year for his involvement in everything from raising money for the community to building affordable housing for low-income families.
Gonzalez currently serves on the Community Service Development board, which operates trailer homes for the homeless at county farm worker camps and rehabilitates dilapidated housing units for the needy.
“We’re always trying to develop more support for that and more units,” he said.
Born and raised in Hollister, Gonzalez bought the True Value store in 1989 and has continued his public service ever since.
“It’s very important for the health of the community for all individuals to get involved. I have to do my share, and I think all individuals should do their share by volunteering their time or financial resources,” he said. “There’s a lot of people who get involved. A lot of people who support these organizations from their time and finances, so I’m just honored to be selected as Man of the Year.”
Woman of the Year
Barbara Cosio moved to California in sixth grade from Savannah, Georgia. In 1956, her family moved to Hollister, and since then her community involvement has gone above and beyond southern hospitality.
“I just care a lot about people and I want them to succeed in their lives,” said Cosio, a mother and grandmother who works at the First American Title Company. “Anything I can help with just gives me a good feeling.”
Cosio’s work with the YMCA, the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce, the Red Cross and the Ambassadors, a group dedicated to helping local businesses grow, has kept her busy over the years.
She is particularly active in the Small Steps program, which raises money to buy winter coats and shoes for needy children in San Benito County.
But no matter what, she said, she still has time for her grandchildren, the “apple of her eye.”
“I love people; I love doing for others. I think that’s always been my goal, even when I was younger. Now I just want things better for the community and for my children and grandchildren,” she said.
Retail Business of the Year
When he was just 24 years old and preparing for the birth of his first child, Phil Fortino made a risky decision: He bought what is now Fortino’s Total Home Furnishing from its retiring owner and went into business for himself.
“We were living in Salinas at the time, so we moved to a tri-plex on Caputo Court, sold the house and put everything into the business,” said Fortino, who was born and raised in Hollister.
Today, 27 years later, Fortino’s has grown into a successful business with a staff that remembers the importance of community involvement, Fortino said. The furniture store gives money to the Boy Scouts, various scholarship funds, the League of United Latin American Citizens, Emmaus house, local schools, and city recreation among other programs, Fortino said.
Fortino’s employees are encouraged to participate in the community individually as well, and many are active in the Rotary Club, the Community Pantry and local church groups.
A few years ago, Fortino said, his staff even decided to adopt a local family at Christmastime, going over the family’s wish-list and donating food and gifts.
“I think there’s a number of local businesses deserving of Business of the Year, because most local businesses are very supportive of local groups and local events. I think that’s what community is all about. It’s important that people support their local businesses and local businesses support their community,” Fortino said.
Service/Retail Business of the Year
When she started her business, Jeannine DiVincenzo wanted it to be more than just a place women could find decent lingerie without leaving town. Shortly after she opened Boutique de Lingerie on McCray Street, she learned her cousin was suffering from breast cancer, and DiVincenzo wanted to do everything she could to help.
So, she took three training classes to learn how to deal with the emotional and physical needs of breast cancer patients, established a relationship with Medicare enabling her to sell prosthetic breasts to customers with the insurance, and started an annual gala to raise money for her cause.
Now located in downtown Hollister on San Benito Street, Boutique de Lingerie still hosts its Evening of Hope fashion show and dinner to fund scholarships for children and grandchildren of cancer victims.
Over the last six years, the fund has grown to about $28,000, she said, and this year will mark the first time they are able to give out scholarships after years of saving.
“I think it’s really important that we keep the money local,” she said. “When we started out, we gave the money to the Susan G. Koman foundation, which is a great foundation but they’re so national and global that I wanted to see what I could do to help locally. There are just so many children here in Hollister losing their parents and grandparents to cancer.”
Food Service Business of the Year
This award goes to the Hollister Subway Sandwich shop. Owner Yvette Pappenhausen bought the franchise store in 1991. Since then, Subway has donated to the local Girl Scouts, community girls travel soccer teams, the YMCA, and the Hollister Recreation Department. Pappenhausen could not be reached for comment.
Jessica Quandt covers politics for the Free Lance. Reach her at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or at jq*****@fr***********.com.
