 Press & News
URL: http://www.gilroydispatch.com/news/259646-brother-can-i-spare-a-dime
Brother, can I spare a dime?
Sep 28, 2009
By Sara Suddes
Even in the worst economic climate since the Great Depression, Gilroyans are giving up their own comforts to meet the needs of the less fortunate.
The amount donated might be down, but the desire to give is stronger than ever, local and national organizations reported. A recent survey of the Dispatch's digest section revealed a weekend crowded with fundraisers and charity events to benefit various local nonprofits. And even though do-gooders might not be able to give as generously as they'd like, they're turning out in droves, offering their time and resources to help others.
"I think everybody really wants to help," said Teresa Glover, bar manager at Westside Grill. "Even if it's just $5 or $10, if you get enough people to donate, it makes a huge difference."
In the past, Glover sent out letters to community members requesting donations for her cause. Now that people are tightening their purse strings, Glover said she's not as comfortable soliciting donations, and decided to take a different approach to fundraising. The restaurant hopes to raise $2,500 Thursday for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by raffling off San Jose Sharks hockey tickets and asking for donations to take a photo with the team's mascot, Sharkie. Earlier this year, she raffled off a jersey signed by the San Jose Sharks and raised more than $1,000.
"People are very generous," she said. "If I find out what they're interested in, I can use that to my advantage and they get something out of it as well."
Instead of relying on traditional donations, other local organizations have gotten creative, putting on everything from softball tournaments to wine tastings.
Sponsored by Dutchman's Pizza, the California Junior Scholarship Federation's inaugural Men's Softball Tournament was met with resounding success over the weekend, said Jim Shuster, owner of the pizzeria. The event raised $1,700 to benefit the Federation, which promotes academic success and community service at Gilroy's middle schools.
In the past, Shuster just wrote a check to the federation for about half the amount the tournament raised this year. On a budget himself, he aimed to involve a lot more people this year to learn about the Federation and have a good time at the tournament.
"The tournament showed us that there is money out there and people will spend it to have a little fun in return," he said. "I'm a big proponent of spending money where you live. It might not be the dollars, but it's the quarters - and at least it's something."
Community members like Shuster inspire others to raise their own standard of giving, said Valerie Kelly, a teacher at Ascencion Solorsano Middle School who helped run the concession stand at the tournament.
"He's like Santa Claus," she said. "By and large, I think there are those instigators, like Jim, who really set the tone."
Even when people can't donate as much financially as they'd like, many still volunteer time and other resources, said Tracy Kester, an instructor at Gilroy High School's adaptive recreation program. Kester and her colleagues helped organize a well-attended Italian dinner Saturday at Kirigin Cellars to benefit the Association for Adults with Developmental Disabilities.
"I was surprised because people are having such hard times," she said. "There weren't a lot of huge donations, but there were a lot of people giving."
Larger organizations, like Rebekah Children's Services, which has served Gilroyans for more than 100 years, also struggle with finding the resources necessary to keep certain programs afloat, said Mike Hayes, fund development director.
Though the dollars may not be there, the desire to give still is, Hayes said.
"I believe there's that reservation," he said. "People have a little tighter hold on their wallets, which is understandable. I think everyone is feeling the pain, but they definitely want to give and help in some way."
Though U.S. charitable giving was down 2 percent last year to $307 billion, according to Giving USA, a foundation that publishes data and trends about charitable giving, the picture for 2009 is still unclear.
"I wouldn't be surprised if individual giving increases," said Daniel Borochoff, a representative with the American Institute of Philanthropy, a nonprofit charity watchdog. "People want to do more. I think people are more attuned to wanting to help, especially in a crisis or disaster situation."
URL: http://www.gilroydispatch.com/news/contentview.asp?c=259323
News briefs: Local charity wins United Way award
Sep 15, 2009
By Dispatch Staff
A partner in charity
United Way Silicon Valley awarded Gilroy nonprofit Rebekah Children's Services with its Partner Agency Excellence Award. Rebekah Children's Services offers children with severe emotional, mental or behavioral issues and their families a wide range of services. Last year, the United Way invested in an agency program that helps parents and adult caregivers more effectively support their children's development, including children with challenging behaviors and special needs. The agency provided weekly family workshops in English and Spanish, which included two hours of curriculum-based instruction for parents that focused on developing effective parenting skills. As a result of the program, more than 95 percent of participants were more confident in their parenting skills, better able to establish rules for their children, and better prepared to help their children in school, according to the United Way. Details: www.uwsv.org.
Editorial Contact:
Eleanor Villarreal
Rebekah Children's Services
(408) 846-2100
URL: http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_13355349?source=email
Los Gatos couple, children's group claim special United Way awards
By Chris Vongsarath
Campbell Reporter
Posted: 09/16/2009 11:37:15 PM PDT
Updated: 09/16/2009 11:38:35 PM PDT
A Silicon Valley couple and a children's support organization were recently recognized for their outstanding contributions to the local chapter of the United Way.
Michael and Susan Eckhardt of Los Gatos were handed the Philanthropist of the Year Award for their annual contributions at a reception on Sept. 9, and Rebekah Children's Services — with offices in Gilroy and Campbell — earned the Partner Agency Excellence Award.
The Eckhardts have been donating to the United Way for nearly 20 years, earning membership into the Tocqueville Society in 2003 for their annual contributions of more than $10,000.
"We decided to give to United Way Silicon Valley because we like the fact that all of the agencies they support are carefully screened. We don't have to worry about whether the money is being used effectively, because we know that it is," said Susan Eckhardt, an industrial hygienist with the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
In light of the rough economic times, it's even more critical for people to continue to give, said Michael Eckhardt, a managing director for Palo Alto-based firms EVEREST Advisory Group and Chasm Institute. The Eckhardts, who have been Los Gatos residents for 13 years, also donate to universities as well as various local and international organizations.
"The United Way is important because it's local. It focuses on helping struggling families generate income and employment for themselves and also benefits education for their kids," Michael Eckhardt said. "And we feel also there's a world beyond, so that's why we contribute to nonprofits helping the environment." Likewise, Rebekah Children's Services continues to be an outstanding partner for the United Way. The organization gained its most recent honor by surpassing its target objectives year after year.
"We were absolutely honored to receive the award," said Eleanor Villarreal, public relations director for Rebekah Children's Services. "We've been a partner agency for 15 years, and we really appreciate our partnership with United Way Silicon Valley." Rebekah Children's Services offers a wide range of services to children with severe emotional, mental and/or behavioral issues and also support for their families.
Last year the United Way Silicon Valley contributed to a program that helps parents and adult caregivers more effectively support their children's development, including children with challenging behaviors and special needs.
The program resulted in more than 95 percent of the participants saying they were more confident in their parenting skills, better able to establish rules for their children and better prepared to help their children in school.
Editorial Contact:
Eleanor Villarreal
Rebekah Children's Services
(408) 846-2100
URL: http://southvalleyobits.com/classifieds/XcCPViewItem.asp?ID=300049
South Valley Obituaries
Monday, September 21, 2009
Juanita Schuler
February 20, 1929 - September 13, 2009
Juanita Schuler born on February 20,1929, former long time resident of Gilroy, CA, went to meet her Savior on her favorite day of the week Sunday, September 13, 2009. She was born in OK to her parents, Troy and Mae Phillips along with her younger brother Coy Phillips who have pre-deceased her. Her family migrated from OK to AR in a covered wagon when she was very young and settled in CA in her early teens. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 64 years Howard, her son Dale, her daughter Vicki and son-in-law Jim Delbridge and her five grandchildren, Steve and Eric Schuler and Jeff, Gina and Amy Bracco. She also left behind five great-grandchildren, Troy, Emily, Megan, Katie and Marina Schuler. She was a longtime member of Gilroy First Assembly of God, now known as New Hope Community Church. She was a beloved wife and mother and was everyone's #1 grandmom to not only her natural grandchildren but to many who had come to love and adopt her as their own. She worked for over a decade as the kitchen supervisor at the IOOF Children's Home. Juanita will be remembered by her devotion to her church family and her willingness to pray for their many needs. All of her family will miss her and love her always beyond words. The family wishes any memorial donations be given in her honor to New Hope Community Church. Funeral Services will be Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009 11:00 A.M. at New Hope Community Church, Gilroy. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. at church.
Road Runners Track Club
The running season is kicking off again, and the students in RCS' Phoenix non-public school and the residential program are taking it all in stride.
Last year 11 students ran 3 times a week after school with the support of teachers and a running coach. Not only did they all meet the personal fitness goals they set for themselves, but each student participated in and completed a 5k run!
The Road Runners take to the track again this September, and are looking forward to another successful year.
Phoenix Non-public School Students Become Published Poets
Students at RCS' Phoenix non-public school recently entered a national poetry contest as part of their classroom curriculum. Imagine our joy when TWO of our students' poems were selected to be published in an anthology! The anthology includes student pieces submitted by youth across the United States. It is quite an accomplishment to become a published author, and our students deserve to be very proud of their work.
Please review our Annual Report and Linkage Newsletter to learn more about our recent events and accomplishments.
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