A business owner, non profit and restaurant take home annual
community spirit awards
Betsy Avelar Staff Writer
Gilroy – A businessman, a non-profit and a local food chain received the annual 2006 Community Spirit Awards for their service to the city.
Dave Peoples, owner of the Nimble Thimble in downtown Gilroy won in the individual category, South Valley Pregnancy Care Center for the non-profit and Chevy’s restaurant for the business, as selected by a committee of 10 from Gavilan College.
“I think this year they really reflect the long-term commitment and groups who have been working behind the scenes,” said Jan Chargin, public information officer for Gavilan College and a member of the selection committee.
The criteria used to select the winners includes the number of people helped, the length of service and the impact on the community.
Peoples said getting involved was easy.
“It’s my town, so when we opened our shop it was only natural that we would become involved with the community,” he said. “It was a surprise and it was very humbling to know that a group and or organization or individuals would hold me in that light.”
Peoples has owned his business for 29 years in downtown Gilroy. He has chaired the downtown development corporation as well as planned for events such as the Pasta Extravaganza, Fathers Day Antique show, the Christmas tree lighting and the Summer Downtown Concert Series. He has helped with establishing the Gilroy Sister Cities Association with Mayor Al Pinheiro and hosted guests from the sister city of Takko Machi, Japan.
Though this recognition will not change anything for Peoples, it will serve as a positive reinforcement for the South Valley Pregnancy Care Center.
“For us, it’s really an affirmation, it was a great honor for us to be recognized for our work and we feel that it shows that we are providing a service that is needed and appreciated in Gilroy,” said Nancy Corbridge Executive Director for the organization.
The center is a non-profit agency that offers support to women facing unplanned pregnancies or for those experiencing post-abortion stress. It has existed for more than 12 years in Morgan Hill, but the Gilroy office opened in 2005. In one year the organization helped 400 to 500 clients and now, they have implemented a new service, a thrift shop targeted to expectant mothers. The agency relies upon volunteers to staff the thrift store and operate the office. The organization offers free services such as pregnancy test kits, referrals to physicians, ultrasound testing and counseling for clients and their families.
Though one non-profit was recognized, businesses like Chevy’s hope that this recognition will bring more community involvement to the restaurant.
“That helps us to continue serving the community especially with all the competition,” said manager John Cook, 44. “It’s nice to know that we’re able to still be in peoples mind and be recognized for quality service.”
Chevy’s is a local franchise that helps small groups and organizations raise money. Four years ago the organization implemented the fundraising program and gave back $40,000 in that year. School clubs, church groups, teams and non-profits benefit from the fundraising opportunities.
Every year, three people Gilroy, Morgan hill, and San Benito are selected. Last month the Morgan Hill winners were announced, and next month the San Benito winners will be recognized.
“People seem very pleased, very touched by the idea that what they have been doing meant something for someone else,” said Chargin.
Betsy Avelar attends Gavilan College and is an intern for The South Valley Newspapers. Reach her at (408) 847-7216 or
ba*****@ga*****.edu
.
