Checks handed out for funds raised at second annual Jeff Garcia
Golf Open
GILROY – Spreading the wealth.
That was the theme Thursday night as the $50,000 raised from the 2nd annual Jeff Garcia Open was distributed to six local groups at a ceremony at Tasso’s Restaurant.
“Jeff is always looking to give back to this town,” said Open chairman Frank Filice, “and this is just another example of that.”
Last year, $55,000 was donated to three groups: the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the football programs at Gavilan College and Gilroy High School.
This year, in addition to that trio, the charity expanded to include the Gilroy Gang Task Force, the St. Joseph Family Center and the Gavilan College Puente Foundation.
“I think it was a good idea for everybody to get a piece of the action,” Filice said.
And unlike last year, there was a ceremony to highlight the hefty donations. Garcia’s father, Bob, presented checks to thankful representatives from each organization.
“It’s nice this time around because we didn’t publicize it as much last year and people didn’t know who the money was being given to,” Bob Garcia said.
The younger Garcia, who signed with the Cleveland Browns in the offseason after five years as quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, is prepping for the upcoming football season in Ohio and was unable to attend.
However, he did fly back to his hometown of Gilroy last month to participate in the Open at Eagle Ridge Golf Club, as well as the 1st annual Jeff Garcia Youth Football Clinic at Valley Christian High School in San Jose.
In fact, his charitable ways are extending to children all over the area.
For example, the $6,670 donation to the Task Force will be used to help economically disadvantaged youth go to local sports camps.
“It’s wonderful,” said John Garcia, the organization’s executive director. “Jeff doesn’t forget where he comes from, that’s for sure.”
He doesn’t forget where he’s played, either.
Gavilan College and GHS both received $6,670 as well.
“Jeff’s always been that way,” Gavilan coach John Lango said. “He earns money and gives it right back. That’s just the way he is.
“Very humble – just the way his parents raised him.”
Gavilan, where Garcia played for one year and where he was a ballboy for several years as a kid, plans to put the money to good use for the second straight year.
The football program purchased much-needed video and field equipment with the $22,000 it was given last year, and Lango said more of the same will be on the way this season.
“And it’s just huge, too, because these are great teaching tools for the players,” Lango said.
In addition to paying for uniforms and helmets, those same teaching tools have been added at Gilroy High, which purchased a state-of-the-art film editing device with last year’s money.
And this year’s donation couldn’t come at a better time. Recent budget cuts have completely cut off the $3000 that used to be given for equipment and other expenses.
“We’re so grateful – it’s like a God-send,” GHS head coach Darren Yafai. “I doubt many pro athletes take care of their community as much as Jeff does.
“He’s been an All-Pro player in the NFL several times and hasn’t changed one bit. He’s still the same big-hearted, thoughtful person he’s always been.”
Jeff Garcia Open benefactors
St. Joseph’s Family Center $15,000
Make-A-Wish Foundation $10,000
Gavilan College football $6,670
Gilroy High football $6,670
Gilroy Gang Task Force $6,670
Puente Foundation $5,000
