Dear Editor,
On behalf of the Garlic Festival Association Board of Directors,
I would like to thank everyone who volunteered at the 2005 Gilroy
Garlic Festival. For 26 years, the Garlic Festival has been able to
generate funds for many volunteers groups that are the key to our
success.
Dear Editor,
On behalf of the Garlic Festival Association Board of Directors, I would like to thank everyone who volunteered at the 2005 Gilroy Garlic Festival. For 26 years, the Garlic Festival has been able to generate funds for many volunteers groups that are the key to our success.
Several factors contributed to this year’s success. Attendance was up! Even with an increase in ticket prices and our competing against the San Jose Grand Prix, we hosted 129,644 people.
Our committee chairs made great strides in managing expenses and volunteer hours. Volunteers worked more than 40,500 hours, 2,552 hours less than last year. This savings translates into a larger dollar per hour figure. Even with the sudden death of our executive director, Richard Nicholls, everyone rallied together to pull off this incredible event. Dick would have been so proud of all of you. There are no other more dedicated and hardworking volunteers than those of the Gilroy Garlic Festival.
I am honored to say that we are distributing a total of $300,000 to 170 non-profit groups and local charities this year. This is the largest award in our 27 years of celebrating garlic! As of this festival, organizations and the community of Gilroy as a whole have received a total of $7,268,105 in funds from the success of the Gilroy Garlic Festival.
The Gilroy Garlic Festival continues in keeping with its mission statement to provide financial support to many worthwhile endeavors, including Christmas Hill Park, support for Gilroy High School’s Student Union and Gilroy’s Cultural Center and students seeking higher education. This support is intended to improve and enhance the recreational facilities of Gilroy and to benefit all citizens of our community.
I would personally like thank two very special ladies who I have been very fortunate to work with this past year. Chris Filice and Joann Kessler (full-time staff) have gone above and beyond their call of duty. The Garlic Festival is truly blessed to have two dedicated individuals at our helm. You’re the best!
Once again, I would like to thank the community of Gilroy. I am so proud to call Gilroy home; it is truly a great place to live! Thank you for your spirit, your efforts and your love of giving. This has been an experience I will treasure forever!
Jennifer Speno, Gilroy
