Jeff Garcia is grateful for the talent that has enabled him to
become an NFL quarterback.
Gilroy – Jeff Garcia is grateful for the talent that has enabled him to become an NFL quarterback.
Now he wants to start doing even more to show his appreciation.
Garcia and his new bride, 2004 Playboy Playmate of the Year Carmella DeCesare, have founded the Garcia Pass It On Foundation and are kick-starting the organization’s fund-raising events June 1 and 2 with the Inaugural Event Weekend. The event supports several nonprofit groups.
“Carmella is spearheading this event that is going to help get our foundation off the ground,” Garcia said in a phone interview Friday from Calgary.
The two-day event begins with wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres Friday, June 1 at Clos LaChance Winery and continues Saturday with dinner at CordeValle Resort in San Martin.
Tickets are $500 and proceeds will benefit the Special Olympics, the Laci and Conner Search and Rescue Fund and the American Cancer Society.
“We wanted to be able to organize something that could contribue to other charities,” Garcia said. “It’s something that we are very focused on and motivated to create something that is very special.”
Garcia hopes some former 49ers teammates will attend and also expects support from the San Jose Sharks, but hopes the local community can become involved as well.
“I would appreciate interest and support from community,” he said. “I want to make the event something special and great. I hope it’s the first of many.”
The premise of the foundation is to raise funds for a variety of charities and organizations. In the past, he’s supported the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.
“Now it’s time to start moving onto other avenues,” Garcia said. “I want to create other opportunites for other people.”
Garcia recently made a sizable donation to Anchorpoint Christian School to buy the equipment necessary to start an eight-man football program at the small private school off Highway 152.
“To be able to begin a football program is a big step. I’m thankful that I can be of help,” Garcia said.
For Adams, who’s also the school’s basketball coach and will be the head football coach, it’s a dream come true.
“I started sports out here three to four years ago and my whole intention was to fight to get football,” said Adams, who played his senior year at Gilroy High School before playing for Gavilan College and San Jose State University. “Now I’m as happy as I can get. It’s been a struggle, but now it’s actually a reality.
“We didn’t have the financial backing until Jeff came along and blessed us,” Adams said. “It didn’t take much. He was happy to do it.”
For more information on Garcia Pass It On or to purchase tickets for the event, call (310) 545-4949 or visit www.garciapassiton.com.
