Students from low-income families on the east side of Gilroy were able to attend a Sharks game in box seats and meet one of the players, thanks to the collaborative efforts of several Sharks employees.
The 10 lucky students were selected from the City of Gilroy’s Youth Center in San Ysidro Park, a City of Gilroy-sponsored center that helps students from low-income families tackle homework, get outside and channel their energy towards positive activities during the hours they are not in school.
“They were thrilled and had the best time,” said Anna Bielecki, City Recreation Department coordinator who explained that tickets to the game typically cost about $150. “It’s not an experience they would normally be able to have.”
The highlight of the evening was when Shark’s player Raffi Torres met the group to sign autographs. The youth took plenty of playful pictures with the Sharks player and their autographed “This is Sharks Territory” signs.
Gilroy resident Rich Perez, who works for the San Jose Sharks and the Sharks organization, donated the tickets so that the students could attend the Nov. 2 game between the Sharks and the Phoenix Coyotes. Sharks employee Tim Howell arranged for the special box seating.
The students were selected based on their attendance and behavior.
“They definitely had to make the cut,” Bielecki said.
During a typical Youth Center school year day, about 25 students gather from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The center offers extended hours from 12 to 6 p.m. during the summer and arranges year-round organized sports, field trips, homework assistance and healthy eating education for students.
