Get ready: There’s a cash mob happening in Gilroy.
OK, dollars won’t be raining from the sky or anything like that – but the gathering wil hopefully ignite a localized movement centered around bringing people, their ideas and energy to support existing and future downtown businesses.
Called “Rally Round Downtown Gilroy,” the new grassroots organization is spearheaded by local developer Gary Walton. The founders of RRDG hope to create a “great mix of interesting people who come together to have fun and meet new friends on a regular basis,” wrote Walton in a press release. “Everyone is welcome and it is hoped that the make-up of the people who attend the organizations meet-ups reflect a microcosm of Gilroy’s citizenry.”
The first event of the RRDG will be held at 7 p.m. this Saturday at Garlic City Billiards, located at 7500 Monterey St. downtown. The meeting will present an opportunity to welcome Steven Knittel, the pool hall’s new owner who purchased the business in June 2011. Special pricing of $5 for unlimited table use (versus the regular $7 per hour) will be offered during this event.
Future RRDG outings will showcase downtown services, retail, restaraunts and artistic entertainment options that currently exist downtown but are not widely known throughout the community, Walton explains.
The RRDG is in the process of creating a website to announce future events and to post information on past events. The new website will also serve as a platform for members to comment on downtown issues, needs and businesses. Members will be able to post their ideas on how to return downtown Gilroy to its former function as the center of the community, according to Walton.
“The group’s founders believe that ultimately, downtowns are a place for people,” said Walton. “Without them there can be no life or vibrancy or sense of community.”
