The Gilroy Foundation gave more than $617,000 in grants and scholarships at their annual awards presentation at Gilroy’s Center for the Arts last week, according to Executive Director Donna Pray.
A recipient of a $40,000 scholarship in 2008, David Carrillo returned to his hometown last week to thank the foundation for the financial gift that propelled him toward his dreams of becoming a documentary filmmaker.
Carrillo attended the University of San Francisco, where he studied film. After he made a video about a humanitarian trip he took to Cambodia in 2010, the University took note of his work and hired him upon graduation to create film projects for the college.
When he spoke last week, he told the Foundation that he would have never achieved his dreams without their generous help.
“He was inspiring, the way he was so grateful,” Pray said. “It was very heartfelt.”
Among many other awards, the Foundation gave $2,500 to the Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative, a group that empowers girls and young women through sports programs. They often hold programs in Gilroy when their budget allows, and Pray said the Foundation loves what they stand for.
Rod Kelley Parent Club, a highly involved group of parents who have taken initiative on several school issues, was awarded $593 for Spanish books to start a dual immersion program.
The biggest competitive grant recipient this year was Rucker Elementary School, with a $5,000 award to purchase computers.
“Their computers were ancient with cracked screens and all,” Pray said. “Now they can buy modern refurbished ones. Our readers felt that was a definite ‘yes.’ If kids aren’t going to learn about computers these days, they are going to be in trouble.”
The Foundation also once again gave $48,000 from the Connell Family Gilroy Unified School District Music Fund to pay the salary of an elementary school music teacher. The family grant has been around since 1999, ensuring that GUSD always has a music department, regardless of cuts.
“No other school district has that going,” Pray said. “Music has been cut in so many districts.”
