Most of the 4,000 who volunteer come from non-profit
organizations, while others are simply individuals who want to be a
part of the annual event and donate their time to a great cause
Gilroy – Over the last 27 years, the Gilroy Garlic Festival serves as a popular favorite for not only the thousands who attend each year, but also for the volunteers who make the festival what it is.
Garlic Festival Association President Jennifer Speno said that many of the volunteers work year round to ensure every last detail of the festival is done.
“It’s a well-run, well-organized organization,” she said.
There are only three people who are paid, while the nearly 4,000 volunteers donate money earned through their hours to any organization of their choice. Most of those who volunteer stem from non-profit organizations. Some are simply individuals who wish to be a part of the event and donate their time to a good cause. To date, more than $6 million has been raised for local non-profits.
Margie Hemeon, 46 and a working mother of three children has volunteered her time since her oldest sons were in kindergarten. Hemeon said she volunteers to benefit her children and the programs they are involved in. She said one challenge is in “finding time to work three days.” Regardless, Hemeon continues to stay busy working in various areas of the festival.
But, like others who volunteer, the sense of community and being involved in that community overrides those challenges.
“We all have the same general feeling – this is our community.” Hemeon said.
Karen Davis, 49, an on and off volunteer for 20 years echoed a similar sentiment.
“It’s nice to have a community that you can belong to,” she said.
To Davis, making decisions is a rewarding aspect of her position.
“You can see how your decision affects the festival.” Davis is currently in her first year serving as an assistant chair. “Making decisions is just rewarding,” she said.
Like Davis and Hemeon, George Sandoval, a 20-year veteran volunteer to the festival, said he got involved for the community. Sandoval said he started when his daughters were about 9-years-old and needed to raise money for them to go to a science camp before entering the 5th grade. Even to this day, Sandoval said he is doing it because money needs to be raised.
In 1997 Sandoval was awarded volunteer of the year which he said raised his spirits and inspired him to keep going. Sandoval arrives at his post doing vendor security for all three days of the event.
“I can do it with my eyes closed. I’ve done it so long,” Sandoval said.
With each of the volunteers, their passion for their community shines through.
“It’s all for a good cause,” Sandoval said.
By Kim Adams Special to the Dispatch
