GILROY—Gilroy’s Don Christopher has been named as the recipient of the prestigious Glenn George “Heart of Philanthropy” award for 2015.
The honor was bestowed on the Gilroy businessman by the association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) of Silicon Valley Board, according to a press release from the Gilroy Foundation.
“The AFP of Silicon Valley gives many awards on National Philanthropy Day in November of each year, but the Glenn George award is only awarded periodically when a nominee for another award has been singled out for this special award, according to the foundation.
The Gilroy Foundation nominated Christopher for the “Outstanding Philanthropist” award, to acknowledge “his great gifts to our community; but the AFP board chose Don for this special…award because of his history of giving over so many years,” the press release reads.
The award ceremony takes place in November.
Christopher, his wife, Karen, and his family have given to Gilroy schools, the arts and to economically deprived residents. Gilroy’s Christopher High School was built in part with a significant donation from Christopher and he continues to support it and Gilroy High School with donations. Among his contributions has been the $4 million-plus Don Christopher Sports Complex at Christopher High School, according to the foundation.
“The Glenn George Heart of Philanthropy Award is indeed an honor and the (Gilroy) Foundation is thrilled to have been at the forefront of this recognition and his selection,” the Gilroy Foundation said in its June 30 press release.
