Foundation donates $50K to CHS Athletics
The Christopher Family Foundation recently donated $50,000 to support Christopher High School’s Athletic Department.
The donation will be used to augment start-up costs for all athletic department operations at the school following the cancellation of high school athletics due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“My family firmly believes that a well-rounded education including not only academics, but also sports, can and will give our hometown’s youth the ability to excel,” said Ken Christopher, executive vice president of Christopher Ranch. “These past 18 months have undeniably been hard on our community’s students, and if the Christopher Family Foundation can do something to make a positive impact, we’re proud to do so.”
Following the closure of local schools on March 13, 2020, high school athletic departments were unable to generate funds necessary to cover operating costs. The costs were funded by admission ticket sales to all home athletic events in the past. According to the school district, revenue generated from ticket sales is used to schedule transportation for student-athletes, pay officials’ fees for home contests, purchase equipment, pay league/section and CIF dues, and other necessary items.
“We continue to be amazed by the generosity of the Christopher Family,” Christopher High School Principal Jeremy Dirks said. “The last few years have been difficult for our athletic program as we have not been able to have our big revenue events due to Covid-19 and other circumstances out of our control while at the same time still having expenditures. This money will help us set a solid foundation for years to come and to ensure that our student-athletes have access to the appropriate equipment, uniforms and opportunities that we desire to provide for them.”
Founded in 2019, the Christopher Family Foundation is the nonprofit affiliated with Christopher Ranch. It works with local organizations to support programs serving youth and education.
Seats open on city commissions
The City of Gilroy has three open seats available for the Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Committee (term ending Dec. 21, 2022), Open Government Commission (term ending Dec. 31, 2024), and Physically Challenged Board of Appeals (term ending Dec. 31, 2023.
The City Council is scheduled to interview applicants on Nov. 1 at 6pm.
Applications close on Oct. 15 at 5pm.
For information on the positions and an application form, visit cityofgilroy.org.
Beer and wine downtown
Local wine and craft beer will be flowing at various downtown Gilroy businesses on Oct. 16 from 1-5pm during Vines and Hops.
Eleven businesses will be participating in the event organized by the Gilroy Downtown Business Association. Attendees are encouraged to dress up for the spirit of Halloween.
The event is for ages 21 and older.
For information and tickets, visit bit.ly/3FbURO4.
Health centers get nearly $1.5M in funding
Congress member Zoe Lofgren (CA-19) announced Oct. 1 that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will provide $1,457,336 to Community Health Centers in Santa Clara County to expand and renovate facilities.
This funding was included in the American Rescue Plan, which Congress passed on March 10.
Funds will go to:
• Gardner Family Health Network: $897,397
• School Health Clinics of Santa Clara County: $559,939
“For more than a year and a half, the Covid-19 pandemic has created many challenges for families in Santa Clara County,” Lofgren said. “I supported the American Rescue Plan to help us combat the pandemic and, specifically, ensure support gets to communities disproportionately impacted by Covid-19. Community Health Centers serve some of the most vulnerable and underserved patients in Santa Clara County and across the country. This funding will importantly expand and improve facilities in the South Bay so more people are getting the care they need.”
Health Centers can use this funding for Covid-19-related capital projects, including constructing new facilities, renovating or expanding existing facilities, and purchasing new equipment (such as freezers to store vaccines) and telehealth technology.
