When Joe Mathai came to America from India 23 years ago, he had
$20 in his pocket. Now, as Community Bank President for Wells Fargo
branches from Gilroy to Santa Barbara, he oversees a multi-billion
dollar division
– and he’s making sure a little bit comes Gilroy’s way.
“Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together.”
– Vesta M. Kelly
When Joe Mathai came to America from India 23 years ago, he had $20 in his pocket. Now, as Community Bank President for Wells Fargo branches from Gilroy to Santa Barbara, he oversees a multi-billion dollar division – and he’s making sure a little bit comes Gilroy’s way.
This summer, Mathai was elected to the final spot on the board of St. Joseph’s Family Center, the leading nonprofit charity providing services to those in the direst need in all of South County. He quickly organized a $10,000 donation to the center, which annually provides food to 1,800 low income children and families, 2,700 hot meals to seniors, and 10,000 brown bag lunches and 10,000 hot meals to homeless and low income members of the Gilroy community.
In these times of economic woe, such a positive banking story is a refreshing discovery. Mathai truly understands the value of a dollar: “At Wells Fargo, we are always trying to streamline our finances and cut back where we can,” Mathai stressed. “For instance, we went over our cell phone contracts and changed to more economical plans.”
“So you don’t spend a lot on company perks?” I asked.
“No – I brought my own rug from home to decorate my office,” Mathai said, laughing.
But when it comes to giving back, Mathai expressed his dismay with the practice of some corporations of giving to charities who don’t necessarily benefit the community locally.
“They don’t really appreciate how to best use the donations to benefit those here in Gilroy,” he said.
Julie Campbell, spokesperson for Wells Fargo corporate communications, told me that Wells Fargo is proud to support nonprofits and educational institutions that address vital community needs and issues.
“Our commitment to work together for increased economic prosperity starts where it counts the most – locally. Our team members are our eyes, ears and helping hands. They make sure the dollars and time we invest are put to the best use.”
Not only did the Wells Fargo Foundation donate $10,000 to St. Joseph’s this fall, Mathai was able to procure another $10,000 donation when he learned that the Sobrato Family Foundation had created a matching challenge grant for St. Joseph’s for new or increased funds donated this year up to $25,000.
Mathai and his family have lived in Gilroy for just over a year, but “I am committed to being personally involved in benefiting the community,” he said with passion. At the Nov. 1 fundraiser to benefit St. Joseph’s held at Leal Vineyards in Hollister, Mathai was accompanied by his wife, Romina, friends, guests and several Wells Fargo employees – Terrie Fuentes, salinas valley district manager, Anacristina Rojas, manager of the Gilroy main branch, Jaime Marquez, business banker, and Scott Stroot, premier banker.
“We will also be volunteering with St. Joseph’s Family Center to help their clients prepare for job interviews, collecting professional clothing, etc.,” Mathai said.
Wells Fargo joined the Saint Louise Regional Hospital, The Gilroy United Methodist Church, the Gilroy Dispatch, Articulate Solutions, and South Valley Disposal & Recycling as sponsors of this event, donating an additional $3,000 and a gift basket for the silent auction.
However, much more is needed in order to make a joyous holiday season possible for the 600-plus needy families currently seeking help from St. Joseph’s. The center will cook and serve a Thanksgiving meal Nov. 24 and 25 and provide provisions for more than 600 families for the annual Christmas Caring and Sharing Day, Dec. 20.
“Beyond the holiday season, your donations also make possible St. Joseph’s Family Center’s collaboration with FIRST 5 of Santa Clara County,” Mathai said, referring to a program that helps care for young children. “Along with Community Solutions, MACSA, and the Gilroy Unified School District, St. Joseph’s Family Center provides qualified and trained staff to work with local families to enable them to become more stable and successful in their everyday lives. Services include home visitation, dental care, parent workshops and therapeutic services.
“Last year your donations enabled St. Joseph’s Family Center to help 42 people find employment through individualized, full-service case management, and helped 144 families end or avoid homelessness. In this economy, the need for services is at an all-time high. Please give what you can to keep these programs going for the coming year.”
Partnering with people like Joe Mathai, we can all make a difference in our community.
