Empowering Gilroy since 1980: Making a Lasting Impact

The Don Christopher Family, in collaboration with Christopher Ranch, Pinnacle Bank, Black Bear Diner, Legacy Club donors, and the generous support of the community and school, joined hands with Gilroy Foundation to make their vision a reality—a cutting-edge sports facility catering to football, track, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, and P.E. classes.

Through their donations to Gilroy Foundation, in partnership with Gilroy Unified School District, this state-of-the-art Complex was brought to life, creating a lasting legacy for athletic pursuits in our community.

In 2004, the City of Gilroy acquired the property for the future Gilroy Center for the Arts. However, as construction plans were put on hold, the Gilroy Arts Alliance approached the City to rent the existing building as an office and arts space. The Alliance took the initiative to revitalize the building, opening it for small arts and community events in 2010.

During the Gilroy Foundation’s Annual Meeting and Charitable Giving Presentation in 2011, Don and Karen Christopher were inspired by the Alliance’s commitment to establishing an arts center. They approached the Foundation with a generous donation, enabling the hiring of a contractor to enhance the facility. The improvements included new flooring, lighting, a caterer’s kitchen, a handicapped restroom, and exterior enhancements such as a lighted marquee. Together, their collective efforts have transformed the space into a vibrant hub for artistic expression in Gilroy.

In 2009, Craig and Jacqui Merriman recognized the need to support the homeless population in Gilroy by providing essential facilities that would empower individuals to regain their confidence and pursue employment opportunities.

Collaborating with the Salvation Army at Church and Fifth Street, the Gilroy Foundation took action. We engaged a contractor to construct two showers, one of which was designed to be handicap accessible, and laundry facilities that would be accessible to the public. These amenities aimed to offer a sense of dignity and convenience, enabling individuals to maintain personal hygiene and have clean clothing as they navigate their path towards a better future.

Craig and Jacqui Merriman, passionate dog lovers, recognized the need for enhancements at the newly opened Las Animas Dog Park in Gilroy. Despite limited city funds for amenities such as trees and benches, they stepped forward to make a meaningful contribution in memory of their son, Sean.

Thanks to the generous donation from the Merrimans, facilitated by the Gilroy Foundation, the dog park underwent significant improvements. Beautiful trees were planted to provide shade, a shade structure was constructed, additional benches were installed, and community bulletin boards were erected in both the large and small dog parks. These enhancements aimed to create a welcoming and enjoyable space for both dogs and their owners to connect and thrive in the community.

Recognizing the need for transportation to support the extracurricular activities of Christopher High School and Gilroy High School, Don Christopher took action. Understanding the budget constraints on school buses, he turned to the Gilroy Foundation for assistance.

Thanks to the generous support of Don Christopher and the Foundation, each school now has two vans at their disposal. These vans serve as a reliable means of transportation for staff and students, enabling them to attend club meetings, sporting events, and other off-campus activities with convenience and pride. The vans proudly showcase the school spirit of both the Cougars and the Mustangs, providing a practical solution to enhance the educational experience for all involved.

Continuing their commitment to empowering Gilroy’s high school students, the Christopher family recognized the importance of technology access and support.

Through their generous contribution, the Gilroy Foundation procured top-of-the-line Chromebooks, software, and a convenient charging cart for Gilroy High School. This invaluable technology resource was made available to students starting in the Fall of 2014, ensuring enhanced learning opportunities and equipping them with the digital tools necessary for success in the modern world. The Christopher family’s dedication to education and innovation continues to make a lasting impact on the students of Gilroy High School.