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The Natalia Salcido Legacy Scholarship Foundation

A gift to The Natalia Salcido Legacy Scholarship Foundation not only contributes to scholarships awarded to two graduating Christopher High School seniors, it also celebrates the life and legacy of Natalia Salcido who lost her life in a tragic car accident a week before her 16^th birthday.

Born and raised in Gilroy, Natalia is the cherished daughter of Andora Salcido and San Jose Fire Captain Christopher Salcido and beloved older sister of Noelle. Natalia attended Gilroy public schools and was a sophomore at Christopher High School, where she was an honor student, a member of the Varsity Cheer team, and was just elected Junior Class Secretary. From a young age, Natalia created her legacy of giving by participating in holiday toy drives, volunteering at homeless shelters, and being a proud member of the Girl Scouts for more than 10 years.

Natalia’s parents created The Natalia Salcido Legacy Scholarship Foundation to honor Natalia’s generous spirit and legacy. The Scholarship is awarded to two graduating Christopher High School seniors – one male and one female – who will be attending a four-year college and have been active in programs that Natalia participated in and loved.

Established in 2024, the Marigold Legacy Scholarship Fund emerged from a deep-seated desire to empower first-generation scholars dedicated to the arts and education.

Having experienced the challenges of navigating academia as first-generation college graduates, Ruben Dario and Veronica Villa encountered numerous hurdles, notably a lack of financial backing for pursuits beyond STEM fields. While acknowledging the value of careers in STEM, particularly in Silicon Valley, the Villas aspire to champion and recognize the significance of arts and education by offering scholarships to those students brave enough to pursue their passions.

Moreover, the Villas understand the pivotal role played by supportive individuals in their academic journey, paving the way for new opportunities. Through the Marigold Legacy Scholarship Fund, the Villas aim to honor this enduring legacy.

Please join us in continuing that legacy.

Donate to this program to take action in our community by donating toward scholarships to help outstanding graduates from Gilroy who believe in being involved, who are change-makers, who amplify equality, and who dream of continuing their education.

The Gilroy Assistance League is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the welfare and development of youth in South Santa Clara County through its annual grant cycle. The group began in 1959 with 15 women as a chapter of Children’s Home Society, involved in adoptive services.

In 1984, the name changed to Gilroy Assistance League or GALs, and the group decided to concentrate all fundraising efforts on the local community. GALs is still a small group of 35 active members focused on local youth causes and needs.