“ Without Don ’ s encouragement , guidance and optimism , I wouldn ’ t be where I am today . There wouldn ’ t be a Headstart Nursery without his vision , passion and support ,” says Steve .
Founder The Gilroy Garlic Festival has its roots in Christopher Ranch . The idea for the festival originated with Dr . Rudy Melone who was then president of Gavilan College . He proposed the idea during a Rotary Club garlic luncheon hosted by the Ranch in 1978 .
Don Christopher had hired Caryl Saunders to head up promotion for the Fresh Garlic Association , and Caryl had invited several dignitaries from the food world to attend the luncheon . Among the food writers , garlic growers and local leaders in attendance was Betsy Balsley , Food Editor of the Los Angeles Times . Balsley convinced Don to join Dr . Melone in putting together the first Gilroy Garlic Festival . The man whose garlic inspired cuisine was featured at the inaugural event was Val Filice , the head chef and creator of many of the dishes at the Festival ’ s Gourmet Alley .
Christopher Ranch was not only among the primary financial contributors to the Festival in 1979 , but it also made the Ranch house and pasture available to serve as the original event site along Highway 101 . The Ranch was farming the adjacent Bloomfield Ranch at that time and donated the use and preparation of the land for a parking lot in addition to furnishing labor , trucks , propane gas and , of course , all the garlic ( hand peeled !).
When the Festival moved to its present site at Christmas Hill Park , Christopher Ranch took care of ground prep and sprinkling of the parking lot and arranged for the use of water trucks and a grader through local contractors . The Ranch also assisted in forming various Festival committees . Don served as Vice-President of the Festival from 1979-1981 , as a member of the Board of Directors in 1982 , and is now on the advisory committee . The Ranch continues to participate in the Festival while donating labor , products and the use of its trucks and facilities .
Don is considered one of the three founders of the Gilroy Garlic Festival along with Rudy Melone and Val Filice . Today , the Festival is in its 36th year and has given the equivalent of over $ 10.6 million back to the community by way of the man hours contributed by the 4,000 volunteers who work the Festival each year .
Philanthropist Don has a long history of providing support for the community . The Gilroy Foundation has partnered with Don and his wife Karen to implement the
If he sees a need , he is the first person to step forward to help with what ever challenge that presents itself and he has done that countless times over the years .
Brian Bowe Executive Director Gilroy Garlic Festival Association
I ’ ve had a long career in education and I have never seen anyone with this level of generosity . Don ’ s response to needs is always “ How do we make it happen ?” He ’ s made such a difference in our schools .
Dr . Debbie Flores Superintendent Gilroy Unified School District
for music education Grange ( Community Theater Facility ) Replaced flooring in kitchen and restroom • kitchen counters • ceiling fans • stage lighting • sound system expanded • large concrete pad in back • two storage Tuff sheds outside on back porch
Christmas Hill Park Amphitheater restoration • upgrading • seating addition Garlic Festival Provided start up monies for first festival • defrayed original costs of bleachers , video , larger stage and shade tents for Cook-Off stage and continues to help with upgrades • offsets the cost of ShaBoom band at the festival • sponsors Hospitality area each year • offsets cost of Garlic Festival Queen ’ s dinner and gives individual queens scholarships • annually provides refrigerated trailers for Gourmet Alley and the Rotary Club Wine Pavilion • cleaned out their own facilities at the Ranch and provided financial support for the Barn Dance ( 1980-2000 ) • provides all garlic for the festival ( some paid by the festival ) • annually defers the cost of many of the print ads promoting the event
Gilroy Compassion Center miscellaneous support as needed . And the list goes on …………………
W I N T E R 2 0 1 4 G I L R O Y T O D A Y 21