couple ’ s philanthropic causes , which have been an integral part of the Foundation ’ s work over the past several years . The Christopher ’ s make donations through the Foundation to special projects that have changed the community for the better .
According to Gilroy Foundation Executive Director Donna Pray , “ His passion for educating our youth in both the classroom and outdoors has created new technology equipment in our schools and has built the largest ‘ classroom ‘ in Gilroy : the Don Christopher Sports Complex at Christopher High School . This facility not only provided a home for the school ’ s football , soccer , field hockey , and lacrosse teams , but also serves every student in their physical education classes . Don and Karen are also taking care of generations to come . The Christopher ’ s have two endowed designated funds with the Foundation . They serve as ‘ savings accounts ‘ for our youth and disadvantaged residents of Gilroy . These Funds will give an annual payout for education , sports and helping our Compassion Center in perpetuity .”
Businessman Over fiftyfive years of hard work , perseverance and a desire to produce the best garlic in the world have made Christopher Ranch a leader in the garlic industry and shaped Don Christopher ’ s reputation as “ The King of Garlic .” A 1994 article that appeared in the San Francisco Examiner gave him the title , noting one occasion when he had flown to Argentina during the holidays to keep America from running out of garlic . Although the country wasn ’ t literally about to run out of garlic , Don had underestimated demand by about 5 percent , but it was largely because of his success in keeping illegally-priced Chinese garlic off the market . “ And when Christopher , the nation ’ s largest producer of fresh garlic , miscalculates , it can affect the entire U . S . supply ,” notes the article .
Today , Christopher Ranch uses state-ofthe-art technology and sustainable practices in its growing , production , packing and shipping of fresh and packaged garlic products including peeled garlic and shallots , roasted garlic cloves , jarred garlic products , chopped ginger , pesto sauce , and sun-dried tomatoes . The Ranch also produces bell peppers , shallots , elephant garlic , ginger root , specialty onions and a full line of organic products .
Boss Teresa Costa started working at the Ranch in the early 1980 ’ s . After graduating from Cal Poly with a degree in accounting she went to work for a CPA firm in San Jose , but when the father of her high school friend was looking for a controller , Teresa applied . When she first started work at the Ranch as part of a three-person accounting department , everything was done manually . Today , Teresa serves as VP of Finance , and her team of seven employees takes advantage of the Ranch ’ s fully computerized system .
Teresa recalls bringing her first-born to work , with Don ’ s blessing . She kept a play pen for her daughter next to her desk during a time when there was no practical day care option available . Today , there is a day care facility on the Ranch property , available to all employees .
“ It has been a truly remarkable experience working with Don and being part of his successful garlic business . Don has never been afraid to try innovative ideas that benefit the Ranch as well as other business enterprises .” says Costa .
… I ’ m constantly amazed at his business sense , and his knowledge of the garlic business , and I really admire what he does for the community .”
Pat DeStasio
While taking business classes at Gavilan College , Pat DeStasio also worked in the admissions office . In the summer of 1978 , Christopher Ranch called the office looking for summer help and they sent Pat over to interview . After a few brief questions , Don Christopher hired her . At the end of summer , she heard Don tell her supervisor , “ I think we ’ ll keep her ,” starting a career that has spanned over a quarter of a century . She works in the marketing / social media department .
Pat notes , “ Don is an amazing man . The garlic business is very interesting and Don was never afraid to try new things . If a customer wanted a certain pack or item , he would make it happen , and quality has always been the priority . It seemed that no matter what he did , he succeeded , making the business grow every year . He ’ s always been approachable , and I ’ m constantly amazed at his business sense , and his knowledge of the garlic business , and I really admire what he does for the community .”
Another long-time employee , Patsy Ross , started at the Ranch on the Sales Desk , focusing on Food Service . “ That was in 1989 , and the Ranch was selling about 20 million pounds of
Gilroy is blessed to be the recipient of Don and Karen ’ s generosity .
Donna Pray , Executive Director
Gilroy Foundation
Don kept me part of the community during a difficult time in my life . I wasn ’ t sure I wanted to play music again but he gave me the confidence .
Ted Sanchez Musician / Singer
2011 — I was undergoing some very expensive cancer therapy and the whole community stepped forward . Don and Karen were at the front of the line and made a significant donation that basically helped save my life . It ’ s hard to put into words how thankful I am for something as incredible as that .
Brian Bowe , Executive Director Gilroy Garlic Festival Association
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