Gavilan College Announces 2020 Gilroy Community Spirit Awards

GILROY, CA — Gavilan College Board of Trustees has announced the winners of the Community Spirit Awards for 2020.

The awards are presented annually in communities served by the college to honor those who contribute to improving the quality of life of those around them.

Each of the three sets of awards includes an individual, a business, and an organization.

The awards will be presented outdoors in a personal visit to each award-winner from Gavilan College Superintendent and President Dr. Kathleen A. Rose and one or more members of the Gavilan College Board of Trustees.

The award presentations will be captured on video and then posted online.

The ceremonies are typically presented at breakfasts in Morgan Hill, Gilroy, and San Benito County but were adapted to coronavirus guidelines.

Gilroy's award recipients are Lilian Silva (individual), Leadership Gilroy Class of 2020 (organization) and First Street Togo’s (business).

In the Morgan Hill/San Martin region the awards will go to Mike Beasley, Second Harvest Food Bank and Rocca's Market, and in the San Benito County area to Al Bonturi, Hollister Community Outreach (Linda and Patrick Lampe) and Pinnacle Farms.

Lillian Silva (Gilroy Individual)

The college said in a statement that Silva has been serving the community not only for her employer, Youth Alliance, but also all her clients on a personal level.

She's assisted in delivering food, helped with rent assistance applications, school support, internet support and emotional support.

She's been a go-to person for all her clients and their families.

“She gives more than required and never asks for anything in return,” the statement said.

“She's an example of kindness, selflessness and change that the world needs at a time like these we are in. She supports at-risk youth with meaningful community activities and takes a real interest in their lives, serving as counselor/mentor/ and support person.”

Leadership Gilroy Class of 2020 (Gilroy Organization)

This year’s Leadership Gilroy's Class of 2020 put together Gilroy cLove Days. During their three-day event they brought together the people of Gilroy and residents of nine other states to bring awareness to local nonprofit groups.

They had a socially distanced fitness day and also had a moment of unity and then "rang the bells" to bring togetherness and healing to our community.

“In a time when there was a huge void due to the cancellation of the Gilroy Garlic Festival and the COVID pandemic, they brought something meaningful to Gilroy and the people that love this town!” the school said.

“They set a record within Leadership Gilroy for fundraising, bringing in tens of thousands of dollars for multiple local nonprofits. that they accomplished all of this during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many activities, meetings and classes held remotely is even more impressive!”

Togo's (Gilroy Business)

Togo's Eatery on First Street in Gilroy has supported intercollegiate athletics at Gavilan College as well as other community organizations, including the Miles Brinson Football Camp and Youth Basketball League.

Since 2015, Togo's has been the title sponsor of the annual Gavilan College Male and Female Student-Athlete of Year Award. This program recognizes student-athletes from each of the sports while in season from August to May with monthly recognition.

“General Manager Andy Avazin has been generous to the college by providing monthly awards to recipients; providing discounts to the various coaches who have used Togo's on First Street for their pre/post game team meals; as well as the Department of Kinesiology and Athletics at various functions,” the school said of the long-time Gilroy Chamber of Commerce member.