News  //  Gilroy Garlic Festival

168 Charities Benefit From 2010 Revenue

Garlic Festival Distributes $270,000 to Volunteers

 The Gilroy Garlic Festival Association will issue $270,000 of revenue generated at the July event to 168 participating nonprofit organizations, 2010 Festival Association President Greg Bozzo announced today.

The distribution coincides with a 12.5 percent increase over 2009 proceeds and was accomplished while the 32nd annual Festival bolstered its sustainability.

Established in 1979, the three-day celebration has garnered international acclaim as “America’s premier summertime food festival.”  Event originators created the innovative Volunteer Equity Program, whereby profits are allocated to nonprofit organizations designated by its 4,000-plus member work force.

Since its inception, the Festival has donated $8,795,322 to local charities. Included in this funding are nearly $2 million in community capital improvements involving $1 million in upgrades to Christmas Hill Park, $250,000 for the construction of the Gilroy High School Student Center and $200,000 in fully endowed college scholarship programs. 

This year’s distribution list will include more than $85,000 to the Gilroy Unified School District.

The top five beneficiaries in 2010 were South Valley Community Church in Gilroy with $12,792.75, the Gilroy High School Choir with $11,810.50, the Orchard Valley Soccer Pumas with $8,459.66, the Christopher High School football program with $7,993.14 and the Live Oak Emerald Regime with $7,801.

Bozzo and incoming President Kurt Svardal also announced the creation of a committee that will research the best application of $100,000 in corporate sponsorship revenue. 

More than 97,000 people attended the 2010 Festival, which increased its emphasis on local and regional foods and chefs while serving a menu enhanced with more than two tons of fresh California garlic.  Bravo TV’s “Top Chef” sensation Fabio Viviani headlined activity in the Cook Off Theater and the appearance of country music’s rising female vocalist Sunny Sweeney highlighted 46 live concerts.

The 33rd annual Gilroy Garlic Festival will take place July 29-31, 2011.

Click Here for complete list of volunteer group distributions.