The Gilroy Elks
NonProfit of the Year
The almost 375-member organization has been in
existence in South County for 87 years and lives by
the motto “Elks Care and Elks Share.” The mission of
the Gilroy Elks is to inculcate the principles of charity,
justice, brotherly love and fidelity; to recognize a
belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance
the happiness of its members; to quicken the spirit
of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship;
and to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization,
The Benevolent and Protective Order Of Elks of
the United States of America will serve the people
and communities through benevolent programs,
demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share.
Pintello Comedy Theater
Small Business
of the Year
Pintello Comedy Theater is family business in
the truest sense. The entire family participates and
all of them share in the rewards. The Pintellos have been
involved in local theater for over 30 years. While they love community
theater, they always treasure working on comedies. They decided to create a small
production company offering comedy roles to local talent. In January of 2003 they opened
Pintello Comedy Theater. Among the things they enjoy about Gilroy is the opportunity to meet and
work with other local businesses, staying in touch through the Chamber of Commerce and through local charities.
Debbi Sanchez
Firmann B. Voorhies Volunteer of the Year
Debbi Sanchez, the 2017 Firman B. Voorhies
Volunteer of the Year believes life is precious and
that we only have a short time to do what we
can to help make our community a better place
for everyone living and raising families. Debbi has
a tremendous love for Gilroy and has been in this
community her entire life. “I can’t imagine living
here and not being involved in the community
and help in making it a better place. It’s just a big
part of who I am,” she said. Debbi knows there
is a sense of pride and togetherness that comes
when you volunteer. Volunteering is how you build
a community.
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
MARCH/APRIL 2017
Rayleene Miranda
Susan Valenta Youth
Leadership Award
The 2017 Susan Valenta Youth Leadership Award
recipient, Rayleene Miranda, is an inspiration
to all who know her. She cares about others,
works hard, volunteers, and goes above and
beyond what is expected. Rayleene enjoys the
social aspect of helping others and the feeling
that radiates out of volunteering. She said,
“My experiences in the past few years have
strengthened my character, helping me become
more patient and empathetic, and have showed
me that even the smallest action can have an
impact on a larger scale–that one act of service
can create a ripple effect that can spread through-
out the entire community.”
We applaud this
year’s award recipients.
gmhtoday.com
37