“We’re all here on Earth to do
something. I’d been searching
for something and it turned
out to be One Giving Tree. This
program brings joy to people
who’ve been hurt or deprived of
things we take for granted, like
a Christmas tree and gifts for
the family. It’s a loving gesture
that can change a life.”
Debbi Sanchez
One Giving Tree
Founder & Board of Directors Member
Debbi Sanchez is a dedicated and effective
community leader whose smile lights up the room
wherever she goes. She’s also a breast cancer survivor with
a deep appreciation for lasting personal relationships.
After her fi ve-year battle with cancer, doctors confi rmed
she was in full remission. At the age of 42, Debbi trav-
eled to Africa on a mission trip. Returning home, she
joined Fortino Winery as Event Coordinator to work on a
variety of events, including weddings. At the same time,
she jumped into community service. She went through the
Leadership Gilroy program and joined the Gilroy Chamber
of Commerce where she became a Chamber Ambassador
and then served on its board of directors, including a term
as Board Chair. Four years ago, Debbie and her husband
Mike embarked on what would become a central mission:
One Giving Tree. Every year, they work with Community
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Solutions, Rebekah Children’s Services, and other partners
to gather donated Christmas trees, tree decorations, and
gifts, all of which are distributed just before Christmas to
families who lack the fi nancial means to have their own
holiday celebrations. Every year, the program continues
to grow as volunteers respond to needs in the community.
Along with her service on the Board of Directors for One
Giving Tree, Debbi also serves on the board of St. Louise
Regional Hospital, and the Advisory Boards of Rebekah
Children’s Services, the Gilroy Rodeo, and the Bonanza
Day Parade. In 2017, Debbi was honored as Volunteer
of the Year by the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce. She
lives in Gilroy with her husband, Mike, who owns Effect
Social Media, a marketing services company. They have a
daughter, Nicci, and three grandchildren, Hayden, Rossi,
and Makena.