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Gary Ponzini , when she was hired as a dispatcher for his business . While life improved significantly for her by then , Ponzini ’ s world came to a halt in 2003 when her youngest son , Edward , died . “ Our wedding was the last time we saw him ,” she said .

Her grief was overwhelming , but her spirit would not let her rest . “ I knew I had to honor my son , but I didn ’ t know how . The word ‘ foundation ’ kept coming up , and [ former ] Morgan Hill Mayor Steve Tate told me ‘ the community will help you .’”
And so it did . In 2013 , she started the Edward Boss Prado Foundation under the umbrella of the Morgan Hill Community Foundation and was able to become her own non-profit organization by 2016 . The Foundation runs on 100 % individual donor dollars and volunteer energy .
If there is one message that guides Ponzini ’ s work it is “ Dignity , not charity ,” she said . “ Nobody likes to get charity . When I had to stand in that line for food stamps , I hated it .”
She instructs her volunteers not to make too much conversation or get personal with anyone who comes seeking help . “ We want people to feel comfortable when they come . Let them get what they need and move on with dignity .”
When the COVID-19 shutdown forced many businesses to suspend operations , Ponzini had no intention of stopping the work of her foundation . Though she was deemed an essential business , she temporarily closed Cecelia ’ s Closet and Food Pantry to protect her mostly elderly volunteers , but promptly reinvented her food giveaway program .
“ We started giving out food through our back gate , a drive through ,” she says of the no-contact “ Gate to Gate ” program she ran from March through September of 2020 .
Additionally , they added a hot meal program on Sundays for a select number of families , the Heart to Heart food program , which is ongoing . These families receive a main dish , bread , salad and a dessert . While Ponzini initially did all of the meal prep herself , she has since had volunteers , including Majid Bahriny of Mama Mia ’ s restaurant , who stepped up and offered to help her at no cost .
Additionally , Ponzini ’ s programs ask no questions when it comes to offering help .
“ If you need food , shelter or clothing , your name should not matter .”
Because Morgan Hill is home to so many well-off families , she said people are surprised to learn there are so many challenged families in need here .
“ When you and I are driving around in our fancy cars or eating out at nice restaurants , these challenged families are pushing strollers at the bus stop or walking . We don ’ t see them because we don ’ t want to see them .”
Ponzini is grateful for the community support , both in donations and volunteers , that is the lifeblood of her foundation . “ We have survived on the community ’ s support ,” she said , citing donations that have come in from as far as Minnesota .
This enables her foundation to also give back financially to other nonprofits .
The community has recognized Ponzini ’ s contributions with several awards . She has received over 36 awards in the last six years for her work .
While nothing will ever replace the loss of her son Edward , Ponzini said that she is proud that she , and the community , have been able to honor his name and memory through the foundation ’ s good work . “ I will die knowing that he made a difference .”
SOME PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CECILIA PONZINI
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN WINTER 2021 gmhtoday . com
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