Large Business of the Year : Nissan of Gilroy
Opening their doors in the height of the economic shutdown ,
Nissan of Gilroy and the Groppetti Automotive Family had to overcome major obstacles to accomplish their goal to better serve their customers and the community of Gilroy . Their state-of-the-art Nissan NREDI 2.0 facility was the first of its kind built from the ground up in California .
Over the past three years , Nissan of Gilroy has made a huge impact in the community by awarding grants to programs working with “ at-risk youth ” and kids in need through their “ G for Kids ” foundation , started by Owners Don & Shelly Groppetti . Nissan of Gilroy realizes their vision of “ We build relationships ” by partnering with several local organizations and non-profits including : Rebekah ’ s Children Services , Kneaded Catering , Gilroy Chamber of Commerce , Gilroy After Hours Rotary , Gilroy Rodeo , Gilroy Veterans Hall , Gilroy Hometown Heroes Banner Project , Gilroy Veterans Day Parade , Mt . Madonna YMCA , House of Toys , Gilroy High School , Christopher High School , St . Joseph ’ s , Leadership Gilroy , One Giving Tree , Wreaths Across America .
Nissan of Gilroy ’ s mission is to let their partners , vendors , and community know that “ You Can Count on Us .” General Manager Brian Verdin shared . “ This is why it ’ s important to give back within the community we serve and do business within .” Verdin added , “ Monetary donations are good but being involved in the community is just as important and I am grateful that Don & Shelly Groppetti have allowed me to be involved in the great community of Gilroy .”
2023 Spice of Life
Nonprofit of the Year : Latino Family Fund
In 2006 twelve founding families pooled their own funds to invest in the future by establishing a donor-advised fund called the Latino Family Fund de Gilroy ( LFF ) with Gilroy Foundation . They had a vision to make a bigger impact , do more for their community , and create a philanthropic legacy in Gilroy for generations to come . Since its inception , the LFF has grown to over 100 community members , the majority being LatinX .
The LFF is committed to providing generational empowerment to significantly impact the LatinX community . They work with organizations that align with and support their vision , like South County Cal-SOAP , a Gilroy-based nonprofit providing tutoring , mentorship , and college scholarships to first generation high school seniors . The LFF promotes LatinX culture through Ballet Folklorico and parent support groups in local schools .
The Youth in Philanthropy program ( YIP ) is a cornerstone of LFF . Each year mentors work with 30 students from each of the three public middle schools in Gilroy . Meeting monthly throughout the school year , they complete a curriculum focused on philanthropy and the grant-giving process . In this and other ways , Latino Family Fund serves as a voice for the LatinX people of Gilroy in the greater philanthropic community .
The LFF ’ s commitment to racial equity and economic justice are evident in their numbers : 83 % of LFF ’ s officers are LatinX and , since its inception , 50 % of staffing and consultants for marketing , social media , and technology have been LatinX . LFF actively seeks out members from the LatinX community to participate , give input at events , and apply for grants .
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