finest consumables our humble town has to offer.
The Chizanskos power duo led their team of volunteers, many who’ ve been a part of the event since its inception in 2017, to host roughly a thousand attendees for a full day of music, food and fun. Their team’ s performance matched the level of the folks performing on stage, carrying out their respective roles with precision, professionalism and intention. Team Chizanskos is the engine that runs this epic annual party, and they do it with class and style. What does it take to host an event of this scale you ask? Scores of volunteers working and meeting for seven to eight months of the year to dial in every element from logistics to marketing, hospitality to booking talent, set up to clean up, and everything in-between.
Day on the Ridge is the result of what happens when you put two Bay Area-based friends together in a pool, add some " beverages " and a few hours of sunshine. That ' s the tame version of how Shawn and friend Ed Sauceda came up with the idea for the event. Add Brenda and a core group of friends, and the rest, they say, is history.
takes with him his special brand of passionate, heart-filled, servant leadership-by-example, and a humility rarely found in leaders today. While we at the magazine say, " About time, David," we say it with a touch of sadness considering our south county community is losing another great leader. We also say it with a splash of absolute joy and a pinch of excitement knowing Cox will soon begin his next chapter in life after 20- plus of serving our most vulnerable neighbors.
Saint Joseph ' s has been on the frontlines fighting the good fight against hunger and homelessness since 1981, with roots as far back as the mid-1960 ' s. Tim Davis, Saint Joseph ' s current Deputy Director, will take over the leadership role upon Cox ' s departure. The Chizanskos and their mighty group of volunteers all believe in the mission of Saint Joseph ' s and in the person of David Cox. Davis is the beneficiary of this group ' s tireless efforts to provide critical revenue and a strong tail wind as he takes the helm. We wish everyone continued growth and success.
If you ever wonder why Gilroy is a great place to live, this is it. Team Chizanskos is getting it done in a big way, and they are leaving clues for the rest of us. Consider this: if two guys sipping suds in pool on a sunny day can sow the seeds of an event with the potential to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars and improve the lives of our neighbors while bringing the community together, what else is possible?
Congrats Day on the Ridge and Saint Joseph’ s Family Services on another successful year. Rock on.
What this group of do-gooders have been able to accomplish is nothing short of historical. Including this year ' s event – and based on this writer’ s simple math skills applied to published numbers – Day on the Ridge has raised just south of $ 700,000 since 2017, less a couple years during the big time out. Included in that number is $ 127, 602 raised this year. Just before Headliner Nichols took the stage, Shawn delivered a heartfelt address to concert goers. As he wrapped up, Brenda presented a check the size of a small billboard to Saint Joseph’ s outgoing Executive Director, David Cox on stage. The crowd went wild.
Cox is retiring, FINALLY, this year. His departure comes two-plus years after officially announcing his retirement, which he postponed to lead the transition and restructuring of the organization for long-term success and growth. He not only leaves big shoes to fill, but he also
gmhtoday. com Gilroy • Morgan Hill TODAY Magazine: Go. Make history... SUMMER 2025 31