Stories and Events
Engaging San Benito County through Philanthropy
September 27, 2022
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Stories
Community Foundation Awards $276,664 in Grants
In partnership with our donors, the Community Foundation for San Benito County provided funding for Program Project Grants through five different funds held at the Foundation – the Community Engagement Grants Fund, Homeless Services Fund, Martin Rajkovich Children’s Fund, Sonny Paullus Fund and the Women’s Fund. After much discussion and hard work from the Grants Committee, 42 requests were recommended for funding and approved by the Board on September 19, 2022.
September 7, 2022
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Stories
San Benito County Mural Restored after 25 Years
San Benito County Mural Restored after 25 Years
August 8, 2022
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Stories
Over $2 Million Estate Gifted to 7 Local Nonprofits
It is said that time, talent, and financial support are a few ways to help nonprofits. Nonprofits depend on this support from their community in order to survive and continue their work. Bob Stratton is a tremendous example of a community member supporting local nonprofits. With his passing in May of last year, Bob generously donated a portion of his estate, of over $2 million to 7 local nonprofits. This money will be distributed to BenitoLink, Central Coast VNA & Hospice, Inc., Hazel Hawkins Hospital Foundation, Pet Friends, San Benito County Historical Society, Small Steps, and the Community Foundation. For these nonprofits, the funds they will receive are substantial and have a huge impact on their ability to serve their mission. Small Steps Board Member, Mary Hubbell, is deeply grateful for Bob and his generosity, “Bob was a longtime supporter of Small Steps and his passion for giving was inspirational. With this gift, we will be able to continue our mission of providing warm winter coats and shoes for children in need within San Benito County. It has always been our vision to serve as many local children as we can and Bob’s gift will help us well into the future.” Bob, and his wife Bev, were champions of the nonprofit community in San Benito County. Before they moved to Hollister in the early 1980s, they planned their generous gift to be distributed to nonprofits outside of the County. Through the years they observed the dedication and passion of local nonprofits and decided to have their gift stay in San Benito County. Bob’s legacy will live on through his philanthropic work and continue to touch the lives of many in San Benito County for years to come.
July 5, 2022
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Stories
Hope Harvest Fund Grants to Young Cancer Warrior
The Hope Harvest Fund was opened just a year ago at the Community Foundation and the fund has already given out its first grant to a deserving young child and his family. Hope Harvest Fund was established to provide financial assistance to local cancer warriors. Financial assistance can be used for mortgage/rent, utilities, childcare, food, and/or gas. Ezekiel was diagnosed with retinoblastoma (cancer in the retina) when he was only 2 years old. Ezekiel has poor to no vision in his right eye and his specialists have suggested that the eye be removed this summer. His left eye is completely healthy with no cancer detected, which allows him to keep up with his family and friends. He participates in sports and does not let his compromised vision or diagnosis slow him down. He is a happy child who is full of energy and brings a smile to everyone who knows him.
June 29, 2022
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Events
Financial Education Workshop Series
Family wealth transfers sometimes fail, damaging sibling relationships and affecting the impact you want your assets to have. Join us for a seminar to learn about common mistakes to avoid. We will also discuss tools and resources to help aid the family wealth discussion and how to communicate with clarity.
June 20, 2022
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Events
Migrant Health Fair Back again for 2022
This year’s Migrant Health Fair will be on June 24th from 11 AM to 3 PM at 3235 Southside Road, Hollister, CA (at the Migrant Center)! Every year, farmers and their families migrate to the San Benito County area to do seasonal fieldwork during the summer months between May and November. San Benito County provides subsidized housing at the Migrant Housing Center in Hollister to migrant families during their temporary stay. The Migrant Health Fair has been held every summer since 2008 at the Migrant Center to offer the children living there with health screenings from various clinics that come to Hollister. The fair also lets families know of the many services and resources that can be found within Hollister and San Benito County. Early intervention in a child’s physical and mental health prevents and mitigates long-term harm and helps a child to improve themselves and their abilities. The health screenings help to detect health concerns, such as visual impairments or developmental delays, that may be hindering a child’s skills in performing well at school or socializing with their peers. In addition to the health screenings, and access to information on available local resources, there will also be free food and fun activities for children of all ages. The Community Foundation is proud to have provided the Migrant Health Fair with funding through a grant. We support the focus on preventative care that helps those in our community and wish the event lots of success. Those organizing the Migrant Health Fair would like to give a very special thanks to Cathy and Tony Alameda, Tami Erickson and family, Tracy and Thomas Taggart, R & R Labor, Jose Rodriguez, Juan Morales from Amazon Latinos, the Community Foundation for San Benito County, Super Taqueria, La Michoacana, and two anonymous donors. Your generosity has made it possible to put together this event and has been an immense help in bringing all the resources that will be at the fair. Thank you for the work, time, and contributions you have put into assisting us to build up the fair and look after the welfare of our Migrant families. Muchas gracias por todo su ayuda. ¡Esperamos verles este 24 de junio! Trae sus niños y pasen un bien tiempo a la feria de salud de migrantes. Van a tener educación y exámenes de salud, actividades divertidas por los niños, y comida gratis.
June 8, 2022
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Stories
Ukraine Humanitarian Fund
In order to join the effort that so many have been putting forth to help Ukraine and those affected, the Community Foundation for San Benito County opened the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund. The fund's purpose is to direct donations to organizations providing services and relief efforts to the people of Ukraine. After much consideration, the Community Foundation has selected three nonprofits to be granted $3,000 each with the donations given to the Humanitarian Fund.
May 19, 2022
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Stories
Congratulations Class of 2022!
Congratulations to the graduating students from Anzar High School, San Andreas Continuation High School, San Benito High School, and all local San Benito County Schools. The Community Foundation is happy to share in the excitement of their well-deserved success.
May 3, 2022
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Stories
Martin Rajkovich Fund Supports Children Like Eli
The Martin Rajkovich Fund was established to enhance the quality of life for critically or chronically ill children in San Benito County. You can refer a special needs child by filling out the application on our website.
March 22, 2022
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Events
Class of 1977 Scholarship Deadline Extended
Class of 1977 has extended their scholarship deadline to March 31st.