Stories and Events

Engaging San Benito County through Philanthropy

May 3, 2022 | 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 | Events

Class of 1977 Scholarship Deadline Extended

Class of 1977 has extended their scholarship deadline to March 31st.

March 4, 2022 | Stories

Epicenter Receptions

In February, the Community Foundation for San Benito County opened its doors for a series of six receptions showcasing the new Epicenter building, located in the 400 block of downtown Hollister. The Epicenter was built to serve as a central hub for nonprofit activities and community collaboration. The land and construction costs for the project were a gift from Randy and Rebecca Wolf, who wanted to provide a space and resources for nonprofits in San Benito County and foster a positive impact on the community. The Epicenter offers meeting spaces, office spaces, and multiple workstations for long-term or drop-in use by local nonprofits. Currently, ten nonprofits will be housed in the Epicenter. These include CASA of San Benito County, BenitoLink, Health Project Center, United Way, Emmaus House, Sun Street Centers, Hollister Community Outreach, Martha’s Kitchen, and Economic Development Corporation of San Benito County. CASA’s Executive Director Esther Curtis states that she looks forward to working “in an environment where we (CASA) can gather and support the needs of the community”. On Saturday, February 12th the Hollister Downtown Association hosted a public open house at the Epicenter, in attendance were Anthony and Carol Mauro. They were excited to see the new building that is now located where they once operated Mauro Stationers, Inc. until it was destroyed in the 1989 earthquake. Anthony said, “It is a beautiful building and so incredible to see. I love it!” As he walked outside to the patio area he remembered his old workshop that was in that area, “My workshop was the area that saved everyone in the earthquake.” During the earthquake, Carol gathered everyone into the workshop while the building around them collapsed. Ten people, including children, were safe and walked out unharmed. Carol was happy to see the Epicenter completed, “it is such a great way to bring the community together. It is just fantastic!” The Foundation Board and staff would like to thank everyone who came out to celebrate the Epicenter and they look forward to it being a place for people to connect, plan, inspire, and create a thriving community. The Community Foundation’s CEO, Gary Byrne says, “We are excited to start this new chapter for the Foundation. This building represents a lot of hard work and dedication from Randy and Rebecca Wolf, as well as many other community members, which helped make this dream a reality. We look forward to advancing our mission and continuing our work in a center that is designed and built to stand the test of time.”

January 20, 2022 | Events

Scholarships 2022

Scholarships for graduating seniors, high school, continuing education, college, San Benito High School, San Benito County, Aromas, San Juan Bautista, Anzar High School, Hollister, California, money for college, apply, graduate, success, class of 2022

December 21, 2021 | Stories

New Fund Grants for Local Cancer Support

Hope Harvest Cancer Fund happy fall festival full of beautiful scenery, unique vendors, yummy food and drinks, and of course, pumpkins For many years, Cathy Alameda participated in Relay for Life with the Casillas-Garner Family and Friends team in Hollister. This team is passionate and strong, which is why after receiving cancer treatment, Cathy and her husband Tony, decided to open a pumpkin patch with proceeds going towards their team and the American Cancer Society. “the disease is two-fold: you have the stress of trying to get well again, and you have the stress of the financial impact that the treatment has on the household." In 2021, they came to the Community Foundation to open a fund with the intent of helping other local cancer warriors with any financial burden they may be facing. The fund was established to provide financial assistance of up to $10,000 per household, for mortgage/rent, utilities, child care, food, and gas assistance. Setting up a fund at the Community Foundation allows grants to be awarded on an as-needed basis. It also ensures the donations stay within San Benito County and help those living in the community. interested in being considered for a grant can fill out an application on the Community Foundations website.

September 30, 2021 | Stories

COVID-19 Relief Recovery 2 Grant Recipients

Community Foundation for San Benito County, in partnership with United Way of SBC, and the funding support of San Benito County are proud to announce the COVID-19 Relief: Recovery 2 grant awardees.

September 30, 2021 | Events

San Benito Community Auction Success!

The Community Foundation would like to thank the participating organizations and bidders for the success of this on-line event. Deep gratitude also goes to the volunteer auction committee and staff that spent countless hours organizing and managing this effort.

August 23, 2021 | Stories

CFFSBC Scholarship Spotlight

As we transition back into the academic year, Community Foundation for San Benito County would like to congratulate our Ed Stephenson Memorial Scholarship recipient, Bridget Murphy, and our Timothy Conley Baldwin Leadership Scholarship recipient, Anton Borges, as they pursue higher education at their respective colleges. Both students attended San Benito High School and graduated in 2021.

August 16, 2021 | Events

San Benito Community Auction to be held this month

Second Auction article involving another scoop from previous auction winner Alexis. This article can be found in BenitoLink https://benitolink.com/san-benito-community-auction-to-be-held-this-month/