Our History

Gilroy Assistance League has been “granting hope” to local children and youth since 1959. The non-profit organization was founded in 1959 by 15 women as a Chapter of the Children's Home Society, with a focus on raising money for adoption services.

In 1984, the name changed to Gilroy Assistance League, and the group decided to concentrate all fundraising efforts on the local community, including Gilroy and surrounding cities in South Santa Clara County.

Today, Gilroy Assistance League is a group of 35 active female community leaders who continue to champion local children and youth. The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization raises funds primarily through an annual Home & Garden Tour, which is generally held in the spring.

Since 1993, the Gilroy Assistance League has awarded over $400,000 in grants to local schools and youth organizations. 

Edith Edde was one of the founding members of what today is the Gilroy Assistance League.

Our Mission

The mission of the Gilroy Assistance League is to promote the welfare and development of youth in South Santa Clara County through an annual grant cycle.

Our Members

Our non-profit, women-led group remains dedicated to uplifting the youth of Gilroy and surrounding communities. We are united in our goals of nurturing potential, providing essential resources, and empowering the next generation to thrive and create a better tomorrow.

Active Members

  • Julie Barberi

  • Andrea Berry (Recording Sec)

  • Lee Blaettler (President)

  • Denise Buessing (Parliamentarian)     

  • Lisa Burns (Treasurer)     

  • Vicki Campanella

  • Janet Chuck                     

  • Gina Colton  

  • Ann Costa                             

  • Teresa Costa                         

  • Mia Eaton (Membership)

  • Lisa Faria

  • Teri Fortino

  • Karen Ginkel

  • Paula Goldsmith (Grants)

  • Monica Green

  • Cathy Katavich

  • Lori Kent (Ways & Means)

  • Joann Kessler

  • Janet Krulee

  • Judy Lazarus (Cookbooks)

  • Lauren Mantani

  • Janie Mardesich

  • Therese Martin (Corresponding Sec)

  • Linda Mylchreest

  • Michele Nowakowski

  • Piper Pluckhan (Vice Pres/Website)

  • Jeanie Rizzuto (Cookbooks)

  • Debbi Sanchez (IT Internal)

  • Gwyneth Sauceda

  • Jennifer Speno

  • Konni Thomas

  • Amy Tran

  • Alecia Troy (Marketing/Communications)

Our Impact

Each year, Gilroy Assistance League accepts grant requests that will benefit youth organizations, programs, and schools. Grant applications are generally processed in January and early February, with funds disbursed in late April. Since 1993, the Gilroy Assistance League has distributed over $400,000 to benefit local children and youth.