2001 was a year of significant achievement for the Community Foundation for San Benito County. In December 2000 the Foundation held a kickoff of a two-year "Benefactors" campaign for the sole purpose of raising "venture capital" to support specific operational needs. To date, we have raised $149,000 and have met 60% of goal. We have 34 benefactors, those individuals, families and organizations who have contributed or pledged $2,500 or more. Funds raised from the campaign enabled the Foundation to initiate two critically important steps in establishing itself as a true Community Foundation: Engagement of the Cornerstone Group to provide consulting expertise and the hiring of the foundation's first Executive Director, Gary Byrne.

On November 15, 2001 the Foundation sponsored the first "Annual Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon" in the history of our county. "National Philanthropy Day is the the day to recognize and honor the contributions that philanthropy - and philanthropists - have made to our county and our nation," noted Susan Paura, Chairperson for the event. Twenty-eight nonprofit organizations attended the event, awarding twenty-three awards to outstanding philanthropists and distinguished honorees. Peggy Corrales, Mayor of the City of Hollister, Larry Cain, Mayor of the City of San Juan Bautista and Ronald A. Rodrigues, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors were present o publicly proclaim November 15 to be Philanthropy Day in San Benito County.

Through the generosity of our Benefactors we believe that this is the beginning of the next critical phase of the Foundation's growth. To all our Benefactors and donors, our thanks for a great year of helping us to preserve and enhance the great quality of life we enjoy here in San Benito County. The Community Foundation For San Benito County was extremely fortunate to have had Susan Paura and her committee of volunteers who gave so unselfishly of their time and energy. From The Community Foundation For San Benito County, we extend to you a most special "Thank You". Your commitment to our Foundation and the County of San Benito made this event the success which it was.