Community Service Hours Announced
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hoa Minh Le, Assistant General Manager
(408) 840-7152
hoa.le@gilroygardens.org
GILROY, CALIFORNIA (June 19, 2012) – The Leadership Gilroy Class of 2012 recently hosted their class project at Gilroy Gardens on June 5th. Over 200 students, graduating Grade 8 participants and Sophomore/Junior guides, learned about community service during this full day program. Designed to assist incoming high school freshman in learning about the new 80-hour community service requirement for graduating students, the program gave a head start to students providing 3 hours of service and an opportunity to sign up with various nonprofits for the summer. Gilroy Gardens had over 80 students sign up in less than 2 hours.
"The Leadership Gilroy project was an eye-opener for us" said Gilroy Gardens VP and General Manager, Barb Granter. "We were unaware of the new GUSD requirement for 80 hours of community service for graduating seniors. As the largest employer of youth in our community and a nonprofit we feel we are both responsible and uniquely qualified to offer opportunities for these students."
Gilroy Gardens is pleased to announce two student volunteer programs for this summer: "Youth Teaching Children" and "Park Beautification". Gilroy Gardens' over 150 adult Docent volunteers have offered to mentor the students in these two opportunities. Students may either staff Learning Sheds that teach little ones (and often their parents) about the natural sciences or be part of a team that provides landscape support for 36 acres of groomed property, helping to preserve a community asset.
"The exciting thing for us", says Human Resources Manager, Eva Trenberth, "is that we can start to engage our youth population at 14 and 15, supply their 80-hour GUSD requirement for giving back to the community, and they will be much more prepared to join our youth work force when they turn 16. It's a win, win, win scenario for Students, Gilroy Gardens and GUSD."
For information call the HR Department @ 840-7110.
For a complete operating calendar and information about the 2012 season, and all upcoming events, or to purchase your 2012 Value Card or Membership, visit www.gilroygardens.org or call (408) 840-7100.
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is located at 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy (Hwy 152), Gilroy, CA 95020. Gilroy Gardens, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization run by a local volunteer Board of Directors. Gilroy Gardens’ land and assets are owned by the City of Gilroy. Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is located in Gilroy, CA and is California's only horticultural theme park featuring more than 40 family attractions including six majestic gardens, educational exhibits, rides and the world famous Circus Trees. The park has been awarded a Golden Ticket by International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) for Best Landscaping, 2nd or 3rd place, every year since 2005.
