Silicon Valley nonprofits losing their most powerful voice
For the past 18 years, Patricia Gardner has mentored nonprofit leaders, pushed politicians to serve the most vulnerable communities and provided a powerful voice for the philanthropy sector in Silicon Valley. But those roles will fall to someone else in early 2019 when Gardner steps down as executive director of the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits.
A gregarious woman who can just as easily summon a no-nonsense stare as she can a welcoming smile, Gardner says there’s no drama in her departure. “I’ve been doing this a long time,” she said. “I’m just ready to do something else.”
Under her leadership since 2001, the organization has grown from fewer than 50 member agencies to more than 200, with an operating budget now approaching $1 million. “My time at SVCN has been the singular best experience in my professional life,” she said, crediting the council’s board, staff and donors for fueling the growth.
During her tenure, SVCN has created leadership development programs for nonprofits and advocated for giving in a wealthy region where some say local philanthropy sometimes seems like a foreign concept. A good measure of Gardner’s impact and influence is that for the past decade, dozens of elected officials, corporate chieftains, nonprofit leaders and media members have cleared their calendars to act as servers at SVCN’s annual “Be Our Guest” fundraising luncheon, scheduled for Oct. 25 this year. When that many busy people will wear an apron and decorate a Halloween pumpkin for your event, you’ve got some serious pull.
Camille Llanes-Fontanilla, executive director of East San Jose’s SOMOS Mayfair, said she is grateful for Gardner’s support over the years and that nonprofits of all sizes are stronger because of her contributions. “Not only
has Patricia been a force of nature in connecting nonprofits, aligning systems and advocating for the critical needs of our community and our sector, she has also spent her career uplifting and supporting emerging leaders,” she said.
Another fan of Gardner’s is Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian, who first worked with her during his first stint on the Board of Supervisors nearly two decades ago.
“Then I spent 12 years in Sacramento, and when I came back I was really impressed with how she had helped organize and focus the nonprofit sector,” he said. “Much of our work has to do with mental health and homelessness, and nonprofits are key partners that were too often overlooked. Patricia has made a real difference in making sure that doesn’t happen. You can see and feel her impact at almost every meeting of the Board of Supervisors.”
Sandra Murillo, SVCN’s board chair, said Gardner has been crucial to the organization’s success and that she leaves it well-positioned for the future. Gardner will remain on as SVCN’s board conducts a search for her replacement and will serve as an adviser during the transition next year. While her official role may be ending, she emphasized that she plans on remaining active in the San Jose community.
SOCCER BITES » The Tanq bar at the San Jose Marriott is rolling out a special menu for the highly anticipated match between AC Milan and FC Barcelona on Saturday at Levi’s Stadium. And the lounge isn’t taking sides, offering something for fans of both teams during the game, which they also will be showing for those who can’t make it to the 5 p.m. International Champions Cup match. The “Soc- cer to Me” appetizers, avilable from 2 to 11 p.m., include a seafood paella and croquetas de bacalao (salt cod fritters) for the Barcelona side, with Milan represented by albacore crudo and chicken Milanese.
GAME ON » The 50th anniversary celebration for Children’s Musical Theater continues Saturday with the CMT Go Games, which will have teams of the theater group’s alumni, parents and performers racing around downtown San Jose on an urban scavenger hunt starting at 10 a.m. There will be entertainment, food trucks and more at Plaza de Cesar Chavez starting at 12:30 p.m. Get details at www.cmtsj. org/50th-anniversary. LOOK UP IN THE SKY » If you’re taking in the monthly South First Fridays art walk in downtown San Jose, be sure to stop by Downtown Yoga Shala at 467 S. First St. between 7 and 8 p.m. Artist Carolina Riera will perform on aerial silks, ribbons of lycra suspended 22 feet above the ground. Check out the rest of the art walk and street fair lineup at www. southfirstfridays.com.