Sharks Donate $10K To Gilroy Fund, Host 1st Responder 'Puck Drop'

GILROY, CA —The San Jose Sharks and San Jose Barracuda are pulling out all the stops for Gilroy Garlic Festival relief. The coordinated hockey organizations have announced plans to aid victims and families affected by the recent Gilroy tragic mass shooting and to honor the first responders who assisted in the care and well-being of the wounded.

Through the Sharks Foundation, the South Bay NHL Stanley Cup contender will provide a $10,000 donation to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation for its immediate response giving and ensuring that victims receive services and support to offset expenses and emotional trauma related to the impact of the incident. Additionally, partial net proceeds from the Sharks Fan Fest slated for Sept. 22 will also support SVCF.

The goodwill doesn't end there. Sharks Foundation will host “Heroes Appreciation Night” on Jan. 27 versus the Anaheim Ducks. The Sharks Foundation will host and honor the first responders who assisted those in need during the Gilroy tragedy. Some first responders will be acknowledged during a special on-ice pregame ceremony and will participate in the ceremonial puck drop.

Proceeds from the Sharks Foundation’s 50/50 Raffle presented by Black Oak Casino Resort and in-game auction that night will benefit the Gilroy Foundation to aid the organization in long-term city projects and future Gilroy Garlic festivals.

The San Jose Barracuda will wear and make available via auction “Gilroy Strong” branded practice jerseys, which will be worn before all home games throughout December's five games. Proceeds from the jersey auction and "chuck-a-puck" at the Dec. 14 versus the Stockton Heat game will go to the Sharks Foundation, which will allocate the funds to the Gilroy Foundation. Also, families of those with lost or injured loved ones will be invited to attend the Dec. 14 Barracuda game at no charge, with an additional discounted ticket offer going out to all Gilroy residents, students, and employees.

Established in 1994, the Sharks Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of youth and families in the community with an emphasis in the areas of education, health and safety as well as character development. More information may be obtained by visiting the Sharks Foundation's website.

Services still or not available in Gilroy

Shuttles are no longer provided to Christmas Hill Park to retrieve vehicles.

Those who need to retrieve a vehicle can go to the Christmas Hill Park entrance located on Uvas Park Drive at Miller Avenue and speak with on-site security to coordinate vehicle retrieval.

Gilroy Police would also like to remind citizens there is no public access to the park.

Also, the information line established soon after the tragic incident, 408-846-0584, is no longer being monitored. Those wanting to reach the Family Assistance Center for services such as counseling may call 408-209-8356.

See also

• Gilroy Garlic Festival Shooting: 3 Victims, Suspect Identified
• Candlelight Vigil Pays Homage To Victims Of Gilroy Shooting
• Gilroy Garlic Festival Vendor Decompressing From Loss
• Duo Injured In Gilroy Festival Shooting 'Happy To Be Alive'
• 3 Heroic Gilroy Officers Who Took Down Suspect Identified
• Candlelight Vigil Brings Gilroy Together
• El Pollo Loco Donating All Aug. 12 Sales To Victims' Families