is also known as “Big Papa.” When the
boys started school, “Big Papa” paid
weekly visits to school to read in their
classrooms. Gena and Fortune agree that
the benefits of having family close by is
definitely an asset.
Both Gena and Fortune have a history
of involvement in the Gilroy Garlic
Festival. Gena was the first Chair of
Sponsor Hospitality. She was also on
the Advisory Board. Fortune is now
the assistant Chair of Sponsor Hospitality.
When asked the question “What are
the benefits of living in your home town
of Gilroy?” their response was quick. “We
have Rocca’s Market, the Women’s U.S.
Open, and the Super Bowl just up the
road in Santa Clara. We have the ability to
go from 100-degree weather in Gilroy and
to be in the fog within a matter of minutes
and maybe enjoy a little dinner at Phil’s
Fish Market in Moss Landing. We don’t
have crime like other cities and while
some people think there’s more traffic, we
have the ability to move across town in a
short time.”
Gina and Fortune said another reason
to love Gilroy is the people. Recently,
they were involved in a project called
“Read Across America” at Glen View
School. The school invited people from
the community to come in and read to
the students in every classroom. People
like Dr. Gar Chan, and former “Man of
the Year” Don DeLorenzo, responded
immediately. They were among 24
Gilroy citizens who showed up to read
to the children.
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
That is what the Gonzales family likes
about Gilroy .
Recently, Bode and Kaiden went off
for a week of summer camp. Rarely do
their parents have time for themselves,
so while the boys were having a ball at
Mt. Hermon Redwood Camp, Gena and
Fortune decided to go wine tasting, not
in Napa, not in Sonoma but right here
in South Santa Clara County. That same
day they attended an event at the Milias
Restaurant to raise funds for pediatric
cancer research, where they enjoyed good
company, good food, and a little more
wine. It was a great time and all for a
good cause. Life in Gilroy in one’s 40s
sounds pretty good, just take it from
Gena and Fortune.
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