Members of the Class of 2010

Shery Allen - Lee Blaettler - Denise Brolin - Jody Canali-Ornellas - Walter Dunckel - Irene Kachel - Cara Kaiser-LaFaille - Rafael Loera - Frank Logan - Michael Lombardo - David Marin - Joni McConnell - Cynthia Porter - Debbi Sanchez - Kimberly Shannon - Konni Thomas - Mark Turner

THE PROJECT

The Leadership Gilroy Class of 2010 partnered with the Gilroy Arts Alliance to design, launch, and build the Gilroy Arts Alliance Demonstration Garden, located on Eigleberry Street. The project transformed an empty, overgrown lot into a vibrant community garden space intended for education, sustainability, and neighborhood engagement.

The class worked alongside community volunteers to clear the land, remove weeds, design the layout, and begin construction of raised beds, walkways, a labyrinth, and planting areas. Workdays took place throughout spring 2010, with major volunteer efforts documented on May 15–16, when the class and neighbors shaped the garden’s structure under the guidance of Walter Dunckel and Judy Hess.

The Demonstration Garden later became a hub for community events, gardening education, and the local food movement — and it even helped inspire the 2011 Class’s Spice of Life farmers market project.