Community Hero Award

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News, People

Humbling Recognition as a Community Hero

Danny Messinger Photo Danny Messinger |
June 24, 2020

During these unprecedented times, it has been more important than ever to find new ways to help friends and family. At California’s Great America, we’ve been able to lend a hand to the Bay Area in an unexpected way: by offering one of our largest facilities for a great cause.

The City of Santa Clara runs a fantastic community program called Healthy Meals Santa Clara that offers local schoolchildren and seniors free bagged breakfasts and lunches for the weekend. These meals help ensure that our neighbors don’t go hungry on the weekends.

Great America Recognized as Community Hero

Earlier this year, Great America partnered with Healthy Meals Santa Clara to bring volunteers into our park’s largest kitchen and use our facilities to prepare these free meals for distribution.

In recognition of this initiative, the Great America team was presented with the City’s “COVID-19 Community Hero Award” at a virtual State of the City meeting, where nominating City Councilmember Kathy Watanabe spoke about what Great America’s partnership means to her district and to the City as a whole.

“The City collaborated with General Manager Manny Gonzalez and his staff to provide an invaluable service, which has benefitted our vulnerable populations these past few months,” said Councilmember Watanabe. “The City is so very thankful and appreciates the support.”

Conucilmember Watanabe met Manny at the park early this week to present the award—from six feet away, of course!

Eager to Serve the Community

“California’s Great America has been part of the City’s fabric for the past 44 years,” says Manny. “As the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our lives, I’ve been amazed at the City’s resiliency and eagerness to help one another. Receiving this award is an honor, and I am humbled to accept it on behalf of Great America’s staff.”

We truly can’t wait to welcome guests back to our park just as soon as it is safe to do so. Until then, we wish the Bay Area good health and warm Great America memories.

By Danny Messinger

As communications manager, I get to tell the incredible stories of our park to the world—and take our biggest fans "Between the Lines." I’ve been an incurable amusement park fanatic since I was a kid and have worked at two other parks (shout-out to Cedar Point and Valleyfair!). Now, I can’t wait to share my passion with our readers!