Vicki Fortino brings decades of local relationships, generosity and business experience to United for San Benito County
Vicki Fortino knows that meaningful community work rarely happens alone. It takes relationships built over time, neighbors willing to help and organizations that understand they can accomplish more by working together.
That philosophy has guided Fortino through decades as a San Benito County business owner, volunteer and nonprofit leader. Today, as executive director of United for San Benito County, she connects donors and community partners with programs that directly support local children and families.
Graniterock has been part of that work for years, providing financial support, employee involvement and behind-the-scenes expertise. In return, Fortino and United for San Benito County have remained strong partners and advocates for Graniterock's commitment to the community.
"Graniterock has been exceptional," Fortino said. "I don't think we would exist without Graniterock and their support - financially, and through their time and talent."
Roots in Hollister
Fortino's connection to San Benito County began when her family moved to Hollister while she was in sixth grade. She attended Hollister High School, where she met her husband, Phil.
Together, the couple went on to own and operate Fortino's, an appliance, electronics and furniture business, for more than 30 years. What began with the purchase of a local appliance store grew into a full-line furniture business with dozens of loyal employees.
The store was part of the fabric of Hollister. Generations of families bought appliances and furniture there, and local nonprofit organizations knew the Fortinos as dependable supporters who donated money, merchandise and time.
"We had always been very active," Fortino said. "After 30 years in business, people knew us, and they knew we cared about the community."
Closing the store was one of the hardest decisions the couple ever made. A prolonged sewer moratorium had stalled construction and remodeling throughout the area, and the economic downturn that followed made an already difficult business climate untenable. Many employees had been with the Fortinos for decades, making the closure deeply personal.
After taking time to recover and consider what came next, both Vicki and Phil pivoted to new careers. Phil moved into banking. Vicki was approached by leaders who were working to revive United Way's presence in San Benito County.
From fundraising coordinator to community leader
Fortino joined the organization around 2012. She was initially hired to coordinate workplace campaigns - visiting employers, including Graniterock and inviting employees to support local causes through payroll giving.
The position quickly grew. Community groups wanted United Way represented at meetings and events, and Fortino became the person people called when they needed a partner, a connection or help bringing an idea to life. What began as a campaign role evolved naturally into the work of executive director.
About three years ago, the local organization separated from the larger United Way structure and became United for San Benito County. The move allowed locally raised dollars to remain in the county and gave the organization greater freedom to respond directly to local needs.
Its signature efforts include Stuff the Bus, which provides backpacks and school supplies to roughly 2,000 students each year; 211, the free information and referral service that connects residents with essential resources; and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
United for San Benito County was an early regional adopter of the Imagination Library, which mails a free book each month to enrolled children from birth through age 5. The program has about 1,200 local children enrolled, with roughly 600 more having already graduated when they turned 5. There is no income requirement - children need only meet the age requirement and live in San Benito County.
For Fortino, the need is clear. San Benito County includes many farmworker families and has increasingly become a bedroom community for people who spend long hours commuting. Affordable childcare, after-school programs, educational resources and basic family support are essential. Her longtime service with the YMCA reflects that same concern, and United for San Benito County helps fund the Y's after-school program.
Helping nonprofits help others
Fortino is proud of the way United for San Benito County collaborates with other nonprofits instead of creating competing programs.
"We help them help the people they need to help," she said. "That is what makes me proud of our group."
One of the clearest examples is 12 Days of Giving, a holiday campaign supporting five essential local nonprofits. Participating organizations raise funds during the campaign, and money generated through United for San Benito County's annual gala helps provide a match. The effort has raised more than $2 million over the years.
Some initially worried that supporting other organizations through the gala would reduce United's own fundraising. Fortino believed the opposite would happen - and it did. Donors responded to the spirit of collaboration and the knowledge that their gifts would reach several trusted organizations serving residents directly.
"These are the nonprofits we want to support anyway," Fortino said. "That is why we exist."
Partnership built on trust
Graniterock's connection to the organization reaches back decades, including the company's early support of United Way in the region. That commitment continued as the San Benito County organization evolved, and Fortino made sure Graniterock's leaders understood and supported the transition to an independent local nonprofit.
For Fortino, the partnership represents the best of San Benito County: a local organization and a local company combining resources, relationships and people power to strengthen the place they share.
Even as she begins thinking about retirement, Fortino does not plan to disappear from community life. She expects to help train and mentor her successor and is already being approached about future board service. After a lifetime of showing up, sitting on the sidelines is not likely.
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Vicki is the best. Thanks for shining a light on her exemplary life.