Jim and Jeri Gattis have been connecting with each other, and their community, for nearly 50 years. Jim’s parents came to California during the Dust Bowl, and as a lifelong resident of Salinas, he grew up in the Alisal with an awareness that some neighbors had less. Jeri met Jim while she was working at a local bank.
They married in 1977 and share a large, close-knit family with Salinas at the center of their lives. Jim knew everyone in town and community involvement was both a social activity and a responsibility that grew into a passion. “We enjoy giving back. That’s the beauty of Salinas, people are so generous,” says Jim.
In 1981, Jim and Jeri helped start the California International Airshow in Salinas. Since then, it has raised more than $9 million for local charities. “It’s wonderful to see the power of a community when it unites behind a common purpose. We feel privileged to work with passionate people who want to make things better,” says Jeri. Both served as board presidents in the early years.
Their commitment extends into numerous organizations. Jim served on the boards of Hartnell College Foundation, Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, the National Steinbeck Center and the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC). Jeri was a board member for Rancho Cielo Youth Campus and volunteers for several committees for Hartnell College and CSUMB. She is also a former CFMC board member and still serves on the Women’s Fund Leadership Council.
The couple received the CFMC Distinguished Trustee Award in 1999 for their philanthropic impact. They focus on supporting organizations they have been involved with. “Seeing the results first-hand and the impact of our giving is very meaningful,” says Jeri. The “Gattis Gateway” at the United Way Community Impact Center is named in their honor.
Jim and Jeri hope to pass on their values to the next generation “Our children and grandchildren see our involvement (and what it means to us) and it means something to them,” Jeri says. As Jim puts it, “Giving back is about leaving a place better than you found it.”
Jeri Gattis (r) with CFMC President/CEO Dan Baldwin (center) and Carle Mowell at the 2025 Women’s Fund Luncheon.
Partnering with the CFMC has helped them fulfill that vision. “The CFMC is the best resource for giving. They have the expertise and an incredibly good reputation for management. The investment returns speak for themselves,” Jim shares. The couple also enjoys giving through Monterey County Gives! where contributions receive a partial match. “Donating through MC Gives! makes it so easy and it’s really fun,” says Jeri.
They have included the CFMC in their estate plans to continue investing in the community’s future. “If anyone is passionate about anything they’re supporting, think about how to continue. The easiest thing to do is leave a legacy gift. Just think about the impact you can make,” says Jeri. They trust the CFMC as their partner in giving: “They’ve proven themselves to be such good stewards. I can’t think of a better organization to take care of our wishes.”
“A legacy gift is simply a way to carry your values forward and invest in the community you care about. It’s a gift for the future.”
There’s a deep satisfaction, not just a feel good moment, in making an impact,” they conclude. “We hope our legacy will continue that work – strengthening the region and supporting the programs and people who make this such a special place.”