About Us

The Fairgrounds Heritage Foundation of Santa Clara County (FHF) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is the preservation, promotion and development of the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds as the County’s premiere community gathering place. Our mission concerns the whole fairgrounds — all 180+/- acres including the various buildings, the annual Fair, and the year-round activities and events. Our focus is representing the diversity of citizen desires for this iconic public space as we build upon the fairground’s rich history in the planning for the future.

The FHF was founded in 2015 for the primary purpose of accepting donations in support of the county-owned Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds is managed by a nonprofit, the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds Management Corporation (FMC), but is loosely controlled by the County. Because some private donors were reluctant to donate directly to the FMC out of concern that the County could divert donations to other purposes, the Heritage Foundation was formed as a separate 5013(c) nonprofit.

The FHF is an all-volunteer Board with no employees or facilities. We work with FMC to determine the Fairground’s needs and solicit funding and in-kind support accordingly. We serve as independent stewards pledged to ensure that all donations are applied directly to the needs of the Fairgrounds. Current needs include preservation projects, maintenance, acquisition, and beautification of the Fairground’s land, buildings, equipment and memorabilia.

Our Board Members

David Peck

President

David is a founding member of the Fairgrounds Heritage Foundation (FHF).

Keri Rees

VP

Keri, founding members of FHF; recently retired from Wells Fargo Bank, managing small business accounts. She became familiar with the Santa Clara Fairgrounds as one of the Bank’s clients.

Hans Toensfeldt

Treasurer

Hans is another founding members of FHF, As a 40+ year 4-H Volunteer, Hans first came to know the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds through his daughter’s animal entries in the Fair. He first became an active volunteer with the Junior Livestock Auctions. Over the years he has helped with set-up, show assistance, and docent duties in the Junior Divisions of Large Animal, Small Animals, and Competitive Exhibits (Stills). He served as 4-H County Council Treasurer for over 20 years and is also the Treasurer of the Clover Foundation for the last 12 years. He also works as a volunteer at the 4-H farm in McClellan Ranch Preserve in Cupertino, serving as Ranch Manager for the past 8 years.

Lynne Brown

Member

Lynne Brown, member, joined the FHF Board within a few months of its formation. A Fair fan for many years in the Midwest, FHF’s struggle to maintain the Fairgrounds as a public space was an immediate draw. Lynne’s 35 years of business experience in high tech and nonprofit boards has enabled her to fill many roles in the Heritage Foundation. She has frequently combined her engagement with the arts in San Jose with her Board membership to the advantage of both.

Marcella Gulmon

Member

Member since 2021

Greg Silveira

Member

Member since 2020

Board membership is currently OPEN.

We are looking for new members with a passion for preserving the fairground’s heritage and/or building for its future. Board meetings are held monthly. Committee memberships are optional and hold meetings as needed.

Want to get involved?

The Fairgrounds Heritage Foundation (FHF) wants to invite community involvement back to revitalize this amazing property. The key to our success is through incredible, dedicated volunteers. It doesn’t take big commitments to make big changes. Every little bit of time impacts the forward progress of the Fairgrounds.