History Park trolley

Valley of Heart’s Delight Annual Fundraiser

Roll Out the Barrel as We Honor Dan Gordon

Thursday, October 12, 2023 at History Park

Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s event!

Please join us as we celebrate the cultural heritage of San José at our annual Valley of Heart’s Delight fundraiser. We are thrilled to be honoring San José native Dan Gordon this year, highlighting his contributions to the gastronomic and brewing arts!

On Thursday, October 12th, History Park will be transformed into an enchanted beer garden, complete with live music, mouthwatering food stations, and tasty libations, including, of course… BEER!

Individual tickets are available for $200. Sponsorship information including levels and exciting benefits can be found via the link above.

We hope you will join us in celebrating this San José legend and supporting History San José’s important work in providing exceptional education programs, collaborating with local arts and cultural communities, and preserving our collective history through our extensive museum collection.

Please join us on Thursday, October 12, 2023, 5:30-9:00 pm at History Park.

About Dan Gordon

Dan has earned a reputation as one of America’s leading brewing engineers. As Chief Executive Officer and Director of Brewing for Gordon Biersch, he supervises the state-of-the-art brewing and bottling facility in San José’s historic Japantown.

Gordon is the first American in more than 40 years to graduate from the prestigious five-year brewing engineering program at the world-renowned Technical University of Munich in Weihenstephan, West Germany. After completing the program, he returned to California and joined forces with restaurateur Dean Biersch to take advantage of a new state law allowing brewery restaurants.

In 1988, the partners opened their first Gordon Biersch brewery restaurant in Palo Alto. They later opened 11 more locations across several states until ultimately selling the business to CraftWorks. Dan is also famously known as the creator of the aromatic Gordon Biersch Garlic Fries and plays trombone, touring regularly in jazz clubs.

Fund-a-Need: Support Title I Funding for HSJ’s Education Programs

History San José sparks curiosity and fosters cultural understanding through immersive field trips for more than 8,000 participants annually. However, financial constraints prevent students at nearby Title I schools from experiencing these interactive learning opportunities. Our Title I School Fund bridges this gap, covering fees and offering up to $300 for transportation. Help us to reach nearby schools, break barriers, and ensure every student can embrace their local heritage. Let’s ignite curiosity and create lasting impact together.

Event Details

Attire

Dressy casual. Because the event is outdoors, we recommend bringing a jacket or sweater as it does get a bit chilly in the evening!

Program

5:30 PM – Cocktail Reception

  • Signature cocktail
  • Appetizers
  • Music
  • Activities

6:45 PM – Dinner

7:30 PM – Introductory Remarks

8:00 PM – Fund-A-Need: Title 1 Fund

8:15 PM – Program honoring Dan Gordon

9:00 PM – Goodnight and thank you for your support!

Parking

Please follow the signs for the Valley of Heart’s Delight event on Senter Road to the main gate of History Park on Phelan Ave. (635 Phelan Ave. San Jose, CA 95112).

Our parking team will be there to direct you.

Thank you to our Sponsors & Partners

Brewmaster Sponsors

Anonymous

Microbrewery Sponsors

San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin logo
San Pedro Square Market logo

Robert J. Bettencourt

Bonnie and Marv Bamburg

Brewpub Sponsors

Hopkins Carley logo
Garden City Construction logo
Robert Lee & Associates LLP logo

Brewer’s Assistant Sponsors

Jason Silva and Laura Henderson

Steve and Michele Wymer

Larry and Carmen Stone

Lissa Kreisler

 John Koeplin and Sandra Jewett 

Portuguese Heritage Society of California, Inc.

Chinese Historical and Cultural Project (CHCP) logo
Japantown Business Association logo

Andrew Parkhurst

Sandi and Richard Conniff

Alcario Castellano

Jeanne & Mike Williams

Vaughn & Pooja Klebig

Patrick Hammon

Treats by Bear logo
20T Willow Glen logo
Veggielution logo

Partners

Joseph George Fine Wines logo