Michael Speer

Charity: Santa’s Helpers of Tracy & East of Eden K9 Rescue

Michael Speer is a Tracyite through and through. After growing up in Banta and graduating from Tracy High, Michael returned home to coach the Tracy High Bulldogs. But he might be better known now for his grill than his game plan! Michael and his wife established the Speer Family BBQ and have been the talk (and taste) of the town ever since. Michael is not only helping raise two boys in Tracy’s new generation, he’s raising money for TWO charities at Dancing with the Tracy Stars: Santa’s Helpers of Tracy and East of Eden K9 Rescue.

Donna Boyd, a longtime Tracy kindergarten teacher and local philanthropist, created Santa's Helpers of Tracy in 2003. Santa's Helpers is a non-profit organization that gives middle school children with outstanding character in and outside of the classroom the opportunity to shop for their families at Christmas. All participants are nominated for the program by their principals, counselors and teachers. The children selected meet at Tracy's Target one night in December and, with the help of volunteers, shop for their families. Donna's hope was that the students chosen for Santa's Helpers will remember their experience as they transition into their teen and young adult years and continue their good character and service to the community.

Donna passed away in May of 2014 following a short but courageous battle with cancer. Her children, Brianna Boyd, Jacob Boyd and Megan Filice, have taken over the program. Santa's Helpers of Tracy received its federal nonprofit status (501c3) in 2015.

East of Eden K-9 rescue is a companion animal rescue founded in 2001. We are a 501c(3) nonprofit CA corporation (EIN #33-1069899). Our service area extends from Brentwood in eastern Contra Costa County to Santa Nella in Merced County. We are a link between the progressive animal rescue community of the San Francisco Bay Area and the Central Valley, where rescue efforts are much needed. We work with dogs and cats from the community at large and from the shelters in our area (our philosophy: clean up your own neighborhood first).

Dog adoption and cat adoption saves lives. Adopt a dog or adopt a cat and you’ll have a friend for life! Contact us, or contact another local humane society, animal shelter or SPCA. East of Eden has many wonderful dogs and cats waiting for their forever homes. Please use any of these website databases to view profiles and photos of each pet.