Cindy Jewell, Vice President of Marketing California Giant Berry Farms
The 10th annual summer barbecue at California Giant Berry Farms did not disappoint as the staff rolled up their sleeves on July 19 to serve lunch to friends in the community. Over 650 pounds of skirt steak was the main dish for over 1000 lunches either eaten on premises or taken to go back to their offices in town. For $12.00 guests had a full lunch of skirt steak, garlic bread, salad, fruit and homemade dessert.
This annual fundraiser continues to grow in size and popularity every year as friends gather in the parking lot prepared to wait in line for a delicious fresh meal made by the California Giant Staff. Over the years, donations have increased as well as those stepping up to donate most of the food allowing almost 100% of the proceeds going directly to local charities.
This year friends from Dole, Watsonville Coast Produce, and Custom Produce all donated to the menu. Community Tree Service provided firewood for the barbecue that created a fabulous smell throughout the neighborhood drawing even more customers in to purchase lunch.
‘We are all humbled by just how supportive the community of Watsonville is when 1000 people all take the time to share in the opportunity to give back’ says Bill Moncovich, CEO/President of California Giant.
Many of those that were not able to attend bought lunches and asked for them to be donated, which allowed the staff to deliver over 200 meals to Loaves and Fishes. Each of the 5 charitable organizations was on hand to help with the event, visit with guests and enjoy a little lunch at the picnic tables throughout the parking lot. And thanks to the generous donations made from the event, $30,000 was raised allowing each of the following to receive a check for $5000.
Recipients of the proceeds are: CASA of Santa Cruz County • Digital Nest • Grind out Hunger • Jacob’s Heart • Monarch Services • Pajaro Valley Shelter Services