2015 brought another profitable year for Lakeside Organic Gardens, growing, packing and shipping quality Organic Produce. In the spirit of giving and inspiration, owner and grower Dick Peixoto continued with his fourth consecutive year of community giving. He hopes in turn this will inspire others to give to their community and to truly be a part of something bigger than themselves or their company.
This year, Lakeside Organic Gardens donated over $375,000 to local Pajaro Valley organizations who are committed to the well being of our community. Peixoto, said: “Here at Lakeside when we have a good year we like to give back to our community. We especially focus on those most in need, children and also Ag Education.”
These gifts were made possible by the hard work of every person who is employed by Lakeside Organic Gardens. Dick appreciates his peers for going out of their way to thank him but really wants the community to recognize and thanks his employees as well. As in past years, he says he is simply carrying the check on behalf of the whole company. On Tuesday, December 22, 2015, he and his wife, Marisela hand delivered many monetary donations.
This is a list of this year’s recipients: • California Foundation for Ag in the Classroom • CASA of Santa Cruz County • Dominican Foundation Katz Cancer Resource Center • Families in Transition in Santa Cruz County • Toys for Tots • Jacob’s Heart • Pajaro Valley Shelter Services • Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes • Salinas Circle for Children • The Salvation Army • Second Harvest Food Bank • Survivors Healing Center • Teen Kitchen Project • Jovenes Sanos • Veterans of Foreign Wars • Monarch Services • Youth NOW
Dick Peixoto and his extended family started Lakeside Organic Gardens in 1996. The Peixoto family began farming in the Pajaro Valley of California in the late 1800’s and perfected conventional growing throughout the 1900’s. As their passions for harvesting the riches of the soil grew and evolved, the family made a committed decision to convert all their farms to 100% organic.
Lakeside Organic Gardens has now become the largest family-owned and operated solely organic vegetable grower/shipper in the USA. Producing over 45 commodities, they are 100% committed to being organically grown in California.
Photo: Dick Peixoto, owner/grower at Lakeside Organic Gardens, is joined by his wife Marisela as he presents a check to the Watsonville Fire Department representative accepting donation on behalf of Toys for Tots on Dec. 22.