WATSONVILLE, CA - ’Tis the season for giving back, and we here at ANUK are all for it! California Giant Berry Farms’ philanthropic initiative, The California Giant Foundation, has rolled out a $43,500 contribution to 10 nonprofits throughout the Central Coast of California as a result of multiple fundraising efforts throughout the year.
“For California Giant, giving back is always in season—and has been the backbone of the company since its inception,” said Joe Barsi, President of California Giant Berry Farms. “We are invested in where we grow and strive to be there for our neighbors with real reasons to smile. Distributing these checks to such worthy organizations is a good example of that.”
The donation is a culmination of several fundraising events hosted by the Foundation, such as its Skirt Steak Barbecue and other office-wide initiatives spearheaded by a volunteer committee of California Giant employees.
According to a press release, this grand total of $43,500 has been distributed among local nonprofit organizations just in time for the holiday season, including CASA of Monterey County, CASA of San Benito County, CASA of Santa Cruz County, Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services, Kinship Center, Monarch Services, Partnership for Children, Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes, Pajaro Valley Shelter Services, and Teen Kitchen Project.
“California Giant has created a model of community support that all businesses should aspire to,” said Mike Johnson, Executive Director at Pajaro Valley Shelter Services. “Like all our sister organizations, we are so grateful to be included as partners each year with California Giant! Together, we are spreading smiles and making miracles happen every day!”
The California Giant Foundation also makes Spreading Smiles year-end donations, in addition to hosting Santa’s Workshop, through which California Giant employees sponsor families in need for the holiday season with additional funds raised through the Foundation.
Keep reading ANUK as we report on more impactful initiatives within the fresh produce space.
