WATSONVILLE, CA – California Giant Berry Farms has successfully enlisted the help of its staff to enrich its surrounding community once again. This time, California Giant and its employees served lunch to its friends in the community at an annual fundraiser, resulting in over 1,000 meals served as well as donations of $30,000 to those in need.
“We are all humbled by just how supportive the community of Watsonville is when 1,000 people all take the time to share in the opportunity to give back,” said Bill Moncovich, CEO and President of California Giant.
Staff buckled down to prepare over 650 lbs of skirt steak for the main dish of the meal, which was either served on the premises or taken off-site to attendees' offices. According a press release, each lunch cost $12.00 which resulted in a full lunch of skirt steak, garlic bread, salad, fruit, and homemade dessert.
The annual fundraiser increases in its size and reach each year, as the community continues to turn out to experience the delicious fresh meal made by the California Giant staff. California Giant said that its donations have also increased in size each year, with food donations for the meal allowing for almost all of the proceeds from the lunch to go to local charities.
This year’s food partnerships included donations from the following:
- Dole
- Watsonville Coast Produce
- Custom Produce
Community Tree Service also provided firewood for the barbecue, which California Giant said the tantalizing smell drew even more to the event to purchase lunch. Each of the charitable organizations were on hand to assist with the event, visit with attendees, and enjoy the lunch.
Some community members who were not able to attend the lunch themselves asked that a lunch still be purchased for them, with the lunches themselves donated to those in need. This allowed the company’s staff to deliver over 200 meals to Loaves and Fishes.
Thanks to the generous donations gathered from the event, $5,000 checks were made out for CASA of Santa Cruz County, Digital Nest, Grind out Hunger, Jacob’s Heart, Monarch Services, and Pajaro Valley Shelter Services.
