Fresh artichoke grower-shipper Ocean Mist Farms took part in the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay For Life event in Salinas, Calif. In few than 50 days since joining the cause, the company climbed to fifth place in charitable rankings out of 77 participating teams, according to a news release.
With nearly 20 employees walking at the event — and participating in a weeklong, companywide fundraising campaign — the team quickly mobilized a series of fundraising events to support the cause, the company said. These included contests, raffles, scavenger hunt, bake sale, pizza lunch, freshly made tacos and a homemade salsa sale.
Ocean Mist Farms also showed support by decorating its corporate office inside and out. Visitors were greeted in the parking lot by purple ribbons adorning large planters lining the entrance, and the front columns were wrapped in purple spirals, creating a visual of the company’s commitment to the effort, according to the release.
The company said more decorations inside the office’s main foyer created a sea of purple. Hanging paper lanterns and purple tablecloths set the stage for a display of curated gift baskets for the raffle. A thoughtfully arranged tribute table stood in honor of cancer survivors, flanked by large bilingual signs (in English and Spanish) highlighting the volunteer-led program’s mission: to celebrate survivors, honor caregivers, remember loved ones and fight back against cancer, the release said.
At the Relay For Life walk in downtown Salinas on Sept. 21, Ocean Mist Farms’ mascot, Arti, made a special appearance to the delight participants, especially children, getting to see the cheerful, rotund artichoke, the release said.
“So many of us have been touched by the devastating diagnosis of cancer, whether directly or indirectly, making this event deeply personal to so many,” said Ocean Mist Farms President and CEO Chris Drew. “I’m incredibly inspired by the dedication and commitment our employees have shown in supporting such a worthy cause.”
