California Giant goes online for fundraisers

California Giant Berry Farms, Watsonville, Calif., launched a fundraising Gofundme account, Spreading Smiles, after the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled events that would have benefitted non-profits in the greater Pajaro Valley.

The berry company hosts fundraisers in the community and inside the company, including the annual Skirt Steak BBQ. Donors can help the company support organizations that had depended on in-person event for philanthropy, according to a news release.

"Year after year, California Giant has shown its care for our community here at DigitalNEST, and we are grateful for their ongoing support,” said Jacob Martinez, executive director of DigitalNEST, a Watsonville organization that connects youth to skill-building communities, and a recipient of donations from the BBQ, said in the release. “We're so glad that despite the current challenges we are all facing with the pandemic that their fundraising will go on.”

Spreading Smiles has a goal of raising $35,000 through Nov. 30, according to the release. California Giant will match donations up to $20,000.

The funds will go to organizations that include: Monarch Services, CASA of Santa Cruz, Chamberlain’s Youth Services, Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes, The Salvation Army, California Giant Foundation’s Santa’s Workshop, and Teen Kitchen Project.

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