Bee-themed luncheon raises funds and celebrates California women in ag

Almost 300 women attended the 15th annual Down to Earth Women’s Luncheon, held in May at Driscoll’s Rancho Corralitos in Watsonville, Calif.

The event celebrated women who are involved in or support agriculture in California's Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley. Women wearing hats has become a tradition of the event.

Emily Bonder, owner of Santa Cruz Bee Co., was this year’s featured luncheon speaker. She talked about how bees are essential pollinators for a healthy planet, according to the release.

Krista Snelling, president and CEO of Santa Cruz County Bank, acted as the emcee for this year’s luncheon.

In addition to connecting, networking and enriching the Santa Cruz County and Pajaro Valley community, the luncheon also raises funds for Agri-Culture’s Focus Agriculture program, the Jimmie Cox Memorial Scholarship fund and the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau’s school programs, according to the release. A portion of this year’s proceeds also went to California farmworker flood relief efforts.

This year’s Down to Earth Women Luncheon raised over $90,000.

Anita Aguirre, deputy director and chief compliance officer for Salud Para la Gente, spoke about her experience as a participant in Agri-Culture’s Focus Agriculture program.

Diego Ramirez, a 2023 Jimmie Cox Memorial Scholarship recipient, spoke about how the scholarship has helped him pursue his educational career.