California Giant Berry Farms' barbecue benefit raises $19K

California Giant Berry Farms' Skirt Steak BBQ benefit recently raised over $19,000 for the California Giant Foundation, a nonprofit that plans to distribute funds to organizations positively impacting health and wellness, according to a news release. 

The annual barbecue — now in its 17th year — was initiated by the California Giant sales office in 2006. The company says the event's purpose is to provide funds for charitable causes and local organizations in the areas surrounding its offices in Watsonville, Calif.

What began with a lunch for about 50 people has become a communitywide tradition and one of the largest fundraising events put on by California Giant Berry Farms, according to the release.

“California Giant’s mission is to deliver high -quality berries and nourish our communities. And as we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we’d like to pay homage to Bill Moncovich — who has forever influenced California Giant’s approach to giving back,” Kyla Oberman, director of marketing, said in the release. “Bill’s generosity and care for his community shaped the California Giant’s philanthropic initiatives and inspires our staff to host fundraisers like the Skirt Steak BBQ.” 

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Every dollar raised by this event is matched by California Giant Berry Farms founder Bill Moncovich, according to the release. Toward the end of the year, the cumulative total of funds raised during the barbecue and other fundraising events are divided amongst several nonprofit organizations, the release said.  

“The comradery of the California Giant staff is unrivaled — from the preplanning organization, donation solicitations, purchasing of ingredients, selling of tickets, all the way to the cooking and packaging of the meals,” California Giant President Joe Barsi said in the release. “Seeing our staff come together with the sole purpose of giving back to the community is inspiring. They live and breathe the company’s mission and values and take pride nourishing our community.” 

Event attendees enjoyed skirt steak, garlic bread, salad, fruit and cookies — with ingredients from local businesses. Recipients of the proceeds this year include CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Santa Cruz County, CASA of Monterey County, CASA of San Benito County, Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services, Seneca Central Coast, Teen Kitchen Project, Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes, Partnership for Children, Monarch Services, and Pajaro Valley Shelter Services, according to the release.

Visit the California Giant Foundation to learn more about the critical work led by the organizations featured.