California Giant Berry Farms Announces Digital Fundraiser
WATSONVILLE, CA - Smiles are stretching far and wide as California Giant Berry Farms' 13-week digital fundraiser, Spreading Smiles, comes to a fruitful end. The digital fundraiser has culminated in distributing $40,000 to 13 non-profit organizations throughout the greater Pajaro Valley area.
“California Giant has always been invested in our neighbors. With an emphasis on giving back and putting smiles on the faces who really need it, we were not going to let this year’s new restrictions prevent our fundraising efforts,” said Joe Barsi, President of California Giant Berry Farms.
Due to restrictions around in-person events, California Giant’s annual fundraiser events and other activities throughout the year that support its communities’ non-profits had to be re-imagined. According to the press release, the online fundraiser encouraged donors to contribute to the Spreading Smiles GoFundMe page, with the incentive of knowing that California Giant Berry Farms would generously match all donations.
As noted in the press release, a grand total of $40,000 raised has been distributed to each of the following organizations just in time for the holiday season: CASA of Santa Cruz, Chamberlain’s Youth Services, DigitalNEST, Jacob’s Heart, Kinship Center, Monarch Services, Partnership for Children & Youth, Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes, Pajaro Valley Shelter Services, The Salvation Army, California Giant Foundation’s Santa’s Workshop, Santa Cruz County Toys for Tots, and Teen Kitchen Project.
“California Giant has been a generous giant at Chamberlain’s Youth Services for over 21 years and we are so grateful! Due to the pandemic, traditional gift-giving will be limiting for many, which is why this Cal Giant fundraiser is so important. All funds we receive will go directly to purchasing gifts for the 18 at-risk foster children residing in our care to ensure a happy Christmas! Thank you,” shared Denise A. Cauthen-Wright, Fund Development and Donor Engagement Manager for Chamberlain’s Youth Services.
For California Giant, giving back is always in season and has been the backbone of the company.
“Cal Giant has provided essential support to Teen Kitchen Project since our inception in 2012. From donations of delicious berries, which is a much loved healthy dessert for our clients, to valuable funding that helps us continue to prepare and deliver hundreds of meals each week, the Cal Giant Foundation has been there for Teen Kitchen Project as a partner in building a healthier community,” shared Angela Farley, Executive Director of the Teen Kitchen Project.
The holiday season will come and go, but the needs of the community will continue. To learn more about the important work led by the organizations featured and to make a donation, please click here.
A heartfelt thank you to California Giant for its efforts in supplying help to those in need. For the latest updates in the fresh produce industry, keep checking back to ANUK.
