California Giant Berry Farms Raises Over $19,000 at 17th Annual Skirt Steak BBQ Fundraiser; Joe Barsi and Kyla Oberman Comment
WATSONVILLE, CA - For the 17th year, California Giant Berry Farms is celebrating another successful Skirt Steak BBQ fundraising event. The annual BBQ raised over $19,000 for the grower’s 501(c)3, the California Giant Foundation, which distributes funds to organizations making a positive change in health and wellness for the current and next generations.
“The comradery of the California Giant staff is unrivaled—from the pre-planning organization, donation solicitations, purchasing of ingredients, selling of tickets, all the way to the cooking and packaging of the meals,” said President Joe Barsi. “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 in nourishing our community.”
This yearly event was established in 2006 by California Giant’s sales office. According to a release, the event started as a lunch for about 50 people and has since grown into a community-wide tradition that is one of the largest fundraising events put on by the supplier.
For $20, guests enjoyed a full lunch of skirt steak, garlic bread, salad, fruit, and a chocolate chip cookie—with ingredients from local businesses, including Sumano’s Bakery, Muzzi Family Farms, Watsonville Coast Produce, Pacific Cookie Company, and Pactiv Packaging.
Near the end of the year, the cumulative total of funds raised during the BBQ and other events will be divided among several non-profit organizations. In addition, every dollar raised by this event is matched by the Founder Bill Moncovich.
“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,” shared Kyla Oberman, Director of Marketing. “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.”
Recipients of the proceeds are CASA 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.
Cheers to California Giant for continuing to help its local community!
