California Giant Berry Farms is proud to announce the success of its 19th annual Skirt Steak BBQ. The event, which brought together over 1,200 community members, raised $49,800 to benefit local organizations. This year’s fundraising milestone is a testament to the community’s support and reflects our company mission to nourish our community—our commitment to doing good.

The annual BBQ has grown from a small lunch for the sales team into one of California Giant Berry Farms’ largest fundraising events. For $20, guests enjoyed a delicious lunch of skirt steak, garlic bread, salad, fruit, and a chocolate chip cookie.

“We are incredibly proud of our team and our community for coming together to make this year’s BBQ such a success,” said Joe Barsi, President of California Giant Berry Farms. “This event is a living example of our commitment to nourish our communities, and it’s truly inspiring to see so many people come together to support this event.”

This year’s event holds special significance as it follows California Giant Berry Farms being honored as the 2024 Food Donor of the Year by Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County. The Food Bank recognized California Giant for its steadfast support since 2016, which includes a donation of over 120,000 pounds of fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries last year alone. The proximity to the Food Bank allows for an ideal partnership, ensuring fresh, nutritious berries reach those in need. Beyond food donations, California Giant has shown exceptional community commitment by sponsoring key fundraising events and providing invaluable support during crises, including a significant donation to the 2023 Flood Relief campaign for neighbors in Pajaro.

The success of the BBQ is a team effort, with California Giant staff handling every detail—from pre-planning and soliciting sponsorships to cooking and serving. Every dollar raised is matched by California Giant Berry Farms’ founder, Bill Moncovich, further amplifying the event’s impact.

Proceeds from this event will be distributed at the end of the year to a variety of nonprofit organizations, including CASA of Santa Cruz County, CASA of Monterey County, CASA of San Benito County, Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services, Kinship Center, Teen Kitchen Project, Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes, Partnership for Children, Monarch Services, and Pajaro Valley Shelter Services.

California Giant Berry Farms would like to extend a special thank you to our event sponsors:

• Polymer Pak LLC
• Royal Interpack North America
• Alliant Insurance Services
• Lassen Canyon Nursery
• Cool Pak
• Pactiv
• EBX Logistics
• Wells Fargo
• QIMA
• KipTraq
• Hutchinson & Bloodgood
• Muzzi Family Farms

To learn more about the work of these incredible organizations, click here.