WATSONVILLE, CA – Aug 22, 2024 – California Giant Berry Farms today shared details from its successful Skirt Steak BBQ fundraising event—which resulted in over $46,000.00 raised for the California Giant Foundation, the company’s 501(c)3 non-profit that distributes funds to organizations making a positive change in health and wellness for current and future generations. 

The annual BBQ—now in its 18th year—was initiated by the California Giant sales office in 2006 and provides funds for some of the causes and local organizations that the company supports in the areas surrounding its headquarter offices. What began with a lunch for about 50 people has transformed into a community-wide tradition and is now one of the largest fundraising events put on by California Giant Berry Farms. 

For $20.00, guests enjoyed a hearty lunch featuring skirt steak, garlic bread, salad, fruit, and a chocolate chip cookie, with ingredients sourced from local businesses such as Sumano’s Bakery, Muzzi Family Farms, Watsonville Coast Produce, Pacific Cookie Company, and Pactiv Packaging. 

“California Giant’s mission is to provide high-quality berries and nourish our communities,” said Kyla Oberman, Director of Marketing at California Giant Berry Farms. “This year, we expanded our reach by inviting businesses and vendors to sponsor our Skirt Steak BBQ, allowing us to make an even greater impact on the non-profits we support. We are filled with gratitude for the generous sponsorships we received.” 

Sponsors of the Skirt Steak BBQ include Royal Interpak North America, Pactiv, Alliant Insurance Services, EBX Logistics, CoolPak, Grower Shipper Association of Central California, Hampton Inn – Watsonville, Frank Saveria, Polymer Pak LLC, Hawkins Engineering, MACS, CIM, Hutchinson Bloodgood, International Paper, Hub International and ARORx. 

At the end of the year, the funds raised from the BBQ and other fundraising events, led by California Giant staff, are distributed among several nonprofit organizations. Additionally, funds from every BBQ lunch sold are matched by Bill Moncovich, the Founder of California Giant Berry Farms. 

Bill Moncovich, Owner of California Giant, praised the exceptional camaraderie among the staff. “From planning to execution, our team has come together to make a difference,’ he said. ‘Their dedication to our company’s mission and values, as well as to our community at large is inspiring and truly reflects the heart of our company.” 

The proceeds from the event will be allocated by the California Giant Foundation at the end of the year to organizations such as CASA of Santa Cruz County, CASA of Monterey 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. 

For more information about the vital work of these organizations, click here.