The educational organization, Agri-Culture, held its 19th Annual Progressive Dinner on Saturday night (October 24th). The event raised over $35,000. The purpose of Agri-Culture is to educate the public about local agriculture in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley.
This year’s theme was “Autumn in the Valley.” The event is limited to 100 guests, and each year it sells out early. In fact, this year it sold out before invitations could be mailed out. Guests are transported (via buses) to three different locations not normally open to the public. The hors d’oeuvres were served at Land Trust of Santa Cruz County’s Watsonville Slough Farms – welcomed by Terry Corwin.
Terry spoke about the Land Trust’s farmland conservation program. Dinner was served at Jacob’s Farm del Cabo – welcomed by Brendan Miele, Production Manager. A wonderful dinner was prepared by Barbara & Company. During dinner, Brendan spoke about the operations at Jacob’s Farm.
The dessert location was Jimmy’s Pumpkins – welcomed by its owner Jimmy Dutra. Jimmy spoke about how his pumpkin patch gives back to the community. Guests enjoyed an assortment of pumpkin themed desserts. Later, guests were given a bag and a box of local produce to take home and enjoy.
The many guests included: Ceil Cirillo, Tannery Arts Center Co-Chair; Mary Anne Carson of Santa Cruz County Bank; Joanne and Chris Lynch, Lakeside Organic Gardens; Debbie Parsons, Best Western Seacliff Inn; Maria and David Vasquez of Watsonville; Alan Burt, Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department; Ginny Solari Mazry, Trustee, Richard and Mary Solari Charitable Trust, Stephany Aguilar, Councilmember, City of Scotts Valley and Progressive Dinner Chair; Steve Bontadelli, Agri-Culture President. Nita Gizdich sold the raffle tickets.