Am Rhein Family
Attendees at Agri-Culture’s 26th Annual Farm Dinner celebrating the harvest not only raised money for the educational organization but also were treated to the world premiere of “The Perfect Pie,” a song by Suzanne Cornelius about Watsonville apple grower Nita Gizdich.
Cornelius and her husband Robert, who lead the Wildcat Mountain Ramblers bluegrass band, decided this event hosted by Hortifrut Genetics Ltd. on the Nakano Family Ranch would be perfect for the world premiere before they took it on the road.
At the end of the evening, guests were given a box of local produce from local companies to take home and enjoy.
Doug Fischer, Santa Cruz County Bank, and Claudia Flores with fresh produce to take home
Attendance is always limited to 100, but the event raised almost $40,000 in profit for the many educational and scholarship programs of Agri-Culture, Inc., which has a goal to educate the public about local agriculture in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley.
The guests included: Tom Am Rhein, Nakano family representative; Doug Fischer, Santa Cruz County Bank; Lucas Flowers, Driscoll’s, Inc.; Guy George, 2022 “Farmer of the Year”; Robert & Karen Kitayama, Kitayama Brothers; Dick & Marisela Peixoto, Lakeside Organic Gardens; Clint, Karen & CJ Miller, Royal Oaks Farms; Randy Repass & Sally-Christine Rodgers, R Bar R Ranch; Jessica Vaughan, Mary Maselli, Michelle Montalvo, Focus Agriculture Class 31 graduates.
Top Photo: Hortifrut Genetics Ltd was a beautiful location for the Farm Dinner
Nakano Family Ranch was a beautiful spot for the hors d’ oeuvres.
Clint, Karen and CJ Miller, Royal Oaks Farms