The educational organization, Agri-Culture, recently held its 23rd Annual Progressive Dinner, a fall tradition to celebrate the harvest. The event raised almost $40,000. 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 “Seas, Sours & Shopping.” The event is always limited to 100 guests, and each year it sells out early…before invitations are even mailed! Guests are transported (via buses) to three unique locations that are connected to agriculture in some manner.
This year the hors d’oeuvres were served at Steve Bontadelli’s Brussels Sprouts fields near Sunset Beach — welcomed by Steve. He spoke about the company’s 100th Anniversary this year. Dinner was served at Four Winds Growers Casserly Road Greenhouses — welcomed by sibling owners Aaron Dillon and Lexa Dillon. Aaron spoke about the vast variety of citrus they produce.
The dessert location was the soon to open Blossom’s Farmstore & Coffee Shop at the historic Five Mile House in Corralitos — welcomed by owners Carin Fortin and Delmar McComb. Carin and Delmar spoke about their operation and reasons for opening their multi-faceted business in the Five Mile House. The business will market many items from their farm.
At the end of the evening, guests were given a bag and a box of local produce from 14 local companies to take home and enjoy.
The many guests included: Ted Burke, Shadowbrook Restaurant Owner; Doug Fischer and Fred Caiocca of Santa Cruz County Bank; Dick Peixoto, Lakeside Organic Gardens; Debbie Parsons, Best Western Seacliff Inn; Stephany Aguilar of Scotts Valley; Ginny Solari Mazry, Community Philanthropist; Carlos Palacios, CAO, County of Santa Cruz. Nita Gizdich sold the raffle tickets.
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For more info: www.agri-culture.us