Agri-Culture’s 17th Annual Progressive Dinner

“Ocean, Outreach and … OMG!” was a success!

The educational organization, Agri-Culture, held its 17th Annual Progressive Dinner on Saturday night (October 26th). 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 “Ocean, Outreach and…OMG!” The event is limited to 100 guests, and each year it sells out early. Guests are transported (via buses) to three different locations not normally open to the public.

The hors d’oeuvres were served amidst the Brussels sprouts fields of Bontadelli, Inc. — welcomed by Steve Bontadelli. Dinner was served at California Floral Greens — welcomed by Kathleen Williford, Special Events Coordinator for the Annual Monterey Bay Greenhouse Growers Open House.

The guests were served a wonderful dinner prepared by Barbara and Company. During dinner, Kathleen spoke about the Annual Greenhouse Open House program. The dessert location was Driscoll’s new kitchen facility — welcomed by Joan Bassmann. Joan spoke about the purpose of building the new kitchen.

Guests enjoyed strawberry pie and raspberry ice cream made from Driscoll’s berries. Later, guests were given boxes of local produce to take home and enjoy.

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The many guests included: Ted Burke, owner of Shadowbrook Restaurant; Ceil Cirillo, Tannery Arts Center; Mary Anne Carson of Santa Cruz County Bank; Dick and Marisela Peixoto, Lakeside Organic Gardens; Susan and Tom Am Rhein, Vice President Naturipe; Debbie Parsons and Nikki Castro, Best Western Seacliff Inn; Maria and David Vasquez of Watsonville; Katie Mahan, Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce; Marshall and Kathy Miller, Sun Shops of Santa Cruz; Bill Ringe, Agri-Culture President. Nita Gizdich sold the raffle tickets.