US (CA): 55th annual BBQ fundraiser a success in Watsonville
The Original Spring Lamb Barbecue celebrated its 55th anniversary on Saturday May 17, 2014 at the Crosetti Ranch nestled in the foothills of Watsonville, CA. This long standing event which has a reputation for being ‘stag’ was attended by over 750 men (and two women) on a picturesque sunny day as they all enjoyed lamb Barbecued several different ways on four different pits, and a horseshoe tournament that included over 60 teams on the historical expansive property surrounded by oak trees.
Bill Monchovic and JJ Crosetti
Over the 55 years of this longstanding event hundreds of volunteers from the Pajaro Valley have been committed to participating in the Spring Lamb BBQ which contributes to its longevity. The staff at California Giant along with committee members gain strong support from friends in the produce industry for the event and acknowledge those that have lost their battle with cancer each year. This annual BBQ was actually started by John Moncovich, the father of Bill Moncovich, CEO and partner in California Giant Berry Farms, along with several friends back in 1959. They donated funds the very first year to the American Cancer Society, and that tradition has held true ever since. Thanks to the continued support in the community for this fundraiser, organizers raised $75,000 this year.
In 2008, the American Cancer Society acknowledged the longevity of the event and the cumulative contribution of over $1 million dollars; praising Bill Moncovich and the organizing committee for hosting the oldest, consecutively held, fundraiser for the American Cancer Society in the United States. This accomplishment was also recognized by Congressman Sam Farr at the 50th anniversary.
The lion’s share of the proceeds from the Spring Lamb each year are donated to the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, and additionally funds are shared with the Jacob’s Heart Foundation, a local organization that supports families of children with cancer.
For more information on how to sponsor the Spring Lamb Barbecue held each year on the third Saturday in May and its fund raising effort to fight cancer, contact California Giant Berry Farms at (831) 728 -1773 or visit www.springlamb.org.
