For the Artichoke Festival, part of our mission involves connecting people together with a unique celebration. Also, it allows us to give back to the community in which we live.
During these rapidly evolving times, connecting people to each other takes on new meaning. In addition, it revolves around the responsibility we have for the health of our committee members, our volunteers, our sponsors, and our festival guests. But most importantly, it involves our core reason for being — the local non-profit community we serve.
As a non-profit organization we want to support the community most in need during these very uncertain times. Donations can provide a bridge between fans of the festival to the charities from our community that we feel the most connected. As a result, 100% of your donation here will be forwarded to the charity you choose. In this way, funds can be funneled directly to those who need it most, without delay.
We were deeply saddened to have to cancel the 2020 Artichoke Festival, but it was the best option for us to protect everyone’s safety during the global pandemic. Thankfully, we were able to make up for lost funding by holding two new fundraising events in 2020: a Haunted House and a Charity Golf Tournament. These two events were so popular, we brought them back in 2021. Plus, the Annual Artichoke Festival returned in July 2021 with a welcoming and positive response from all! Times are ever-changing; for the latest news about upcoming events, please consider signing up for our newsletter. Thank you for allowing us to follow our hearts and reach out to help others during these incredible times. We look forward to seeing you at the next Festival or fundraising event soon!
Your donation is tax deductible. No portion of the funds will be used for additional administrative costs (a small fee is collected by PayPal.com for gateway services). You will receive a receipt from Paypal in your email. Funds will be distributed to the following charities on a monthly basis.
The COVID-19 Relief Fund – addresses the immediate and longer-term needs of our region’s most vulnerable residents. The Community Foundation for Monterey County created the fund in partnership with the Monterey Peninsula Foundation to help those affected by the impact of the Coronavirus in Monterey County.
All funds donated through the Artichoke Festival will be channeled for COVID-19 relief efforts. Monterey County is a caring, resilient and generous community. More than $3.4 million has been granted. The need continues.
Monterey County Food Bank – Leading community efforts in the awareness and elimination of hunger in Monterey County. Food Bank for Monterey is the largest and most comprehensive provider of emergency supplemental food. It is a key proponent of anti-hunger education and advocacy in our community.
Manzanita Youth Playground – North County Youth Recreation Area (NCYRA) is a nonprofit organization run solely by volunteers, dedicated to offering a safe environment for kids to be active in sports. Current fundraising activities go toward creation and development of a playground for children of ages 5-14.
Monterey County PAL – provides active involvement and positive influences through leadership training, social development and activities that will help youth reach their potential. This chapter of the California Police Activities League meets at the Japanese Schoolhouse in Castroville.
Meals on Wheels – Salinas – a non-profit agency that delivers nutritious meals to homebound seniors throughout the Salinas Valley who cannot shop or cook for themselves. During the Shelter in Place order, they continue at full capacity, delivering meals to their clients.
Monterey County Agricultural Education, Inc – a non-profit organization of agriculturalists, educators, and interested parties. In dedication to fostering respect and appreciation of Monterey County’s number one industry – AGRICULTURE. It is their mission to bring together and educate urban, rural and agricultural communities.
Castroville Artichoke Festival, Inc. – the non-profit organization that has been bringing the Artichoke Festival to life for more than 60 years. We have many local non-profit organizations that count on us for a sizable donation generated by proceeds of the Festival each year. The 2020 cancellation placed an increased burden on the Festival Committee to provide continuing support. We were able to create exciting, and safe fundraisers to supplement our efforts, but we are most grateful for your direct donation to the Artichoke Festival as a step toward viability and success for us and all our other non-profit partners.
