About the Charities We Chose to Donate to:
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.