Organizers are now preparing for the 59th annual event and continue to be inspired by industry support. The Original Spring Lamb Barbecue was established by John Moncovich, J.J. Crosetti, and others nestled in the foothills of Watsonville, CA who made plans to simply have a BBQ among friends and coincidentally ended up raising a few bucks for charity since they had some cash leftover after the event. Who knew that 59 years later his son, Bill Moncovich, and friends would still be hosting this annual event to benefit the American Cancer Society (ACS).
This long-standing event has been held at the same location on the same third Saturday in May ever since that first informal BBQ. This year on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at the J.J. Crosetti Ranch with over 750 attending and enjoying lamb barbecued several different ways on four different pits, with live music, and a horseshoe tournament on the historical expansive property surrounded by oak trees.
Each year the group comes together in memory of the many volunteers, friends and family members they have lost over the years to cancer. “The commitment and enthusiasm among volunteers and industry members each year to support this cause and event is impressive and humbling” says Bill Moncovich.
The staff at California Giant along with committee members again this year are receiving strong support from friends in the produce industry as they all share the fact each they all have one thing in common, a friend or loved one that has lost their battle with cancer. Thanks to the continued support for this fundraiser, organizers typically raise more than $70,000 each year with all proceeds going to the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. In recent years the committee has also donated funds to Jacob’s Heart Foundation which supports children battling cancer in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.
Bill Moncovich
The Spring Lamb BBQ has been acknowledged by the American Cancer Society for contributing well over $1 million dollars and for hosting the oldest, consecutively held, fundraiser for the American Cancer Society in the United States. For more information on how to sponsor or attend the Original Spring Lamb Barbecue this year and its fund raising effort to fight cancer, contact California Giant Berry Farms at (831) 728 -1773 or visit www.springlamb.org to purchase tickets.
For more information:
Cindy Jewell
California Giant Berry Farms
Tel. +1 (831) 728-1773