Last year, the owners of the California Grill of the Pajaro Valley raised more than $18,000 during its annual Cancer Support Day.
That’s when 100 percent of the day’s proceeds go to organizations that support people afflicted by the disease.
The event, now in its sixth year, was launched after California Grill owner Dick Peixoto’s wife Marisela was diagnosed with breast cancer.
One hundred percent of the day’s proceeds will be split between the Katz Cancer Resource Center at Dominican Hospital and Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services.
“We feel like they do some great things for the community,” Peixoto said. “We didn’t really know what they did until we were going through it, and we wanted to pay back what they did for us.”
“People ask me, ‘what’s the catch,’” he said. “I tell them there is no catch. You get your bill and you pay it. We donate 100 percent.”
The restaurant will be open during its regular hours. Breakfast is 7 a.m. until 12 p.m., and lunch is served until 2:30 p.m. The dining room opens for dinner at 5 p.m. The bar is open all day.
Peixoto said the event has grown every year since its inception.
“It’s been a great event for our community,” he said. “People get their friends and families together, have a meal together and do some good.”
“We appreciate being a part of the Watsonville community, and we like being able to give back,” he added.
The California Grill features fresh organic vegetables from Lakeside Organic Gardens, which Peixoto also owns. The restaurant also uses local suppliers such as Corralitos Market sausages, seafood from Stagnaro’s, meats from Freedom Meat Locker and pies from Gizdich Ranch.
Jacob’s Heart Founder and Executive Director Lori Butterworth said the restaurant has “discovered a way to spark exponential love and generosity.”
“Think about it, our community gathers to share meals and 100 percent of what people spend expands out to support community members with cancer,” Butterworth said. “Every dollar donated to Jacob’s Heart is matched and doubled by volunteers, donations and a measure of love. That’s exponential.”
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The California Grill of the Pajaro Valley Cancer Support Day is Oct. 6, all day. The restaurant, 40 Penny Lane, will offer its regular menu during the benefit day. Reservations are recommended. For information, call 722-8052.
