California Grill to Donate 100 Percent of Proceeds to Cancer Charities

t’s not uncommon to attend a local restaurant or business and learn that a portion of the day’s proceeds will benefit charity. What is rare is when the business gives 100% of the day’s earnings – every penny you spend in the store or restaurant going to charity – with the owners keeping nothing for the entire day.

That’s exactly what will happen on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m, at the California Grill at 1970 Freedom Blvd. in Freedom near the corner of Airport and Freedom. All day, for breakfast, lunch and dinner, every penny spent by customers will go directly to Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services and the Katz Cancer Resource Center.

“This is an exceptionally generous fundraiser,” said Lori Butterworth, founder and executive director of Jacob’s Heart, “Especially when you factor in that the owners of the restaurant will be covering all of the costs for food and staff for the day." 

The owners of the California Grill are the Peixoto family, whose roots run deep in the Pajaro Valley. Dick Peixoto’s grandfather started farming potatoes in Watsonville in the 1900’s. As owners of Lakeside Organics and the California Grill, the Peixoto family has given back to the community in numerous ways over the years – most recently to support families coping with a cancer diagnosis, something the Peixoto family knows firsthand.

“Our family has a strong belief in supporting local groups, especially those who support families dealing with cancer.  When cancer attacks a member of one’s family, it affects the entire family, such as when my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago.” said Dick Peixoto, adding, “We are supporting Jacob’s Heart and Katz Cancer Center because they continually impress with their compassion and care for affected families in our community.”

Jacob’s Heart has begun a program called “In Good Company for Children” in order to honor local businesses who show compassion for children with cancer.  “It’s kind of like a local ‘good housekeeping seal,’” said Butterworth. “Lakeside Organics and the California Grill are fine examples of ‘Good Companies for Children,’ a community program inspired by Watsonville Chief of Police Manny Solano who is currently battling cancer himself. 

ABOUT JACOB’S HEART:

Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Association’s mission is to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and support their families in the challenges they face. The organization is celebrating its 15th year of local service and has provided emotional, social and financial support to nearly 500 local families. www.jacobsheart.org

ABOUT KATZ CANCER RESOURCE CENTER:

The Bennett & Suzy Katz Cancer Resource Center at Dominican Hospital offers patients and their loved ones a place to get the support they need. The Katz Cancer Resource Center (KRCR) provides access to information and services related to all aspects of cancer care.

ABOUT LAKESIDE ORGANIC GARDENS:

Lakeside Organic Gardens is the largest family-owned and operated solely organic vegetable grower/shipper in California. Producing over 45 commodities, we are 100% committed to being organically grown in the USA.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA GRILL OF THE PAJARO VALLEY:
California Grill of the Pajaro Valley serves only the finest, locally-grown produce, meats and desserts. In fact, the restaurant owner grows all the organic vegetables and salads right here in the fields of the Pajaro Valley. It’s likely the produce on your plate was picked fresh from one of his organic fields just hours before it was prepared for you.