Families from Monterey Country in California visit The Patch off Highway 68 each year to enjoy hay rides, food and games and to purchase colorful pumpkins. The Patch hosts local food trucks and vendors, provides jobs for students and supports the local Salinas FFA Chapter.
This year, The Patch is donating one dollar from every entry fee to Salinas FFA. Visitors must show the FFA donation social media post when they enter. These funds support the chapter and are used for meetings, food and supplies.
“The pumpkin patch is an amazing place for family and friends to go and have fun doing a fall activity,” says Maddie Gaynor, a Salinas FFA member and sophomore at Salinas High School. “I believe working with The Patch is an amazing way to spread fall spirit and involve students in activities that bring our community together.”
Salinas community members play lawn games on a patch of grass in front of a food truck and vendors at The Patch.
Support from local businesses such as The Patch helps Salinas FFA continue to operate its nearly 200-student chapter. Later this year, Salinas FFA will work with two more local companies for fundraisers.
For example, the Salinas FFA Boosters is organizing a tri-tip sandwich fundraiser with local butcher Zio Brand Meats. The BBQ beef sandwiches come with salad, chips, a drink and a sweet treat. FFA members will sell tickets to individuals and local businesses in Salinas, and parents will help deliver orders with 10 or more lunches. Last year was the first time doing this fundraiser and it was a hit.
Just before Thanksgiving, Gizdich Ranch, a berry and apple farm in Watsonville, Calif., will support Salinas FFA by partnering to sell their pies. Flavors for sale include apple, pumpkin and two berry. Parents and the community can support FFA members while having a fall dessert. Gizdich Ranch has worked with Salinas FFA for many years through this fundraiser.
Thanks to the help of these local businesses, Salinas FFA gives students opportunities to explore their career interests and spend time with other members.
