October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in San Benito County Top Flavor Farms has joined together with the Casillas-Garner Relay for Life team to promote a good cause through the holiday season. Located at 2191 San Juan Hwy, this group has created a seasonal pumpkin patch in which all proceeds go to cancer research. Cathy Alameda who helps organize the event shared that last year the group raised roughly $25,000 due to the generosity of residents living within San Benito County. Alameda further explained that she felt, “blessed to be living in a community with such support”. All proceeds from this event get donated to the American Cancer Society through their Relay for Life team.
Breast Cancer education is important for San Benito County residents. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., “One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.” While this is a staggering statistic there is also hope. The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. also explained that “Over 3.3 million breast cancer survivors are alive in the United States today.” Cathy Alameda, who is helping organizing this event, is one of these survivors. In 2010 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Upon her diagnosis the support she and her family received from the community led her to want to give back. This commitment of Alameda and her friends and family helped lead to the creation of the “Harvest Hope for a Cure Relay for Life Pumpkin Patch”.
Held this Saturday and Sunday only, this two day event is sure to be something that people of all ages can enjoy. In addition to buying pumpkins and gourds there will be other forms of entertainment that young children can enjoy. “Come have fun. We have picture taking areas. There will be tractors that kids can climb on,” Alameda explained. There will also be a mini farmers markets where people can grab a brown grocery bag and fill it with local produce for thirty dollars. Pumpkins range in price from five dollars to fifty dollars. There will also be a variety of pumpkins to choose from including pink porcelain pumpkins and little boos.
This two day event is truly a community effort. In addition to the support of community members volunteering at this event, local farms have also stepped up to participate. All produce and pumpkins sold are donated from surrounding farms such as Top Flavor Farms of San Juan Bautista, Ocean Mist of Castroville, Sabor Farms of Salinas, Tobias Farms of Hollister, O P Murphy and Sons of Soledad, Mann’s of Salinas, and Tanimura and Antle of Salinas. There are also businesses who have supported the cause by donating one thousand dollars to have pumpkins delivered to their workplaces for employees.
If interested in attending the event this weekend, look for the “Harvest Hope for a Cure Relay for Life Pumpkin Patch” signs along Highway 156.