A decade of impact: Farm to Fork celebrates 10 years of community connections

What started as a simple idea—to bring people together focused on highlighting the local produce and a shared purpose—has grown into a powerful tradition that has fueled lasting change across the Central Coast.

On Saturday, June 28, 2025, Community Bridges will host its 10th Annual Farm to Fork Gala & Auction at Seascape Golf Club in Aptos. This milestone event marks a decade of celebrating local food, fine wine, and community impact—and you’re invited.

Every ticket, every bid, and every generous donation made at Farm to Fork fuels essential services for over 20,000 local children, families, and older adults. Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we’ve not only weathered wildfires, floods, and pandemics—we’ve grown stronger. From establishing permanent program sites to launching new services like mental health counseling and eviction defense, your partnership has made progress possible and allowed us to meet growing community needs.

Driscoll’s, Inc. will be honored for its efforts providing emergency services and financial assistance for families affected by flooding in Pajaro.

Honoring Our Bridge Builders

This year, we’re especially proud to honor two sets of Bridge Builder Awardees whose leadership and generosity have made the past decade unforgettable.

Driscoll’s, Inc.: Leading by Example
As one of our strongest partners, Driscoll’s, its employees and affiliates have contributed more than $200,000 to Community Bridges programs, while also showing up—in person—to serve and support families hit hardest by crises like the Pajaro flood. Whether helping deliver services to farmworkers or cheering us on at the annual WIC Breastfeeding Walk, Driscoll’s employees live their values.

From Global Finance Director Casey Wu’s five-year tenure on our Board of Directors to Executive Liaison Stephanie Ruhl’s current Board leadership on our Development and Farm to Fork planning committees, Driscoll’s has not only invested financially—they’ve invested time, talent, and heart.

“When we need support for our programs, services, and events, Driscoll’s sends their very best,” said Raymon Cancino, CEO of Community Bridges. “We truly could not have achieved the success we’ve had over the past ten years without them.”

Tere Carrubba & Cathe Race: A Decade of Dedication
For ten years, Tere and Cathe have co-chaired the Farm to Fork planning committee, helping raise over $550,000 to support all ten Community Bridges programs. But their work extends far beyond event planning—they’ve built community, sparked generosity, and uplifted thousands with their quiet, steady leadership.

Longtime friends and advocates for local causes, they’ve raised funds for Cystic Fibrosis research, served on boards, and brought joy and connection to every project they touch.

“With budget cuts from every level of government, it is more important than ever to have an organization like Community Bridges to assist families, children, and seniors,” Tere said.

“Tere and Cathe are the fairy godmothers of our fundraising efforts,” added Anna Vaage, Community Bridges Annual Giving & Events Coordinator. “They’re always there—securing sponsors, gathering auction items—lending their experience.”

Why Your Support Matters Now More Than Ever

While we gather to celebrate ten years of impact, the future of vital programs in our region is at risk. Billions in proposed cuts to SNAP (CalFresh) and Medi-Cal—as well as growing uncertainty around funding for Meals on Wheels and other senior services—threaten the very safety nets our community relies on.

Programs run by our Family Resource Collective such as the drop-in crisis center work, which provides lifeline services to immigrant and low-income families, are also under increasing pressure as political attacks intensify and government resources grow scarcer. The need is real, and it’s growing by the day.

We are committed to meeting our community where they are—but we can’t do it without you. Your donations help us protect access to food, housing support, health care enrollment, evictions and crisis response services for thousands of neighbors who depend on us.

This moment calls for courage, generosity, and collective action. Let’s rise to the occasion—together.

The Farm to Fork Gala raises more than $50,000 each year to support services for children, families, and older adults across the Central Coast. This year’s event celebrates a milestone of raising a combined $550,000 and counting.

Join the Celebration

This year’s gala promises a vibrant evening of seasonal gourmet fare, exceptional wines, exclusive auction items, and live music—all set against the backdrop of ocean breezes and shared purpose.

Be a part of something special. Celebrate 10 years of transformation—and help us build the next ten.