Upcoming events promote healthy lifestyles and support agricultural industry

The communities of Salinas and Morgan Hill will be filled with fun events in the upcoming months focused on important areas like community, public health and animal services. Sakata Seed America, with facilities in both Salinas and Morgan Hill, is proud to support local communities and causes through its Charitable Giving program. According to Sakata President, Dave Armstrong, “Our mission is to build healthier lives within our company and our community – locally, nationally and throughout the industry. We aim to support and assist those dedicated to bettering their communities and the world.” This month, Sakata will honor their commitment to giving back in three major ways. Here are the upcoming events you won’t want to miss!

In the wake of California Spring Trials, Sakata Ornamentals is set to donate a large amount of plant material from their display to a terrific, local organization – City of Salinas Animal Services. Plants for Paws is a plant and flower sale held at the shelter facility on Hitchcock Road in Salinas. This year, funds raised will go toward the Community Cats pilot program, a program intended to trap, shelter, neuter and return cats to their communities in order to decrease the number of cats in the shelter and, ultimately, decrease the amount of euthanized cats due to shelter over-population. “By having spayed/neutered cats remain in an area, they continue to utilize the resources and can keep new cats from coming in and through time, cat numbers will decline,” says Cindy Burnham, Salinas Animal Services Manager. This is the second annual year Sakata has contributed to Plants for Paws in support of the Salinas community and, this year, up to $5,000 worth of plant material will be donated to the fundraiser to support the new program. For more information about Plants for Paws, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/PlantsForPaws

Sakata Seed America is a sponsor of Morgan Hill’s Soil Art Day! This free family event supports the Morgan Hill community as well as the celebration of Earth Day - the perfect time to promote the local community garden and spread awareness about healthy eating and growing your own food. Soil Earth Day will feature artist Helen Lessick’s art installation at the Morgan Hill Community Garden, as well as a ribbon cutting with Mayor Steve Tate, art activities for kids, composting demos, tours and a lively discussion about urban gardening with Dr. Lucy Diekmann from Santa Clara University in nearby San Jose. For more information on the Morgan Hill Community Garden and Soil Art Day, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/morganhillcommunitygarden

Another substantial portion of post-CAST plant and flower material will be donated to landscaping for the Salinas Valley Fair – a long-standing community tradition that supports local agriculture and the overall community. Sakata contributes to the event annually, not only through the giving of plant material, but through donations to The Heritage Foundation, as well. The Heritage Foundation is dedicated to preserving and enriching the heritage of the Salinas Valley Fair and showcasing agricultural industries to the community. Among their efforts, the foundation offers support to 4-H and FFA programs, creates agricultural education opportunities and promotes public awareness for community needs. This year, Sakata will donate 49ers tickets and seed to the Heritage Foundation Kick Off Dinner’s silent auction. All proceeds benefit the Heritage Fund for the bettering of the Salinas Valley community.

For more information about the Salinas Valley Fair and the Heritage Foundation, please visit: http://www.salinasvalleyfair.com/

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