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Chamber to honor local ag students
Ag in the Valley
Over two dozen local high school seniors were awarded Ag in the Valley scholarships from the Turlock Chamber of Commerce last year. This year, the organization will be hosting a dinner to raise funds to hand out even more scholarships moving forward (Photo courtesy of the Chamber).

The Turlock Chamber of Commerce and local partners are teaming up next month to host the first annual Ag in the Valley: Farm to Table dinner on June 8 at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds in Turlock. The event raises funds for the Chamber’s Ag Scholarship Program, which honors high school seniors from Delhi, Denair, Hilmar, Hughson, Livingston, Pitman, Turlock Christian, Turlock and Waterford who plan to major in agriculture in a California community college or university.

“Agriculture in the valley is responsible for many thriving businesses that support our local economy,” said Chamber ambassador Liberty Santiago. “Our hopes for this party is to come together and give back in proportion to the prosperity that is possible through pursuing fulfilling careers in ag.”

The program for this year’s dinner includes drinks and appetizers from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by a welcome and dinner from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 pm. Local chefs including Freddy Neto, LeRoy Walker, Steve Grgich and Sarah Adams were hand-selected to prepare a menu consisting of ribeye and chicken, sweet potato medley, grilled seasonal vegetables, a seasonal mixed salad and desert. Music from the Cover5 Band will be performed live with the floor open to dancing from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

In addition, Jackie Jones from E.J. Gallo Wineries will serve as keynote speaker to discuss her journey in the agricultural industry.

“We wanted to do something fresh and exciting for our community,” said Chamber executive director Gina Blom. “We’ve planned a lively party to reflect the thriving opportunities that are special to agriculture here in the Valley.”

Event partners include the Stanislaus County Fair, Jura’s Pizza, Yonan’s Jewelers, Floral and the Grand Oak, Turlock Irrigation District, Balanced Books, Crystal Stapleton & Team, Farmers & Merchant Bank, Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Devinder Bains & Team, AR AG Serv, Alex Santiago, Strategic Legal Group, Alan Eighmey, Esq., New Bridge Management, Adrian Harrell, Garton Tractor, US Bank, Lifestyle Realty, Eric Rodriguez and Yagi Farm Management.

Tickets to the event are $100 per person and can be purchased by calling the Turlock Chamber of Commerce at (209) 632-2221 or emailing info@turlockchamber.com. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities can also be purchased by calling Christina Berlanga at (209) 658-5747 or Sheri Yagi at (209) 605-3102.