“The Annual Carpinteria Greenhouse and Nursery Tour is about showcasing farm operations that are so important in the community,” Overgaag says. “We wanted to take that message a step further by supporting our schools in a way that benefits those who are most fundamental to the community, teachers, and students.”
Westerlay is donating 100% of its proceeds ($15,972) earned through showroom sales between April 9 to April 14 to Carpinteria Education Foundation (CEF), the nonprofit fundraising partner of the Carpinteria Unified School District. Toine’s wife, Kandie, worked for the school district as a student counselor and has continued to be personally invested in the cause of supporting local youth. CEF will administer the money to Aliso Elementary School, where it will be used to fund STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) programs.
The Carpinteria Valley has been called the flower basket of the U.S. for its prominent role in domestic flower production. Three-quarters of all domestic flowers come from California, and disproportionate volumes of those are cultivated at Carpinteria Valley nurseries. The Annual Carpinteria Greenhouse and Nursery Tour allows the public free admission to witness the wonders of the flower world and advanced operations behind the specialized industry.