[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 15, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E597]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE MONCOVICH FAMILY AND THE ORIGINAL SPRING LAMB BARBECUE

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                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 15, 2019

  Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Moncovich 
family for their commitment to philanthropy to empowering their 
community and bettering the lives of others through the Original Spring 
Lamb Barbecue. Mr. John Moncovich founded the Original Spring Lamb 
Barbecue in Watsonville, California 60 years ago, and his son, Mr. Bill 
Moncovich, has chaired the event since his father's passing in 1972. 
Since its inception, the Original Spring Lamb Barbecue has been a 
celebration of family, friends, and the fight against cancer on the 
central coast of California.
   In May of 1959, John Moncovich held the very first Original Spring 
Lamb Barbecue. The Original Spring Lamb Barbecue started as a simple 
gathering among friends to collect donations for charity. Held 
annually, it has evolved into a beloved community event benefiting the 
American Cancer Society. Volunteers from a local produce company, 
California Giant Berry Farms, and agriculture industry members from the 
Pajaro Valley commit their time and energy each year to make the event 
a memorable one. Live music, family friendly activities, and a 
horseshoe tournament make this a community event for culture and fun, 
all while benefitting families who have been affected by cancer.
   The Original Spring Lamb Barbecue is the oldest consecutively held 
fundraiser for the American Cancer Society in the United States and has 
been recognized as such by the charity. Ten years ago, the organization 
congratulated the Original Spring Lamb Barbecue for raising over $1 
million worth of cumulative proceeds. This year, the event will 
celebrate its diamond anniversary for 60 years of outstanding community 
leadership and fundraising efforts for cancer research.
   Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the dedication and 
commitment to cancer prevention and community service that John and 
Bill Moncovich and the Original Spring Lamb Barbecue have provided to 
the Central Coast. We are fortunate to have such a longstanding 
tradition of community fundraising organized every year by the 
Moncovich family and California Giant Berry Farms. I ask my colleagues 
to join me in celebrating the Moncovich family and the Original Spring 
Lamb Barbecue.

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