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Whale Run 2019
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Whale Run 2019
Coffee and Movement
Athletes have long appreciated the many helpful properties of coffee. As a pre-race ritual, a hot cup of coffee gets the blood flowing and puts a spring in your step. After a hard workout, the capillary dilation effects of caffeine help aid in recovery, increasing blood flow to tired muscles. Here at Thanksgiving Coffee, we believe in the magic of coffee and we know that it can be so much more than just a morning beverage— it can be a true medium for change.
Zachary Friedley was born missing his right leg above the knee, but that has never stopped him from being a natural-born athlete. Participating in wrestling, football, and baseball, Zachary is now pursuing his dream of competing in the 2020 Paralympic games in Tokyo as part of the track and field team. His goal is to spread awareness for his new non-profit organization, The Mendocino Movement Project, whose mission is to provide prosthetics to landmine survivors and those suffering from limb loss in developing countries.
Thanksgiving Coffee was proud to provide coffee for the athletes at this year’s Fort Bragg Whale Run and sponsor Zach for his very first 5k race. A fundraising event for the local Soroptimist group, the Whale Run celebrated it’s 35th year on the town’s brand new coastal trail.
With support from Thanksgiving Coffee’s Brand Manager and accomplished marathoner, Marchelo Bresciani, Zach ran his farthest distance to date. As a world class sprinter, Zach never imagined how much he would enjoy the 5k distance and seeing just how far he could go. Now, he is pursuing more events and 5k races around the country to share his story and promote movement throughout the community. >A recipient of this year’s Challenge Athlete Foundation Grant, Zach is gearing up to receive a new leg later this month. He can’t wait to hit the ground running and start posting new personal records.
Thanksgiving coffee is proud to support Zach and his efforts to bring the Mendocino Movement Project to life. Follow him on his adventures this summer and keep an eye out for a special package of Mendocino Movement Project Coffee in the months ahead.
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![55th Annual World's Largest Salmon BBQ]()
SUMMER 2026 EVENTS
Salmon Restoration Efforts Never Tasted So Good!
Fort Bragg's 55th Annual "World's Largest Salmon Barbeque" took place on Saturday July 4, 2026. This annual event raises funds for habitat restoration for salmon spawning grounds through the Salmon Restoration Association.
What a turnout! Approximately 3,000 attendees joined us to enjoy freshly grilled salmon, delicious sides, and live music from six bands. Thanks to nearly 100 volunteers and generous local sponsors, the event was a massive success—all while raising vital support for our local habitat, wild salmon populations, and the local economy.
In addition to Thanksgiving Coffee Company, two other Mendocino County certified B Corps donated to this event: North Coast Brewing Company and Bonterra Organic Estates. Other donors included: Harvest Market, Trout Unlimited, Rossi Building Materials, UNFI, Redwood Waste Solutions, and the California Conservation Corp.
At Thanksgiving Coffee Company, our commitment to sustainability extends far beyond the shade-grown canopies of our international source farms—it flows directly into our local backyards here on California’s North Coast. Healthy ecosystems require a holistic approach to conservation, and for our coastal home in Fort Bragg, nothing represents the vitality of our environment quite like the wild salmon navigating our local rivers.
As part of our mission to craft "Not Just A Cup, But A Just Cup" we recognize that true environmental stewardship means protecting our immediate watersheds. Over the years, coastal development, resource extraction, and shifting climates have fragmented critical aquatic habitats for species like the coho salmon. Successful ecological restoration requires persistent, community-led initiatives to restore damaged stream environments, monitor local water flow, track temperature variations, and clean vital spawning gravels.
This is why grassroots efforts are so vital. Local organizations work tirelessly to revitalize historic runs, hosting regional awareness events and driving hands-on recovery projects. Supporting watershed recovery is a natural extension of our values; pure, healthy water is not only essential for brewing the perfect cup of coffee, but it is also the lifeblood of our entire coastal ecosystem.
By prioritizing sustainably sourced coffee and championing regional conservation, our community can help protect these premier wild resources for generations to come. Join us in raising a mug to the streams, the forests, and the resilient fish that call the North Coast home. You can learn more about how to support local stream monitoring and regional habitat restoration initiatives by visiting the Salmon Restoration Association.
55th Annual World's Largest Salmon BBQ
read more -
![B Corp Coffee Partnerships: How Conscious Collaboration Drives Environmental Impact]()
B Corp Coffee Partnerships: Conscious Collaboration
Every first Saturday in July, thousands of people gather at Fort Bragg’s Noyo Harbor for the World's Largest Salmon BBQ—a celebration that’s both festive and fiercely focused on restoration. It's a paradox we embrace: honoring nature by gathering in its name.
This spirit of collective care mirrors how Thanksgiving Coffee approaches sustainable business relationships—especially through our growing network of fellow B Corps.
Grove Collaboratives First B Corp Coffee
When Grove Collaborative chose Thanksgiving Coffee as their very first coffee partner, it marked a significant milestone in our 50+ year journey since founding Thanksgiving Coffee in 1972.
This wasn't just another retail partnership—it represented Grove's recognition of our commitment to ethical coffee sourcing and regenerative business practices.
Grove features our coffee with the tagline: "This bag carries more than artisan coffee—it's a vessel of hope, connection, and giving thanks to the Earth." This partnership demonstrates how aligned values create natural B Corp collaborations that extend far beyond traditional business transactions.
Brewing Local Impact with North Coast Brewing Company
North Coast Brewing Company, our neighbor in Fort Bragg, has been independent since 1988. They have built their reputation on quality craft brewing while maintaining strong community ties.
At the 2024 World's Largest Salmon BBQ, their craft beer complemented our artisan coffee, creating a complete North Coast experience that spotlighted the power of place-based partnership.
Raising the Bar with Bonterra Organic Estates
Our partnership with Bonterra Organic Estates, America's #1 organic winery, represents the gold standard of regenerative agriculture collaboration. They've achieved Regenerative Organic Certification, TRUE Zero Waste status, and B Corp certification—proving that excellence and environmental stewardship flourish together.
Salmon Restoration Through Conscious Commerce
The World's Largest Salmon BBQ demonstrates how conscious business partnerships create measurable environmental impact.
Here are the 2024 Results:
- $60,000 raised for salmon restoration
- $40,000 donated to Trout Unlimited's North Coast Coho Project
- 2,500 attendees supporting sustainable practices
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, these restoration efforts have resulted in over 15,000 adult coho salmon returning to spawn in Mendocino Coast rivers—in waters that hadn't seen coho salmon for 70 years.
"North Coast Coho Project" in the Noyo River watershed when completed will provide access to 2.6 miles of upstream salmon habitat for spawning and rearing.
Building Systems Evolution
For over 50 years, Thanksgiving Coffee has operated on the principle that coffee is a medium for connection and positive change. Our B Corp partnerships have shown us how this philosophy extends beyond our coffee supply chain to encompass the entire ecosystem of conscious commerce.
When North Coast Brewing brings their craft beer to the Salmon BBQ, when Bonterra contributes their organic wines, when Grove Collaborative features our coffee as a vessel of hope—we create something none of us could achieve alone.
We're not just selling products; we're building a network of businesses that demonstrate another way forward.
The Ripple Effects of Regenerative Partnerships
The numbers tell part of our story, but the deeper narrative is about amplified impact. Every cup of Thanksgiving Coffee that reaches Grove's customers, every moment of connection at the Salmon BBQ, every dollar raised for stream restoration—these represent the ripple effects of partnerships that prioritize shared prosperity over individual gain.
The salmon returning to Mendocino Coast rivers after 70 years remind us that restoration is possible through collaborative effort.
Similarly, our growing B Corp network demonstrates that business can be a force for healing rather than harm.
Looking Ahead: A Business Practice of Care
These partnerships didn't emerge from market analysis—they grew from shared values and mutual recognition of what's possible when businesses align their success with the world's wellbeing. Grove chose us because our story resonates with their mission. North Coast Brewing and Bonterra partner with us because we share commitment to place and values.
Together, we create impact greater than the sum of our parts. We've learned that the company we keep shapes not just our success, but our contribution to a more sustainable world. In choosing B Corp partners who share our commitment to restoration and regeneration, we've proven that business can be a practice of care—for the earth, communities, and the future we're creating together.
Lavender Grace is the Sustainability Consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company
Stay in touch - we like to stay connected
B Corp Coffee Partnerships: How Conscious Collaboration Drives Environmental Impact
read more
SUMMER 2026 EVENTS
Salmon Restoration Efforts Never Tasted So Good!
Fort Bragg's 55th Annual "World's Largest Salmon Barbeque" took place on Saturday July 4, 2026. This annual event raises funds for habitat restoration for salmon spawning grounds through the Salmon Restoration Association.
What a turnout! Approximately 3,000 attendees joined us to enjoy freshly grilled salmon, delicious sides, and live music from six bands. Thanks to nearly 100 volunteers and generous local sponsors, the event was a massive success—all while raising vital support for our local habitat, wild salmon populations, and the local economy.
In addition to Thanksgiving Coffee Company, two other Mendocino County certified B Corps donated to this event: North Coast Brewing Company and Bonterra Organic Estates. Other donors included: Harvest Market, Trout Unlimited, Rossi Building Materials, UNFI, Redwood Waste Solutions, and the California Conservation Corp.
At Thanksgiving Coffee Company, our commitment to sustainability extends far beyond the shade-grown canopies of our international source farms—it flows directly into our local backyards here on California’s North Coast. Healthy ecosystems require a holistic approach to conservation, and for our coastal home in Fort Bragg, nothing represents the vitality of our environment quite like the wild salmon navigating our local rivers.
As part of our mission to craft "Not Just A Cup, But A Just Cup" we recognize that true environmental stewardship means protecting our immediate watersheds. Over the years, coastal development, resource extraction, and shifting climates have fragmented critical aquatic habitats for species like the coho salmon. Successful ecological restoration requires persistent, community-led initiatives to restore damaged stream environments, monitor local water flow, track temperature variations, and clean vital spawning gravels.
This is why grassroots efforts are so vital. Local organizations work tirelessly to revitalize historic runs, hosting regional awareness events and driving hands-on recovery projects. Supporting watershed recovery is a natural extension of our values; pure, healthy water is not only essential for brewing the perfect cup of coffee, but it is also the lifeblood of our entire coastal ecosystem.
By prioritizing sustainably sourced coffee and championing regional conservation, our community can help protect these premier wild resources for generations to come. Join us in raising a mug to the streams, the forests, and the resilient fish that call the North Coast home. You can learn more about how to support local stream monitoring and regional habitat restoration initiatives by visiting the Salmon Restoration Association.
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55th Annual World's Largest Salmon BBQ
read more
B Corp Coffee Partnerships: Conscious Collaboration
Every first Saturday in July, thousands of people gather at Fort Bragg’s Noyo Harbor for the World's Largest Salmon BBQ—a celebration that’s both festive and fiercely focused on restoration. It's a paradox we embrace: honoring nature by gathering in its name.
This spirit of collective care mirrors how Thanksgiving Coffee approaches sustainable business relationships—especially through our growing network of fellow B Corps.
Grove Collaboratives First B Corp Coffee
When Grove Collaborative chose Thanksgiving Coffee as their very first coffee partner, it marked a significant milestone in our 50+ year journey since founding Thanksgiving Coffee in 1972.
This wasn't just another retail partnership—it represented Grove's recognition of our commitment to ethical coffee sourcing and regenerative business practices.
Grove features our coffee with the tagline: "This bag carries more than artisan coffee—it's a vessel of hope, connection, and giving thanks to the Earth." This partnership demonstrates how aligned values create natural B Corp collaborations that extend far beyond traditional business transactions.
Brewing Local Impact with North Coast Brewing Company
North Coast Brewing Company, our neighbor in Fort Bragg, has been independent since 1988. They have built their reputation on quality craft brewing while maintaining strong community ties.
At the 2024 World's Largest Salmon BBQ, their craft beer complemented our artisan coffee, creating a complete North Coast experience that spotlighted the power of place-based partnership.
Raising the Bar with Bonterra Organic Estates
Our partnership with Bonterra Organic Estates, America's #1 organic winery, represents the gold standard of regenerative agriculture collaboration. They've achieved Regenerative Organic Certification, TRUE Zero Waste status, and B Corp certification—proving that excellence and environmental stewardship flourish together.
Salmon Restoration Through Conscious Commerce
The World's Largest Salmon BBQ demonstrates how conscious business partnerships create measurable environmental impact.
Here are the 2024 Results:
- $60,000 raised for salmon restoration
- $40,000 donated to Trout Unlimited's North Coast Coho Project
- 2,500 attendees supporting sustainable practices
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, these restoration efforts have resulted in over 15,000 adult coho salmon returning to spawn in Mendocino Coast rivers—in waters that hadn't seen coho salmon for 70 years.
"North Coast Coho Project" in the Noyo River watershed when completed will provide access to 2.6 miles of upstream salmon habitat for spawning and rearing.
Building Systems Evolution
For over 50 years, Thanksgiving Coffee has operated on the principle that coffee is a medium for connection and positive change. Our B Corp partnerships have shown us how this philosophy extends beyond our coffee supply chain to encompass the entire ecosystem of conscious commerce.
When North Coast Brewing brings their craft beer to the Salmon BBQ, when Bonterra contributes their organic wines, when Grove Collaborative features our coffee as a vessel of hope—we create something none of us could achieve alone.
We're not just selling products; we're building a network of businesses that demonstrate another way forward.
The Ripple Effects of Regenerative Partnerships
The numbers tell part of our story, but the deeper narrative is about amplified impact. Every cup of Thanksgiving Coffee that reaches Grove's customers, every moment of connection at the Salmon BBQ, every dollar raised for stream restoration—these represent the ripple effects of partnerships that prioritize shared prosperity over individual gain.
The salmon returning to Mendocino Coast rivers after 70 years remind us that restoration is possible through collaborative effort.
Similarly, our growing B Corp network demonstrates that business can be a force for healing rather than harm.
Looking Ahead: A Business Practice of Care
These partnerships didn't emerge from market analysis—they grew from shared values and mutual recognition of what's possible when businesses align their success with the world's wellbeing. Grove chose us because our story resonates with their mission. North Coast Brewing and Bonterra partner with us because we share commitment to place and values.
Together, we create impact greater than the sum of our parts. We've learned that the company we keep shapes not just our success, but our contribution to a more sustainable world. In choosing B Corp partners who share our commitment to restoration and regeneration, we've proven that business can be a practice of care—for the earth, communities, and the future we're creating together.
Lavender Grace is the Sustainability Consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company
Stay in touch - we like to stay connected