With the latest Stay at Home Order shutting down inside service at local eateries in the Conejo Valley and throughout Ventura/LA Counties once again, we decided to take it upon ourselves to do a little something that would help promote local eateries and have a bit of fun.

Since mid-July,, we’ve been raising funds from Conejo Valley Guide social media followers and using proceeds raised to purchase gift cards at local Conejo Valley area eateries (that in turn were suggested by CVG Facebook Page followers). As of August 1st, we have raised over $1,900 from 113 individuals and organizations. If every social media follower gave a $1, we’d have well over $40,000 earmarked for local business!

To give to this fund, and every $1 helps, donate via credit card at bit.ly/CVG Fund or via Paypal at paypal.me/ConejoValleyGuide.

Our first gift card drawing was on July 22nd, for a $50 gift card at Country Harvest, 3345 Kimber Drive, Newbury Park. We asked folks to pick an item from Country Harvest’s menu to enter the drawing. Here’s a compilation of the responses for some food for thought (in no particular order):

• Fresh Garden Pita with Grilled Chicken and Avocado added

• Liver and Onions

• Chicken Marsala

• Eggs Benedict - mentioned 11 times (including Seafood Benedict, Bacon & Avocado Benedict, California Benedict)

• Steak Sandwich

• Cobb Salad - mentioned twice

• Turkey Dinner

• Breakfast Burrito - mentioned 8 times

• Belgium Waffles with Strawberries - mentioned 6 times

• Wahoo Fish Salad - mentioned twice

• Lemon Chicken Avocado Sandwich

• Chicken and Waffles - mentioned twice

• Meatloaf - mentioned twice

• Fish & Chips - mentioned 5 times

• Fried Chicken - mentioned twice

• Caesar Salad

• Shrimp Scampi- mentioned twice

• Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry - mentioned twice

• Country Fried Steak and Eggs - mentioned 7 times

• Steak and Eggs

• Hot Pastrami on Rye

• Country Skillet Breakfast - mentioned 4 times

• Tri Tip Sandwich or Dinner - mentioned twice

• Jumbo Shrimp Salad

• French Toast Platter - mentioned 3 times

• Burger and Curly Fries or Zucchini Fries - mentioned twice

• Pancakes, Bacon and Sausage - mentioned 7 times (including, banana, blueberry, walnut and granola)

• Chicken Waldorf Salad

• Cheesecake

• French Dip Sandwich - mentioned twice

• Philly Cheesesteak

• Club Sandwich - mentioned 3 times

• Country Biscuit Breakfast - mentioned 4 times

• Tuna or Turkey Melt with Avocado - mentioned twice

• Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

• Pot Roast - mentioned twice

• Patty Melt - mentioned twice

• Croissant Breakfast Sandwich - mentioned 3 times

• Strawberry Shortcake

• Chicken Salad Pita

• Blackened Salmon Caesar

• Bacon Swiss Burger

• Corned Beef Hash Breakfast - mentioned twice

• Avocado Toast - mentioned 3 times

• BBQ Chicken Wrap

• Health Nut Sandwich

• Garden Burger Platter

• Quiche

• Taco Salad

• Cilantro Chicken Salad

• Ham Steak Breakfast

As of August 1st, we have given away gift cards 11 days in a row on the CVG Facebook Page and this will continue until we have spent all funds raised. At this point, it will be at least another two or three weeks of drawings! Having some fun with this!

Learn more about Country Harvest, which has operated in Newbury Park since May 27, 2002, at www.countryharvest.restaurant or call 805.375.4598.