Supporting the Future of Giant Growing

Growers from around the world share why becoming a GPC Charter Member means more than just signing up.
Become a Charter Member

Pete Caspers

Iowa

This hobby has been a part of my life since I was 14 years old—the same age my daughter is right now. Over the years, I have become obsessed with these monsters and the GPC. After serving almost 7 years on the GPC committee, I know exactly how important it is to keep the GPC going!

It was a tough decision to retire, but I will always try to help when and wherever I can—that was my reasoning for becoming a Charter Member.

Charlie Bernstrom

Minnesota

The reason I wanted to be a GPC Charter Member was because of all the lifelong friendships I’ve made over my 14 years of growing and attending GPC weighoffs!

I thought being a Charter Member was a great way to help the GPC keep our great sport moving forward!

Mike Schmit

Wisconsin

I became a Charter Member because I'm all about having a consistent level playing field so growers can truly measure and benchmark themselves against other growers around the world.

We are competing the same, and the GPC makes it possible.

Dave Chan

Canada

Pumpkin growing has introduced us to a worldwide group of friends to share an amazing hobby. Pumpkin growing has also introduced me to a wide variety of people other than fellow growers, who, I can say, have changed my life in a very good way.

Pumpkin growing is a very people-oriented hobby. Without the amazing efforts of the GPC, this would not have happened. Pumpkin growing is an amazing hobby, and for this I am proud to be a Charter Member of the GPC.

Jay Yohe

Pennsylvania

When I heard about the Charter Membership campaign, it was a no-brainer that I wanted in. The GPC is the heart of the giant growing community.

I am grateful the GPC governing body has standardized rules to keep all weigh-off sites on equal footing. Plus, I am thankful for the support and recognition that GPC gives to growers around the world.

Tom Trombley

Michigan

As a competitive grower, it’s easy to justify spending hundreds and even thousands of dollars in the pursuit of growing at the highest level. From seeds, amendments, biological inoculants, and the never-ending list of supplies needed to keep these things from getting too cold, too hot, too dry, or too wind ravaged, the costs can really add up.

So, it seems like a no-brainer to support the organization that ensures we’ll be able to continue to enjoy this hobby, well into the future. It isn’t hard to imagine that without the GPC, the “perks” we often take for granted as growers would cease to exist.

We are blessed with a very hard-working and dedicated GPC committee that selflessly continues to give their time and many talents, so as growers, we shouldn’t hesitate to support them with our treasure.

I am very excited with the direction the GPC is moving in, and proud to be a Charter Member. I believe there are many more growers out there who feel likewise, plus everyone would look good in a cool GPC hat!

Cecil Weston

Michigan

I chose to become a Charter Member because I believe the GPC plays an important role in keeping our hobby strong and fair. Having a consistent set of rules across all weigh-off sites helps ensure that growers everywhere are competing on equal ground.

I also value the annual conference. It’s one of the best opportunities we have to share ideas, learn from each other, and keep pushing the entire world of giant vegetable growing forward. I want to do my part to help make sure it continues.

Supporting the GPC feels like supporting the whole community that has given me so much, and becoming a Charter Member was an easy way to contribute.

Joe Jutras

Rhode Island

I would like to thank you and all the directors of the GPC for all the hard work you guys have been doing to make the organization stronger than ever.

I'm very happy contributing as a Charter Member so the GPC can continue working on bringing this love of gardening we all enjoy into the future for our next generation of growers.

Chris Rodebaugh

West Virginia

The Great Pumpkin Commonwealth is our international governing body for competitive gardening. The role they play in standardizing qualifications, expectations, and criteria for fair exhibition is paramount.

The GPC committee’s volunteered stewardship, enthusiasm, and guidance do not go unnoticed. My membership contribution was a swift and easy decision. I greatly appreciate the role the GPC plays.

Don Barron

Michigan

Support a Great Organization and make sure they are around for a long time.

Porkchop - Steve Marley

New York

When I first saw that the GPC was offering Charter Memberships, I instantly knew I wanted to be a part of it. What a great way to show support for the hobby we love and for the people who make all the magic happen behind the scenes.

Best of luck to everyone growing in 2026...may your giant vegetable dreams come true!!

Lois Nelson

Minnesota

As a giant grower, the contacts, connections, and programs of the GPC have helped tremendously! The seminars are always top-notch and informative. However, the talking and interacting with other giant growers is invaluable! Being able to discuss new ideas, old methods, and hear others’ experiences is inspiring.

As a female grower, the GPC gives me the opportunity to meet, talk, and text with other female giant growers, a group which is increasing in number annually. We may have a little different perspective, but we are all on the same playing field, achieving our personal bests, sharing results, and trying again.

The GPC is the glue that holds us all together throughout the world. It’s an easy place to connect, find answers, develop like-minded friendships, and find others challenging us and advancing our hobby.

Jason Gearhart

Iowa

I joined the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth as a Charter Member because I’m an avid giant pumpkin grower who truly enjoys this hobby and the community around it.

The growers are incredibly generous with their knowledge and always willing to share tips, experience, and encouragement with anyone who asks. I want to support that spirit and help make sure new growers continue to discover and enjoy the same passion for growing giant pumpkins that I’ve come to love.