Florida Strawberry Picking Challenge A Winner For Charity

The Inaugural Bright House Networks Strawberry Picking Challenge, hosted recently by Plant City, FL-based Wish Farms, raised about $75,000 for the Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA), a non-profit organization that operates childcare centers and charter schools for Florida’s rural poor (particularly farm workers’ children).

The fundraising event featured 20 corporate-sponsored teams who competed in relays to earn the title of “Best Harvest Crew.” Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam led the Fresh from Florida team. Other crews represented Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Monte Package Company, Patterson Companies, International Paper, Florida Strawberry Growers Association, and Farm Credit of Central Florida.

Strawberry growers from around the state were well represented at the event, providing picking instructions and serving as coaches.

Ultimately, the Ed & Barbara Bergmann Team, coached by Donnie Randall of Fancy Farms, was named the top finisher and recognized for their picking prowess with individual strawberry trophies as well as the coveted ‘Strawberry Joe’ perpetual trophy.

Wish Farms is a long-time supporter of RCMA, which operates 70 childcare centers and three charter schools throughout the state. For the past eight years, Wish Farms has staged an annual tennis tournament to support RCMA and other non-profit organizations that help educate the children of migrant farmworkers.
“This fun, family event was a great success,” said Gary Wishnatzki, Owner of Wish Farms. “We hope we succeeded in bringing awareness not only to the hard work of our farmworkers but also to the outstanding contribution that RCMA makes.”

Source: Wish Farms