2nd Annual Strawberry Picking Challenge Raises $76,000

The 2nd Annual Bright House Networks Strawberry Picking Challenge, hosted by Wish Farms raised $76,000 for Redlands Christian Migrant Association. The fundraising event, held on Saturday February 7, featured 20 corporate-sponsored teams who competed in relays to earn the title of “Best Harvest Crew.” Some of the crews represented included 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 Monte Package Company, coached by Jacob Hare of Berry Patches and accompanied by former MLB All-Star Fred McGriff, was named the top finisher and recognized for their picking prowess with individual strawberry trophies as well as the coveted ‘Strawberry Joe’ perpetual trophy. In addition to the strawberry picking, the day-long event emceed by InfoMas reporter Melissa Zayas Moreno, featured family-friendly events such as strawberry picking for children, a balloon artist, face painter, games, live music by Clemons Road Band and special appearances by the Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders and Wish Farms’ Misty the Garden Pixie. Proceeds from the Strawberry Picking Challenge will benefit Redlands Christian Migrant Association, a non-profit organization that operates child-care centers and charter schools for Florida’s rural poor, particularly farm workers’ children. Throughout the state, RCMA operates 70 child-care centers and three charter schools. Wish Farms is a long-time supporter of RCMA. Last year, the inaugural Strawberry Picking Challenge event donated $74,000 to the children of RCMA. “This fun, family event was a great success,” says Gary Wishnatzki, owner of Wish Farms. “We hope we succeeded in bringing awareness not only to the hard work of our farm workers but also to the outstanding contribution that RCMA makes.”