By Amber Kosinsky
Wish Farms, the largest grower and shipper of strawberries in Florida, will be hosting the first annual Bright House Networks Strawberry Picking Challenge on Saturday, February 8 in Plant City.
During the Bright House Networks Strawberry Picking Challenge, corporate sponsored teams will participate in a relay-style race as they compete to win the title of “Best Harvest Crew.” The event will kick off Friday, February 7 in the evening with drinks, dinner and dancing at the TPepin Hospitality Centre in Tampa.
Saturday’s family-friendly event will be held at Futch Farms in Plant City from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and is open to the general public. In addition, Radio Disney of Tampa Bay will be onsite leading games and activities for children. Families can enjoy fresh strawberries and strawberry shortcake.
As with prior Wish Farms fundraisers, this event will benefit Redlands Christian Migrant Association, a Florida non-profit that provides quality child care and early education for children of migrant farm workers and rural low-income families.
For the past eight years, Wish Farms has held a charity tennis tournament, which last year raised over $86,000. This year, the action shifts from the tennis courts to the strawberry fields for a more farm-focused event open to the public.
“By bringing this event to the farm, we hope to bring awareness and education to the hard work of our farm workers, while also making it a family-friendly event,” said Gary Wishnatzki, Owner of Wish Farms.
The cost is $25 per adult and $8 per child 4-12 (ages 3 and under free) and includes lunch, strawberry shortcake and a gift bag.
Sponsorship opportunities at various levels are still available. For details, please contact Amber Kosinsky, Wish Farms’ Director of Marketing 758-9027 or amber@wishfarms.com.
Futch Farms is located at 3536 Futch Loop in Plant City. Tickets will be sold onsite Saturday, February 8; however, purchasing tickets in advance is recommended as space is limited. Those interested in attending should visit www.wishfarms.com/spc for online ticket orders.
