REDLAND, Fla. — Ultimately, the AG Labor team, coached by Julio Cruz, was crowned 2018’s “Best Harvest Crew.” They are the newest recipients of the perpetual Strawberry Joe Trophy.
In addition to the sponsor picking challenge, local strawberry growers nominated their best harvesters to battle it out in a professional picking competition. A total of $800 was awarded to the winner and runners-up.
The day-long event featured a charity u-pick open to the public and other family-friendly fun like a strawberry shortcake eating contest, balloon artists, games, music, and even a special appearance by the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court and N.R.G. “Next Radical Generation” singing group.
All proceeds from the Strawberry Picking Challenge will benefit Redlands Christian Migrant Association, a non-profit that operates child-care centers and charter schools for Florida’s rural poor, particularly farm workers’ children. Wish Farms is a long-time supporter of RCMA. Since the event began in 2014, the Strawberry Picking Challenge has donated a total of $423,000 to the children of RCMA.
“The Picking Challenge continues to grow year after year,” said Gary Wishnatzki, owner of Wish Farms. “The berries were big and sweet, and the turnout was our best yet. I love that our industry shares a close bond with the community. Bringing folks together to recognize our dedicated farmers and field workers, as well as RCMA’s unwavering commitment is what this day is all about.”
To watch the recap video of the 2017 Strawberry Picking Challenge, please click here.
–Wish Farms
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