Produce industry raises more than $200k for research hospital

The Anaheim, Calif.-based Fresh Produce & Floral Council featured research hospital City of Hope, Duarte, Calif., at a recent membership luncheon.

The produce industry has given the hospital $220,000 in the past year, including raffle sales and contributions pledged during the event, FPFC president Carissa Mace said.

City of Hope researcher Jessica Clague DeHart spoke at the luncheon, and Diana Godfrey, president of the hospital's Food Industries Circle, was the master of ceremonies, according to a news release. City of Hope presented its Spirit of Life Award to Russ Tavlan, president and CEO of The Moonlight Companies, Reedley, Calif. Moonlight grows, packs and delivers fruit.

Fresh Produce & Floral Council has a long-running relationship with City of Hope, which raises money through various industries. The hospital's Food Industries Circle is composed of subgroups, one of which is the Produce Floral Committee.

City of Hope is designated by the National Cancer Institute as a comprehensive cancer center.