Wish Farms recently celebrated a century of operation with music-inspired and charity-driven festivities.
The international grower and year-round marketer of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and pineberries welcomed guests to its 100th anniversary celebration on Nov. 12 — the second annual PixieRock music festival.
“PixieRock was born out of our family’s love for live music and a desire to support great causes,” Gary Wishnatzki, Wish Farms’ third-generation owner, said in a news release. “Not only does this give us an opportunity to make a difference in our community, but it also gives our employees, growers, vendors, customers and friends a chance to celebrate all who have contributed to our century of success.”
PixieRock was held on the front lawn of Wish Farms’ headquarters in Plant City, Fla. Attendees enjoyed live performances from artists such as Blanco Brown, Saint Motel, Bishop Briggs and the headlining act, ZZ Top. The festival featured food, beverages and a silent auction.
The music festival raised money for the company’s charitable giving throughout the year. Established in 2019, the Wish Farms Family Foundation has focused on food insecurity, youth education and community. With the company covering the costs of the event, all proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships went to beneficiaries Feeding Tampa Bay, Shriners Children’s, and the Wish Farms Family Foundation. Funds raised at the silent auction benefitted Redlands Christian Migrant Association, according to the release.
The music festival was supported by 56 corporate and individual sponsors. Top industry donors included Jerue Trucking, Sonoco Highland, Farm Credit of Central Florida, Patterson Companies, Packaging Corporation of America and Sweet Life Farms.
“This year’s PixieRock raised an astounding $640,000. We had an amazing energy and response from the community. Seeing the legendary ZZ Top perform here was the icing on our birthday cake,” Wishnatzki said in the release. “This impressive amount raised would not be possible without the generosity of our 56 sponsors and more than 1,100 attendees.”
