Plant City, Fla.-based Wish Farms announced its first Berry Bolt 5K Run For Sweetness.
The company welcomed runners, sponsors and the public to their blueberry farm to raise money for its philanthropic efforts and the United Food Bank of Plant City in Florida, according to news release.
The event kicked off the local blueberry season in central Florida and raised over $169,000 for the Wish Farms Family Foundation.
“This was a great way for us to give back while featuring our local Florida blueberry crop,” said Public Relations Director Nick Wishnatzki. “It was the ultimate feel-good, full-circle event. It achieved our give-back objectives while highlighting the health benefits of blueberries and a fun, athletic activity.”
Forty-six companies and individuals contributed to the event, with top sponsors including Jerue, Farm Credit, Sweet Life Farms and Patterson Companies, the release said. An army of volunteers from the Food Bank and the Kiwanis Club of Plant City were on hand to support and make the event a success.
The event hosted 150 runners in the 5k race, which featured a cross-country trek around the blueberry farm, lake, office and tree house of the scenic Plant City property. Families enjoyed the festive atmosphere of the race, face painters and inflatable bounce houses, while having the opportunity to U-pick fresh blueberries, the release said.
One-third of the money raised will be granted to the United Food Bank and Services in Plant City.
“We plan to use the generous funds raised to directly support the Kids’ Food Break Bags program this summer,” said Mary Heysek, president and CEO of United Food Bank, “It will help provide nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals for children during the summer break, ensuring they have access to healthy food. We are very grateful for Wish Farms’ support and commitment to helping children thrive.”
