FPFC auction raises $35,000 for organizations
The Fresh Produce & Floral Council had its Annual Charity Auction virtually on Dec. 17th, raising $35,250 to support Caterina’s Club and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.
The auction started off with a few words from the FPFC’s Interim Executive Director, Don Gann. Don introduced Angela Fraser of California Avocado Commission, who sang the National Anthem – in usual FPFC luncheon fashion. Harald Herrmann of Second Harvest Food Bank gave surprising statistics to the audience – the food bank has served 620, 178 people and distributed 4,057,636 pounds of food in November alone. He stated that unemployed and under-employed residents have increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, causing more families in Orange County to need assistance.
Chef Bruno stated that Caterina’s Club is serving 25,000 meals per day in Orange County and surrounding areas. He echoed Harald Herrmann in saying that the need has increased significantly since the beginning of the pandemic and Caterina’s Club is continuing to spread love, hope and warm meals to those in need.
The comradery that is ever-present between Michael Schutt of Raley’s and Mihae Finnie of Del Monte Fresh did not disappoint attendees – there were smiles and laughs all around. Keeping the tone of the normal FPFC luncheons, attendees had the opportunity to win gift cards throughout the auction.
Mihae Finnie of Del Monte Fresh stated how pleased she was with the auction going off without a hitch. “Without having any history on how a Zoom Live Auction would be, we were nervous on participation levels. But the FPFC did not disappoint and everyone who participated came fully prepared to provide tremendous support for Catarina’s Club and Second Harvest! It was an honor to be asked to be co-auctioneer with the great Mike Schutt and had a great time seeing everyone’s faces again even if it was on screen. I’m very proud of our FPFC family!”
The FPFC is very appreciative of the personal donation of retailer time and support of 99 Cents Only Stores, Albertsons, Gelson’s, Grocery Outlet, Raley’s, Smart & Final, and Stater Bros. Markets. The live auction items included many outings with FPFC member retailers – Jacob Cadwallader from Stater Bros. jokingly told attendees that lunch was on him at In-n-Out and how happy he was to support the FPFC and these organizations “It is a true honor and great privilege to be in a position to help these two great causes, Caterina’s Club and Second Harvest! In years past, I have typically been on the sidelines during the auctions, wanting to help in a bigger way, and now my time has come to give back a bit and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I was also relieved when people started to bid and we heard more than crickets chirping! I hope those that won the bid are cool with a double-double from In-N-Out, along with stimulating conversation of course!”
The FPFC is grateful to our members for their support and participation in the auction to support the powerful work Caterina’s Club and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County are doing.
For information about the Fresh Produce & Floral Council Charity Auction, please contact the FPFC office at 714-739-0177.
