About 150 volunteers, walkers and supporters from the Southern California produce industry turned out Nov. 6 for the 20th anniversary Walk for Hope to support the City of Hope cancer hospital and research center in Duarte, Calif.
This marked the 10th year in a row that Team Produce supported the event, raising a total of about $1 million, said Mark Carroll, senior director of produce/floral purchasing and merchandising for Gelson's Supermarkets, Santa Fe Springs, Calif.
The produce industry raised approximately $63,000 in sponsorships and $6,000 in team donations, said team captain Marty Craner, owner of B&C Fresh Sales, Orange, Calif.
In addition, produce suppliers, retailers, growers and shippers provided an estimated $85,000 worth of fresh produce that was distributed to walk participants at the Team Produce booth.
Total giveback for Team Produce was more than $154,000, Craner said.
Besides Gelson's, retail sponsors included Smart & Final, Commerce, Calif., and Stater Bros. Markets, San Bernardino.
See the sights from Team Produce's efforts:
