Over $11,000 raised at Potatoes South Australia Dinner

The Annual Potato Industry Dinner was held on Friday 25th October at the National Wine Centre, and as usual, the night was an incredible show of support for the nominated charity – Little Heroes Foundation!

Every year, an auction of new season baby potatoes is held during the evening, with all proceeds donated to support children living with cancer and serious illness, and their families.
This unique auction, led by Mr Tom Penna, SA Stud Stock Manager Elders Ltd, resulted in a final bid of $11,500 by The Mitolo Group, Thomas Foods International Fresh Produce and Elders Ltd – an amazing result, equating to $1.15 million per tonne paid.

Our Chairman and CEO Chris McDermott said he was amazed to see such a overwhelming show of support for the Foundation, in what has become a much-appreciated regular fixture in our fundraising calendar.

‘It was great to see competitors unite on the night to contribute such a big sun to South Australian children and their families who are facing very difficult times,’ Chris said.

‘Potatoes South Australia CEO Robbie Davis has helped create this outstanding event and its growth in such a short time has been remarkable.’

‘LHF is honoured to be beneficiary once again and we can’t wait until next year!’

Ms Robbie Davis, CEO of Potatoes South Australia Incorporated, the peak industry body, was equally as excited by the night’s result.

‘It was wonderful to see such united, collaborative support for the most significant sector of horticulture at both a state and national level, and for our Charity, the Little Heroes Foundation.’

She also highlighted the significance of collaboration concerning the announcement of Potatoes South Australia and the Adelaide Convention Bureau winning the bid to convene the World Potato Congress (WPC) in Adelaide in 2023 – a global achievement!

A big thank you to returning Dinner Sponsor; Westpac Agribusiness and other corporate partners, including Elders Ltd, Peats Soils and Garden Supplies, TriCal Australia, Collins Adelaide, Lindsay Australia, Compaq and Prime Super. The wine was generously donated by Hazy Blur Wines and Mitolo Wines.

This is the 7th fundraising auction hosted by Potatoes South Australia, with the total amount donated exceeding $115,000! The team at Little Heroes Foundation are incredibly humbled and thankful to Potatoes South Australia and all of the industry bodies for their generous, ongoing support.