Who would be generous enough to pay over a $100 for a baby spud to help seriously ill children?
Not only did Thomas Foods International Fresh Produce buy one, they bought a whole box!
It was a fun night at the Annual Potato Industry Dinner held at the National Wine Centre of Australia on Friday 27th October.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of the night was the major auction – the only one of its kind in Australia – a box of new season baby potatoes.
Mr Tony Wetherall, SA Stud Stock Manager Elders, worked a room of 140 key industry stakeholders to produce an outstanding result – the final bid being a very impressive $10,250 by Thomas Foods International Fresh Produce.
Weighing in at 10kgs for the box, this means these very special potatoes sold for $1.02m per tonne, with all proceeds being donated to Little Heroes Foundation.
Mr Rod Knight, CEO of Thomas Foods International Fresh Produce was later crowned ‘The 2017 King of Potatoes’ by Senator Ruston.
Left to Right: Chris McDermott (LHF), Mr Rod Knight (CEO of Thomas Foods international Fresh Produce), Senator the Hon Anne Ruston, Robbie Davis (CEO of Potatoes South Australia Incorporated).Image courtesy of Fairfax Media
The money raised will go towards supporting children living with cancer and serious illness, and their families.
Little Heroes Foundation Founding Chairman Mr Chris McDermott praised Potatoes South Australia for their ongoing support of our programs.
‘Potatoes South Australia has been a great supporter of the foundation for the last six years. This event is getting bigger and bigger and the foundation is grateful for the support of a great South Australian industry.’
Ms Robbie Davis, CEO of Potatoes South Australia Incorporated, highlighted the support of the industry as the reason behind the continued growth of the unique fundraiser.
‘It was wonderful to see such united, collaborative support by the industry. The auction for the Little Heroes Foundation is held annually in Spring and it is evolving into an increasingly larger event. Potatoes South Australia is delighted to be associated with such a worthwhile cause.’
Little Heroes Foundation would like to thank Thomas Food International Fresh Produce, a family-owned and proudly South Australian company for their generous support.
Thomas Foods is Australia’s largest family-owned and operated food-processing company, distributing throughout Australia and exporting to over 80 countries around the world. From day one, the sole aim of Thomas Farms has been to provide consumers with the finest natural produce that Australia has to offer.
You can support this amazing South Australian company, who are generously supporting our seriously ill kids in SA by purchasing their premium products from the supermarkets below.