Wish Farms has been in business since 1922, and has always placed heavy importance on being active in the community.

Wish Farms First Ever U-Pick

On March 13th 2010 Wish Farms held its first ever u-pick. We opened one of our farms to a community u-pick. Attendees were only asked to make a minimum donation to the Redland's Christian Migrant Association and they were allowed to pick as many flats of berries as they would like. Wish Farms also provided all of the material to pick the berries in.

We had a tremendous turn-out, and estimated that we had close to 5,000 people come out and participate. Many people were from the local area food banks and other community organizations. Weather was perfect and everyone seemed to have a great time. You can find some u-pick testimonials here.

Gary Wishnatzki was so pleased with the attendance from the first u-pick that he decided to have another one. At this event we opened the field up to Society of St. Andrew, a local Girl Scout group, and the public ($3/Flat charge). The Society of St. Andrew had over 300 volunteers come out and pick approximately 5,015 lbs of berries which were distributed to Second Harvest, the Ronald McDonald House in Tampa Bay, 'Hope Children' in Tampa, and House of Hope in Merritt Island. We hope to be able to offer the same events next season!

Wish Farms Strawberry Pro-AM

On February 13th 2010 Wish Farms will be hosting the 5th Annual Strawberry Pro-Am Tennis Tournament at Avila Golf and Country Club in Tampa, Fl. This event has become quite successful in generating funds for the Redland Christian Migrant Association (RCMA). This includes funding for new schools in under-served rural areas, and the Wishnatzki Family Migrant Scholarship which assists in the funding of a graduate degree in education for children whose families are engaged in farm work. Gary was invited to fill a seat on the RCMA board earlier this year where he is able to provide valuable input for future progress.

Furthermore, the Strawberry Pro-Am features pros paired with individual men and women. This past year we had 11 team sponsors that included Mercedes-Benz of Tampa, Outback Steakhouse, Jaguar of Tampa, Green Giant, and a variety of other sponsors that all make the tournament possible. This year we hope to raise over $100,000. If you are interested in sponsoring this event or would like more information feel free to contact Amber Kosinsky This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it here at the home office.

University of South Florida

Wish Farms has been very active in donations to the University of South Florida. These donations have been delivered through a couple activities including the aforementioned Strawberry Pro-Am and the annual sale of Wish Farms strawberries on campus.

Florida Strawberry Festival

The Florida Strawberry Festival was born in the 1930's when a newly formed club called the Plant City Lions decided to create an event that would celebrate the strawberry harvest. Today the Strawberry Festival is organized by a board of directors and a small year long staff that make the event possible. The Strawberry Festival draws crowds from all over during this 10 day event which includes great rides, arts, crafts, livestock showings, and of course the top of the line live rock and country performances.

Because the Strawberry Festival is such an important event in the community, Wish Farms has decided to sponsor a day during the festival and naming it Farm Worker Appreciation Day. Wish Farms (Gary Wishnatzki) decided that it was only appropriate to recognize the people who make the strawberry season possible. Farm workers are encouraged to ask their farm managers for free admission tickets that are good for this day. We are expecting close to 5,000 farm workers to attend on Farm Worker Appreciation Day.

Wish Farms Farmworker Appreication Day at the Strawberry Festival

On March 13th 2010 Wish Farms will be sponsoring Farm Worker Appreciation Day at the Florida Strawberry Festival. Gary Wishnatzki wanted to allow farm workers to attend the festival which has come to existence because of these hardworking individuals. Farm workers are encouraged to ask their employers for tickets.

These tickets are only intended for active farm workers, and any local growers in the area are encouraged to call us if interested in this great event. Feel free to contact Amber Kosinsky @ 813-752-5111 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .