The Fourth Annual Viva Fresh Open will be held at San Antonio’s JW Marriott Hill Country Resort’s renowned TPC golf course Thursday, April 5, officially launching this year’s Viva Fresh Expo.
Presented by Bebo Distributing Inc. and Wonderful Citrus, the popular tourney is a fundraiser for the Brighter Bites organization.
“The Viva Fresh Open provides the perfect opportunity for Expo participants to reconnect with friends and make new contacts while supporting a worthwhile cause,” according to Ed Bertaud, director of retail sales for IFCO. Ed is also a member of the Expo steering committee and also serves as Golf Tournament chair.
He added, “Promoting the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables has been a driving force of this event since its inception.”
Last year the Viva Fresh Open raised $22,400 for Salad Bars to Schools in conjunction with National Fruit and Vegetable Alliance and United Fresh, and Ed explained that 2018’s golf tournament proceeds will assist Brighter Bites’ efforts to provide more than 5 million pounds of produce to 20,000 Texas families. It will also contribute to the funding of nutrition-related education materials for more than 100 elementary schools across the Lone Star State.
Click to read more about Brighter Bites
“From the beginning, giving back to the community has been a key priority for the Viva Fresh Expo,” said Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association. “This year our partnership with Brighter Bites will bring the Viva Fresh message to families across Texas. Their program, which aims at expanding the understanding of nutrition and its importance at a young age, is in-line with the mission for our show.”
Established in 2015 by the Texas International Produce Association, or TIPA, the Viva Fresh Produce Expo’s mission is “to create meaningful networking and educational opportunities for its members while shining a light on the importance of the Rio Grande Valley as an emerging trade corridor and production zone for healthy and nutritious fruits and vegetables available all year long.” Since its inception, the Viva Fresh Produce Expo has catered to sold-out crowds and increased buyer attendance by more than 140 percent.
The tourney continues to gain in popularity and stature, and what a setting! JW Marriott’s AT&T Canyons Course is a par-72 golf course designed by Pete Dye and has played host to the PGA Tour. Registration includes entrance to the tournament and an awards reception where the first and second place teams will be recognized. And following the golf tournament award ceremony’s conclusion at 6:30 p.m. players and other expo attendees are invited to join the 19th Hole Celebration at the JW Marriot Resort for live music, food, and beverages.
For more information on the Viva Fresh Open Golf Tournament and available sponsorship opportunities, visit http://vivafreshexpo.com/golf-tournament/ or contact the Texas International Produce Association at info@texipa.org or via phone at 956-581-8632.
