VANCOUVER, B.C. — The Oppenheimer Group may be a global company, but its roots are strong in the many local communities where it operates across North America. Recently, the full-service marketer celebrated with neighbors in Wilmington, Del., helping raise over $100,000 in a region where it has supported the local economy for over a quarter century.
On Sept. 15, Oppenheimer joined the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) to co-sponsor the fourth annual The Farmer and the Chef fundraiser at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington.
The event paired local farmers and chefs to promote the agricultural industry in Delaware. Proceeds directly support the March of Dimes and its mission to promote healthy eating to expectant mothers.
“While people in the produce industry may think of Oppenheimer as a purely international marketing company, our domestic offerings have grown exponentially in the last decade,” said Josh Leichter, Oppenheimer’s vice president, East Coast. “By supporting the Farmer and the Chef event, we could share a wide range of seasonal fruit with the culinary community in a creative way, while also raising funds for an important cause.”
Guests were invited to visit participating vendors and sample various menu items developed by 60 star chefs including a special appearance by Master Chef Joseph K. Poon, known for his Asian fusion cuisine. Poon demonstrated his artistic talents by creating sculptures out of Oppenheimer fruit.
Oppenheimer paired with three different chefs to design a menu based on key categories: kiwifruit, apple, grapes, stone fruit and citrus.
Executive Chef of the Chase Center Thomas Cavanaugh created menu items like ZESPRI® Green and Gold Kiwifruit bruschetta and JAZZ™ apple and chicken bleu cheese salad for the VIP reception. Pastry Chef Lataya Howard served guests apple mousse with spiced white chocolate cream and caramelized pineapple tart with mango curd during the main event.
“We are pleased to join with Oppenheimer and other leading produce companies in this important community event and support the healthy message of the March of Dimes,” said Bryan Silbermann, president and CEO, PMA. “The company has been a significant contributor to the local economy through the millions of boxes of produce it has moved through the Port of Wilmington and shows its leadership by getting involved in worthy programs like The Farmer and the Chef.”
Oppenheimer sponsored country-music singer Chuck Wicks who concluded the evening with a live performance. Wicks is known for songs like “Stealing Cinderella” and as a celebrity contestant on the ABC hit “Dancing with the Stars.” Delaware-based music group Club Phred also performed.
Source: The Oppenheimer Group
