Brighter Bites Raises Over $225,000 With Successful Silent Auction at the New York Produce Show; Amy Priebe, Rich Dachman, and Melissa Ackerman Comment


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Tue. December 9th, 2025 - by ANUK Staff

NEW YORK CITY, NY - Brighter Bites, a national nonprofit committed to improving the long-term health of children and families, is pleased to share the success of its silent auction, which also included an in-person event at this year’s New York Produce Show. As a direct result of the generosity and enthusiasm of sponsors and donors, the auction raised a total of $225,515 in support of their mission to improve access to fresh food and nutrition education.

Amy Priebe, Chief Operating Officer, Brighter Bites
Amy Priebe, Chief Operating Officer, Brighter Bites

“We’re deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from our friends, supporters, and partners this year,” said Amy Priebe, newly named Chief Operating Officer of Brighter Bites. in the recent release. “Each contribution fuels our ability to deliver fresh food, nutrition education, and lasting impact for the families we serve.”

In addition to the online event, Brighter Bites hosted two days of silent auction activations at the New York Produce Show, where thousands of attendees connected with the organization’s mission. A curated selection of items including a special collection of wines from the late Jim Prevor, a beloved industry leader and a central figure in shaping the New York Produce Show, was showcased at both the opening cocktail reception and a double-booth display. Attendees played a major role in the auction’s overall success through their enthusiastic and competitive bidding.

Rich Dachman, Chief Executive Officer, Brighter Bites
Rich Dachman, Chief Executive Officer, Brighter Bites

“We asked the industry to support this effort, and they overwhelmed us with their support. It is gratifying to see the produce community rally around our work.” said Rich Dachman, CEO of Brighter Bites. “Their generosity doesn’t just fund our programs; it reinforces that our mission resonates deeply across the industry that feeds America.”

Brighter Bites extends its sincere appreciation to Phoenix Media Network, Inc whose generosity in providing complimentary, full-event presence enabled Brighter Bites to connect with attendees throughout the show.

Melissa Ackerman, Co-Founder, Planet Harvest
Melissa Ackerman, Co-Founder, Planet Harvest and Board Member, Brighter Bites

Longtime Brighter Bites supporter and board member Melissa Ackerman, Co-Founder of Planet Harvest, also purchased multiple packages in support of the auction. “Fresh produce is foundational to health, and Brighter Bites is making that foundation accessible to families who need it most,” Ackerman said. “I’m proud to support this mission personally and as part of the produce industry.”

Brighter Bites is grateful for the commitment of sponsors who made this year’s auction possible, including: Nature Sweet, Driscoll’s, Braga Fresh Family farms, Taylor Farms, EarthFresh, Lange, Dole, MD Anderson, UTHealth Houston, Tonya Antle, Bolthouse Fresh Foods, Arizona Diamondbacks, Oppy, Maui Fresh International, Prosource Produce, and Sigma Sales Produce.

In addition to the online event, Brighter Bites hosted two days of silent auction activations at the New York Produce Show, where thousands of attendees connected with the organization’s mission

Brighter Bites also extends their warmest thanks to the many individuals, businesses, and organizations who contributed unique and generous items to the auction. Their creativity and kindness helped drive strong participation and played a significant role in reaching this year’s fundraising milestone.

For more information about the Brighter Bites program, visit http://www.brighterbites.org, or follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or YouTube.


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