Dole Fresh Fruit Supports Salute To Arms Veterans Appreciation In Simi Valley

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Executives at Dole Fresh Fruit of Westlake Village participated in a Memorial Day remembrance event in Simi Valley, Calif., honoring those Ventura County residents who died while serving in the military.

More than 1,000 people attended the May 28 luncheon event at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Simi Valley, which was partially sponsored by Dole.  In addition to honoring Pearl Harbor survivors Nelson Holman of Moorpark, and Ford Worthington Rice of Simi Valley, the event paid tribute to Army Staff Sgt. Andrew Britton-Mihalo of Simi Valley, who was killed in action recently in Afghanistan.

“It is a tremendous honor for Dole to participate in the Salute to Arms event that recognizes the accomplishment and sacrifices made by the members of the armed forces in our community,” said Dole Fresh Fruit Vice President of Marketing David Bright, who addressed veterans and families at the event.  “We are all very aware that these brave men and women gave their service, and even their lives, to allow us the freedom and way of life we enjoy in the United States.”

The event featured a Hawaiian luau theme with food donated by various Ventura County restaurants.  Appropriately, Dole provided DOLE®-branded Bananas, Pineapples and Pineapple Juice, as well as tropical decorations consistent with its origins in Hawaii. The company also provided DOLE® Strawberries, Broccoli, Cauliflower and Celery.

Organizers were very pleased with the event and Dole was deeply thankful to be asked to part of such a worthy cause in its own community.

About DOLE Bananas

DOLE is the top-selling banana in America and the world — in both conventional and organic product categories. From its founding by James Drummond Dole, the company has built its reputation on a ceaseless commitment to quality. Today, the DOLE brand stands for more than 150 years of quality produce — and the world’s largest supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables, including bananas. Dole strives to grow, produce, harvest, transport and distribute its bananas and other produce in the most environmentally and socially conscious way possible.

About Dole Food Company, Inc.

Dole, with 2011 net revenues of $7.2 billion, is the world’s largest producer and marketer of high-quality fresh fruit and fresh vegetables, and is the leading producer of organic bananas. Dole markets a growing line of packaged and frozen fruit and is a produce industry leader in nutrition education and research.

Source: Dole Food Company, Inc.