A LONG-TIME supporter of the annual Brisbane Produce Market Charity Mango Auction has finally made his mark snatching up the season's first tray of mangoes for $29,000 yesterday.
Nuccio Camuglia, owner of Fruity Capers in Toowong, Queensland was crowned the Mango King after watching on for the past 15 years.
“This morning isn’t about me – it’s about the charities that the money is going towards. I know it’s a lot of money, but in my eyes it’s $29,000 well spent,” Mr Camuglia said.
“Mango season is one of our favourite times of the year at Fruity Capers.”
The auction helped raise much needed funds for Diabetes Queensland and Life Education Queensland.
While the mangoes were the prized auction item, a host of other big ticket items were auctioned off to a full house of eager bidders.
Brisbane Markets chairman, Tony Joseph, said the Brisbane Produce Market hosts the only Mango Auction in the country, bringing the community together to raise funds for charity.
“Including funds raised from all our fundraising activities this morning, we are excited to donate over $38,000 to charity,” Mr Joseph said.
The auction was attended by Australian professional boxer, Jeff Horn, NRL player, Sam Thaiday and celebrity chef, Matt Golinksi, as the official event ambassadors.