King Carlo takes the crown again

Carlo Lorenti - Mango King 2011

THE floods may have devastated the Queensland community in January but it didn’t stop the generosity flowing at the Brisbane Markets Mango Auction today with the season’s first symbolic tray of mangoes selling for $30,000, all in the name of charity.

Carlo Lorenti from Clayfield Markets Fresh was crowned 2011 ‘Mango King’ after outbidding fellow fresh produce retailers and wholesalers.

The 14th iconic mango auction helped raise $56,476.20 for children’s charities Redkite and Life Education Queensland.

The much needed funds will boost Redkite’s emotional and financial support to children and young people with cancer and their families, and Life Education Queensland’s drug and health education for children in Australia.

The Mango King Carlo Lorenti said he was proud to be able to give back to the community and support such wonderful causes.

“It’s been a tough year for the community but we all worked hard to get back on our feet and today was a chance for us to lend a hand to others in need of support,” he said. “Redkite and Life Education Queensland both do a tremendous job helping young children and an event like this is a perfect opportunity to get a group of people together to show their support.”

Brisbane Markets CEO Andrew Young said he was thrilled with the support of the 2011 auction despite the tough start to the year.

“The event uses the start of the mango season as an excuse to dig deep for charities supporting Queensland children, and this year was certainly no different,” he said.

“The Brisbane Markets community has overcome huge adversity since January to be where we are today and it’s great to see that same strong spirit on show today, led by Carlo.

“Since the first Brisbane Markets Mango Auction in 1998 we have raised more than $600,000 for charity. We are grateful to all of the markets’ fresh produce retailers and wholesalers who supported us.”

The 2011 auction was themed “Hey there, Sweet Cheeks” and featured Brisbane Broncos Cheerleaders, a special performance by Nii Yankos and the Ghanian drummers and a charity sausage sizzle.

This year’s tray of mangoes was donated by Pine Creek Mangoes in the Northern Territory and was donated to the children of the Royal Children’s Hospital, at Herston. Carlo Lorenti has won the crown for five of the past six years.