🍊FLORIDA CITRUS FUNDRAISER - Florida's Finest Citrus, Fresh for You!
Fundraiser Pre-Sale Order Period LIVE
from September 1 through November 14
The Mandarin Community Club invites you to champion our cause to preserve Mandarin's beauty and history. By purchasing fresh Florida citrus, you'll support the club's important mission and the state's struggling citrus industry—reduced by 90% in the past decade. Every purchase strengthens our community and the resurgence of Florida's legendary industry.
from September 1 through November 14
The Mandarin Community Club invites you to champion our cause to preserve Mandarin's beauty and history. By purchasing fresh Florida citrus, you'll support the club's important mission and the state's struggling citrus industry—reduced by 90% in the past decade. Every purchase strengthens our community and the resurgence of Florida's legendary industry.
Why This Fundraiser Matters
Since 1923, the Mandarin Community Club has served as a vital part of the Mandarin community for over a century. This year, we're excited to partner with Florida Indian River Groves for a fundraiser that supports both our club's mission and Florida's storied citrus industry, with deep roots right here in Mandarin.
Mandarin, Florida—named in 1830 for the variety of citrus commonly found in the area; thriving groves—has a rich heritage that reflects the broader story of Florida’s citrus industry. Spanish explorers introduced citrus to Florida in the 1500s, and by the 1700s, Florida Indians were cultivating seeds from Spanish missionaries. In Mandarin, the industry took hold in the 19th century, with the banks of the St. Johns River providing favorable conditions for orange groves. Figures like Harriet Beecher Stowe, who wintered here in the late 1800s, noted properties boasting groves yielding tens of thousands of oranges. A 1879 Jacksonville newspaper article reported: “Twenty-five thousand orange trees are set out in groves between Beauclerc Bluff and the Mandarin Post-Office... 3,500 of these trees are bearing fruit,” concluding that Mandarin “can and does grow oranges successfully.”
Today, Florida’s citrus industry, once the heartbeat of the state’s economy and identity, has faced unprecedented challenges. Over the past two decades, production has plummeted by 90%, dropping from 300 million boxes annually in the early 2000s to an approximate 15 million boxes of citrus for the 2024-25 season. Citrus greening disease has impacted nearly all of Florida’s groves, damaging the quantity of citrus yield. Devastating hurricanes like Irma in 2017 and Ian in 2022 have caused hundreds of millions in damages, leading many growers to sell their land for development.
By participating in this fundraiser, you're not just enjoying the unmatched flavor of Sunshine State oranges, mandarins, and grapefruits—you’re helping preserve a vibrant part of Florida’s heritage.
How to Participate
Pre-order your boxes of fresh, Florida-grown citrus from September 1 to November 14. Pickup is available at the historic 1872 Mandarin Schoolhouse (headquarters of the Mandarin Community Club, 12447 Mandarin Road) during our Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, December 5. All orders must be picked up by Sunday, December 7. We will reach out to you via e-mail when your citrus is available for pick up.
Since 1923, the Mandarin Community Club has served as a vital part of the Mandarin community for over a century. This year, we're excited to partner with Florida Indian River Groves for a fundraiser that supports both our club's mission and Florida's storied citrus industry, with deep roots right here in Mandarin.
Mandarin, Florida—named in 1830 for the variety of citrus commonly found in the area; thriving groves—has a rich heritage that reflects the broader story of Florida’s citrus industry. Spanish explorers introduced citrus to Florida in the 1500s, and by the 1700s, Florida Indians were cultivating seeds from Spanish missionaries. In Mandarin, the industry took hold in the 19th century, with the banks of the St. Johns River providing favorable conditions for orange groves. Figures like Harriet Beecher Stowe, who wintered here in the late 1800s, noted properties boasting groves yielding tens of thousands of oranges. A 1879 Jacksonville newspaper article reported: “Twenty-five thousand orange trees are set out in groves between Beauclerc Bluff and the Mandarin Post-Office... 3,500 of these trees are bearing fruit,” concluding that Mandarin “can and does grow oranges successfully.”
Today, Florida’s citrus industry, once the heartbeat of the state’s economy and identity, has faced unprecedented challenges. Over the past two decades, production has plummeted by 90%, dropping from 300 million boxes annually in the early 2000s to an approximate 15 million boxes of citrus for the 2024-25 season. Citrus greening disease has impacted nearly all of Florida’s groves, damaging the quantity of citrus yield. Devastating hurricanes like Irma in 2017 and Ian in 2022 have caused hundreds of millions in damages, leading many growers to sell their land for development.
By participating in this fundraiser, you're not just enjoying the unmatched flavor of Sunshine State oranges, mandarins, and grapefruits—you’re helping preserve a vibrant part of Florida’s heritage.
How to Participate
Pre-order your boxes of fresh, Florida-grown citrus from September 1 to November 14. Pickup is available at the historic 1872 Mandarin Schoolhouse (headquarters of the Mandarin Community Club, 12447 Mandarin Road) during our Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, December 5. All orders must be picked up by Sunday, December 7. We will reach out to you via e-mail when your citrus is available for pick up.
To place your order:
A fundraiser table will also be present at all Mandarin Community Club events during the pre-sale period, as well as out in the community to raise awareness and support. Follow the Mandarin Community Club on Facebook for more information.
Businesses purchasing Florida citrus for bulk purchase or client and employee holiday gifts, please contact us directly at (904) 318-1299 or by sending an email at [email protected].
- Visit our online fundraiser page: Order Now
- Select from our available citrus options (details below).
- Complete your purchase and choose pickup or shipping (if applicable). Pick up will be encouraged at our Mandarin Community Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, December 5. Pick up could be as early as December 2, but all orders must be picked up by Sunday, December 7.
A fundraiser table will also be present at all Mandarin Community Club events during the pre-sale period, as well as out in the community to raise awareness and support. Follow the Mandarin Community Club on Facebook for more information.
Businesses purchasing Florida citrus for bulk purchase or client and employee holiday gifts, please contact us directly at (904) 318-1299 or by sending an email at [email protected].
Optional Shipping Details
Individuals wishing to share the taste of Florida this holiday season can ship nationwide! Shipping is available anywhere in the lower 48 states for $17.95 per item (e.g., if you order 5 boxes, shipping will be $17.95 × 5).
- For Ship-to-Home orders placed by November 3, individuals can choose from the following delivery windows: November 17 – 26, or December 1 – 24
- Orders placed after November 3 will only be eligible for delivery between December 1 – 24.