At this month’s Golden State Foods (GSF) Global Leadership Conference, the GSF Foundation (GSFF) recognized exceptional teams and individuals for making a meaningful difference in supporting the Foundation and its mission to improve the quality of life of children and families in need in the communities where associates live and work. During a formal awards program in Southern California, GSFF Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Page co-presented the awards with Vanessa Hugon Badal, GSFF Senior Director, Operations and Programs. Together, the Foundation leaders announced the honorees for Outstanding Associate Campaign Chair, Outstanding Associate Engagement and Outstanding Community Support.
For his active involvement in championing the annual associate fundraising campaign, Brian Dick, GSF President and CEO and GSFF Board Member, was honored as Outstanding Associate Campaign Chair. Through heartfelt messages and personal visits to local committee meetings, Brian inspired heightened overall associate participation across the Foundation’s 33 local committees. Held in late 2024, the 2025 campaign generated record results with 80% of associates giving to the GSF Foundation.
The Quality Custom Distribution (QCD) team in Charlotte, North Carolina received the Outstanding Associate Engagement Award. This committee not only provided numerous volunteer opportunities, but also logged 1,416 volunteer hours—the highest among distribution facilities—while increasing associate giving by 18% year-over-year, achieving an impressive 83% participation rate.
The GSF City of Industry, California Manufacturing team accepted the Outstanding Community Support Award for fostering enduring partnerships with non-profits and schools. Their efforts amplified the impact of GSFF’s core programs, including Back(pack) to School, Best Foot Forward, and Coats for Kids. In 2024, they granted $157,000 to support essential needs, academic success, and family services.
“Our associates are the backbone of the GSF Foundation,” said Vanessa Hugon Badal. “With a total of $1.6 million in community support through programs and grants in 2024, we’ve helped over 20,000 children through our core initiatives, delivered critical disaster relief, provided 1.56 million meals through our Focus on Food program, and so much more. This remarkable impact directly resulted from our associates’ collective efforts and generosity, guided by inspiring leaders and engaged teams like those honored for their outstanding efforts this past year.”