The Cardenas Markets Foundation is a nonprofit noted for its charitable efforts that impact the lives of those in the areas the grocer serves. The foundation supports organizations committed to advancing health, children’s well-being, hunger relief and education.
According to its president, Adam Salgado, who also serves as the grocer’s chief marketing officer, the foundation accrues its funding through sponsored events.
For example, it celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month and Mexican Independence Day by holding its 18th annual fundraising golf tournament on Sept. 15 at the Pacific Palms Resort in City of Industry, California.
The event raised more than $825,000 to support the foundation’s scholarship program, in addition to its health, children’s well-being and hunger relief initiatives.
Tournament participants were able to take in 18 holes of scramble golf tournament play, with longest drive and closest to-the pin competitions alongside live music, folklorico dancers and samplings throughout both golf courses.
“Events of this magnitude come to fruition through the generous support of our vendor community, and we are so grateful for their ongoing support,” Salgado said.
“The event was especially meaningful as we came together to raise funds for our future leaders while also honoring the kickoff of Hispanic Heritage Month.”
According to Salgado, education is the foundation’s first priority. Now in its third year, the foundation’s scholarship program helps stores to identify candidates for local student scholarships. Each store awards a $3,000 scholarship. The foundation also partners with various local universities.
This year, the foundation received 266 applications from students residing in the areas where Cardenas Markets operates.
According to the foundation, 50 of the 59 selected for scholarships are pursuing bachelor’s degrees, while four are earning associate degrees. In addition, five recipients are in graduate school, with three of those working toward their doctorates. In an ode to its Latino heritage, 50 percent of the scholarship winners identify as Hispanic.
“We looked at a wide variety of factors, some more easily quantifiable than others to select recipients from different backgrounds and levels of leadership,” Salgado explained.
In regard to children’s well-being and health initiatives, Salgado said Cardenas’ main customer market, Hispanics, are at an increased risk for diabetes. The foundation partners with a number of other organizations to help combat the problem.
During September, which is national hunger relief month, Cardenas donated about $50,000 to local food banks and other organizations throughout its market area. The effort resulted in one of the most charitable months in the company’s history, Salgado said.
For more information, visit cardenasmarkets.com.
To read the full Innovator of the Year section on Cardenas Markets from The Shelby Report, click here.
