Raley’s nonprofit, Food For Families, has appointed three new members to its board of directors – Robin Gutridge, Brad Poalillo and Bahar Abullarade.
Food For Families was founded by Joyce Raley Teel and CEO Emeritus Chuck Collings in 1986 as a holiday food drive. Since its inception, the organization has grown to serve Feeding America food banks across Northern California and Nevada, with Raley’s covering all administrative costs. In return, food bank partners use donations to buy food at cost.
By adding three members, Food For Families aims to advance key initiatives. Each appointee brings expertise and passion for community service, aligning with the nonprofit’s mission.
Gutridge, a senior category manager at Raley’s, is the creator of the nonprofit’s Holiday Bear program, an initiative that has raised more than $500,000 for Food For Families through the sale of more than 175,000 bears since 2012.
[RELATED: The Raley’s Companies Elevates Two Leaders]
Poalillo, a district team leader serving the company’s Nevada territory, has been a champion of store engagement for Food For Families, ensuring customer understand the value of the nonprofit. In addition, Poalillo serves on the Northern Nevada Food Bank Board of Directors.
Abullarade, senior manager of human resources and talent acquisition, is an advocate for food insecurity, also serving on the River City Food Bank board of directors.
“We are thrilled to welcome Robin, Brad and Bahar to Raley’s Food For Families’ Board of Directors,” said Julie Teel, president of the board. “As the demand on food banks grows, the work of our partners is more critical than ever. The unique talents and shared dedication of our new board members to addressing hunger in our communities will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission and helping us better serve those in need.”
The Holiday Hope Drive, which kicked off in November, runs through the end of the year at Raley’s stores and online. The board has a goal of raising $1.25 million for local food banks. Other ways to support include buying the 2024 Holiday Bear, Peppermint.
About Raley’s Food For Families
Raley’s serves the communities of Northern and Central California and Northern and Central Nevada through Raley’s, Raley’s O-N-E Markets, Bel Air Markets and Nob Hill Foods stores. Since 1986, the organization has donated more than $51 million and 42 million pounds of fresh, wholesome food to its partners.
Add Comment